I might try that service if I can't get through tomorrow morning. Between figuring out the application and trying to call TWC, this is turning into a full-time job itself!

I went through this exact process as a 1099 contractor after a hailstorm damaged my equipment last year. Here's what I learned that might help you: 1. Apply for regular UI first (you'll get denied) - this creates the paper trail needed for DUA 2. For Hurricane Beryl, you're still within the 30-day window since the federal declaration on July 19th 3. Focus your DUA application on Beryl since it's the federally declared disaster 4. Keep EVERYTHING documented - photos of damage, lost contracts, invoices showing pre-disaster income The most important thing is having your 2024 tax return ready to prove self-employment income. Also, don't get discouraged by the initial UI denial - that's actually a required step in the process for self-employed folks. One tip that saved me time: when you fill out the work search requirements, applying for both 1099 gigs AND regular W-2 jobs counts. Cast a wide net and document everything. Good luck!

Thank you everyone for the advice! I'm going to file my claim today and make sure I include all the documentation about trying to resolve the issues first. I'll keep doing payment requests even if I get initially denied. Really hoping this works out because I really did try everything I could to make the situation better before quitting.

Just wanted to add another perspective - I successfully got TWC benefits after quitting due to harassment from a coworker that management refused to address. The key was showing a clear pattern of escalation and documenting EVERY attempt to get help. What really helped my case was keeping a detailed log with dates, times, and witnesses for each incident. I also saved every email exchange with HR and my supervisor. When I had my determination interview, I was able to give specific examples like "On January 15th, I emailed HR about incident X, on January 22nd I followed up, on February 3rd I met with my supervisor about it" etc. The process took about 6 weeks total including the appeal, but I got approved and received back pay for all the weeks I had requested. Don't give up if you get initially denied - the appeal process is where you really get to present your case properly!

UPDATE: TWC made their determination today and I was APPROVED! The adjudicator called and said that while pregnancy itself isn't eligible for UI, being put on unpaid leave because my employer couldn't accommodate my medical restriction IS eligible, regardless of what caused the restriction. They also told me that using the "maternity" code was my employer's choice, not mine, so it didn't affect my eligibility. Thank you all for your advice! For anyone else in this situation: be clear about your ability to work with accommodations, keep all your documentation, and don't give up on getting through to TWC to explain your situation clearly.

Congratulations Miranda! This is such great news and really helpful for others who might face similar situations. Your case perfectly illustrates why it's so important to distinguish between "unable to work due to pregnancy" vs "able to work with restrictions but employer can't accommodate." The fact that you kept documenting everything and persisted in explaining your situation clearly made all the difference. Enjoy that well-deserved backpay relief!

Update: I finally got through to TWC today (took about 20 tries) and spoke with a different representative. She confirmed that I AM approved for benefits on my new claim! The first rep was definitely looking at my old claim from March. For anyone else dealing with this - definitely trust your determination letter if it shows benefit amounts. And make sure the rep knows which claim you're calling about by giving them the exact date you filed. Thanks everyone for your help! Going to start my work search activities today and make my first payment request on Sunday.

So glad you got this resolved! This is exactly why I always tell people to save copies of ALL their TWC correspondence - determination letters, payment confirmations, everything. The phone reps can be hit or miss, but those official letters are your proof of what TWC actually decided. One tip for your work search activities: diversify your methods! You can do online applications, attend job fairs, networking events, even informational interviews. The key is documenting WHO you contacted, WHEN, and HOW. I use a simple notebook and write down everything immediately after each activity. Also, don't forget you can use the TWC mobile app to submit your payment requests - it's usually faster than the website and you can do it from anywhere. Good luck with your job search!

I went thru a hearing in February totally different situation but just wanted to say BE ON TIME for the call. My old boss was 10 mins late and the hearing officer was NOT happy with him. Started things off badly for them lol

Hey Natasha! I just went through a TWC appeal hearing last week for a similar situation - I had to resign because my employer kept changing my work location with no notice, making it impossible to arrange childcare. Here's what really helped me: 1. Have your phone fully charged and use a landline if possible - cell service can be spotty during long calls 2. Write out a timeline of ALL the schedule changes with specific dates and how each one affected your childcare 3. Practice explaining your situation in 2-3 sentences max - they'll ask you to be brief 4. Have copies of your company handbook/policy about schedule changes and resignation notice requirements 5. If you have any texts or emails from coworkers about the schedule chaos, include those too The hearing officer asked me directly "Did you try to work with your employer to resolve this before resigning?" so be ready with specific examples of how you tried to address the scheduling issues. I mentioned every conversation I had with my supervisor about needing consistent schedules. One more thing - don't let them rush you! If you need a moment to find a document or collect your thoughts, just say "May I have a moment to locate that document?" They're required to give you reasonable time. You've got this! The fact that you resigned properly with notice and have a legitimate childcare conflict puts you in a good position. Update us after Tuesday!