Email request is fine and actually better since you'll have a timestamp and delivery confirmation. In Texas, employers can charge reasonable copying costs (usually around $0.10-0.25 per page) but many provide electronic copies for free. Make sure to specifically request "all documents in my personnel file including performance reviews, disciplinary actions, commendations, and any notes or communications regarding my employment or separation." Also ask for any documentation related to the alleged "company violations" they told TWC about. Give them 10 business days to respond and follow up if they don't. If they delay or refuse, mention that in your TWC appeal - it makes their claim look even more suspicious.

That's a great question about internal communications! In my experience, you typically won't get those through a standard personnel file request - most companies consider internal management discussions about employees to be separate from the official personnel file. However, you can still ask for them specifically in your written request. Even if they refuse, the fact that you asked (and their refusal) can be mentioned during your TWC hearing as evidence that they may be hiding something. What you WILL likely get are any formal emails that were supposed to be documented in your file - things like HR communications about policy violations, official warnings, or termination paperwork. The key is being very specific in your request language. I'd suggest asking for "all documents, communications, emails, notes, and records relating to my employment, performance, conduct, or separation, whether maintained in my official personnel file or elsewhere." If they have a legitimate paper trail of misconduct that led to termination, they should be able to produce it easily. If they can't or won't, that silence speaks volumes to TWC about the credibility of their claims.

I'm currently in almost the exact same situation! Got fired from my restaurant job about 6 weeks ago and was too scared to file because my manager always threatened that they'd "make sure no one gets unemployment." Finally submitted my claim last week and I'm anxiously waiting for the determination. Reading your post gives me so much hope that TWC actually does approve legitimate claims even when employers try to intimidate people. The fact that you got approved despite your boss's history of fighting claims is really encouraging. I've been doing my payment requests and work searches while waiting, so hopefully if I get approved I'll also get that backpay. The advice everyone's giving about partial benefits is really helpful too since I'll probably have to take something that pays less than my management position. Thanks for sharing your experience - it's so reassuring to know other people have dealt with the same intimidation tactics and come out okay. Hope your backpay comes through quickly and congrats on landing the new job!

I just went through a very similar experience! Got let go from my management position earlier this year and my former employer also had a reputation for fighting claims. I was so intimidated that I almost didn't file at all, but I'm so glad I did because TWC ended up approving me too. You should definitely get your backpay for all those weeks you were unemployed and properly filed - that money is owed to you regardless of starting the new job. The approval means TWC determined you were eligible for those benefit periods. Since your new job pays less, make sure to take advantage of the partial benefits! I was able to get supplemental payments for about 10 weeks while working at a lower-paying position, and it really helped during the transition. Just be super accurate when reporting your new income - include the employer name, start date, and exact earnings to avoid any system confusion. One thing I learned: if your backpay doesn't show up within a few weeks of your determination letter, call TWC immediately. There can be processing delays that need manual intervention, but they're usually quick to fix it once you contact them. The fact that they approved you despite your boss's history shows your case was solid! Don't let those intimidation tactics make you second-guess yourself. Congrats on the new job and hope your payments come through smoothly!

This thread is such a perfect example of why community support is so important when dealing with government systems! I'm also currently on unemployment and had never heard of the Thursday backup option until reading through all these experiences. It's incredible how much practical knowledge gets shared here that you simply won't find in the official TWC documentation. The detailed tips about timing (avoiding those morning glitches), having documentation ready, and watching out for holidays are exactly the kind of real-world insights that make all the difference. Charlotte, thank you for asking the question so many of us didn't even know we needed to ask, and for coming back with that reassuring success update! Reading through everyone's experiences has given me so much more confidence about navigating this system. I'm definitely setting up those email reminders right away and keeping this thread saved for future reference. It's amazing how much less overwhelming unemployment benefits feel when you have a community like this sharing their knowledge!

This entire thread has been incredibly reassuring to read! I'm also currently on unemployment and had never heard about the Thursday backup system until seeing everyone's experiences here. It's such a relief to know that TWC has this safety net in place for when life throws unexpected curveballs at your regular request day. The collective wisdom shared here is amazing - from the practical timing tips to avoid system glitches, to keeping work search documentation organized, to being mindful of holidays that could affect Thursday availability. Charlotte, thank you for asking the question that clearly so many of us needed answered and for following up with your success story! It really proves that this community advice works in real situations. I'm definitely going to set up those TWC email reminders that Admin_Masters mentioned and bookmark this thread for future reference. It's incredible how much more confident I feel about navigating the unemployment system knowing there are people here who've been through similar situations and are willing to share their knowledge. This is exactly the kind of peer support that makes dealing with government bureaucracy so much less intimidating!

Hey Giovanni! I just went through this exact same process about 4 weeks ago and I totally understand how stressful it is waiting for that first payment when rent is looming. In my case, the bank verification took exactly 4 business days from when I submitted my info, then the actual payment hit my account 2 days after that. Since you entered your info on Friday, you're probably looking at seeing the money by Wednesday or Thursday this week. One tip that saved my sanity - log into your TWC account and check the "Payment Status" section rather than just calling the automated line. It usually shows more specific info like estimated processing dates. Also, I'd recommend calling your bank to make sure they don't have any holds on government ACH deposits - mine initially flagged the TWC payment as suspicious and held it for an extra day until I called to authorize it. You're so close to getting through this! The first payment is always the slowest, but after that they typically process within 1-2 days. Hang in there!

Hey Giovanni! I just went through this exact same situation about 2 weeks ago, so this is still super fresh in my memory. The bank verification process took exactly 3 business days for me, and then the actual payment showed up in my account the following day. Since you submitted your info on Friday, I'd expect to see something by Wednesday or Thursday this week. One thing that really helped me stay sane during the wait was setting up account alerts through my bank's mobile app - I got a text the second the deposit hit instead of constantly refreshing my balance. Also, definitely keep checking your TWC correspondence inbox daily because that's where they'll send any messages if there are issues with your banking info. I know the waiting is super stressful when rent is due, but you're honestly almost there! The hardest part (getting approved) is behind you. Just make sure you keep doing your bi-weekly payment requests even while waiting for this first deposit. You've got this!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now and this thread has been such a lifeline! My TWC benefits just expired last week and I was honestly in full panic mode until I found this discussion. I'm a surgical technologist and have been job searching for months with very few callbacks despite having good experience. Reading through everyone's stories has given me so much hope - I had absolutely no idea that part-time work during your benefit year could qualify you for a new claim! I worked about 7 weeks covering maternity leave at an outpatient surgery center during my benefit year, so based on all the advice here, I'm definitely going to file a new application today. For other surgical techs out there, don't overlook ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) - they're expanding rapidly and often have faster hiring processes than hospitals. Also check with plastic surgery offices, ophthalmology practices, and pain management clinics. Many are adding procedures and need experienced scrub techs. I'm also going to apply for SNAP benefits while waiting for my new claim to process. This whole situation is so stressful, but knowing there are concrete steps I can take instead of just worrying makes all the difference. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - this community support during such a difficult time has been incredible. We're definitely all going to get through this together!

I'm going through this exact same situation! My benefits just expired on Monday and I've been stressed out of my mind trying to figure out what comes next. I'm a registered nurse and despite having 8 years of experience, the job market feels incredibly competitive right now. Reading through this entire thread has been such a relief - I had no idea that working during your benefit year could qualify you for a new claim! I picked up about 12 weeks of PRN shifts at a local hospital during my benefit year, so it sounds like I should definitely file a new application based on everyone's advice here. For fellow nurses, I wanted to add that telehealth companies are really expanding right now. Companies like Talkspace, BetterHelp (for their medical consultations), and various insurance companies are hiring nurses for remote triage and case management roles. The work is different from bedside nursing but it's a good way to stay in healthcare while searching for your ideal position. Also, don't forget about correctional facilities, occupational health clinics, and employee wellness centers - they often need experienced nurses and sometimes have faster hiring processes than traditional hospitals. Filing my new claim today and also applying for SNAP benefits. This thread has shown me there are way more options than I thought when benefits expire. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - knowing we're all navigating this together makes such a difference during this stressful time!