To answer your earlier question - TWC will not pay benefits while your appeal is pending IF they initially deny you. However, if you win the appeal, you'll get retroactive payments for all the weeks you properly requested payment during the appeal process. That's why it's absolutely critical to continue requesting payments every two weeks even when your claim status is disputed or denied. Regarding documentation - yes, submit everything with your initial claim. It may prevent a denial in the first place. Include performance reviews, any commendations, awards, etc. Also important - if your PIP had unrealistic or vague goals, point that out specifically. One more tip: if your employer offers a severance package that requires you to waive your right to unemployment benefits, consult with an employment attorney before signing. In many cases, you can't legally waive unemployment rights in Texas regardless of what you sign.

I'm going through something very similar right now - 4 years with my company, stellar reviews, then a new VP comes in and suddenly I'm "underperforming" and terminated after a 6-week PIP. Just wanted to add a few things that might help: 1. Document ANY conversations you had with HR about the PIP - did they give you specific, measurable goals or were they vague? Vague goals are often seen as setting you up to fail. 2. If you have any witnesses to good work performance (coworkers, clients, etc.), ask them to write brief statements about your work quality. These can be powerful in appeals. 3. Check if your company has an employee handbook that outlines their progressive discipline policy. If they skipped steps (like verbal warnings, written warnings before PIP), that works in your favor. 4. Keep a timeline of everything - when new manager started, when your treatment changed, PIP start/end dates, termination date. The pattern matters. I'm still waiting on my determination letter but my attorney friend says cases like ours have good success rates because TWC recognizes retaliatory/pretextual terminations. The key is showing the sudden change in treatment doesn't match your actual work performance. Hang in there - you're not alone in this!

Based on everyone's experiences here, I suggest taking these steps: 1. Call TWC first thing tomorrow at 800-939-6631 2. If you can't get through, try again during off-peak hours (usually right after lunch) 3. Have your confirmation number ready 4. Ask the representative to: - Verify they see your overpayment payment in the system - Flag your account to prevent a second deduction - Document the call in your case notes - Provide you with a reference number for the call If they do end up taking the payment twice, you'll need to go through their refund process, which typically takes 1-2 weeks. The good news is that they do eventually correct these issues, but it can be frustrating waiting for the resolution.

I went through this same situation about 3 months ago and unfortunately they did take the money twice from me too. What I learned is that you need to call them BEFORE your payment processes, not after. Once I finally got through to someone (took about 8 calls over 2 days), they were able to see my payment confirmation and put a hold on the automatic deduction. The rep told me their payment system updates in real-time but their benefits deduction system runs on a delay, so there's always a window where this can happen. Definitely try calling tomorrow morning and keep your confirmation number handy - you'll need it to prove you already paid!

One more important thing: even after your benefits exhaust, continue to request payment every two weeks for at least a month or two. This does two things: 1. It keeps your claim active in case any extension programs are suddenly authorized 2. It maintains your work search documentation in the system You won't receive any payments after exhausting your 26 weeks, but maintaining this routine can help if anything changes with extension availability. Also, don't forget that the TWC partners with WorkInTexas.com for job matching - make sure your profile there is completely filled out and updated, as this can help with targeted job referrals.

I'm in a similar situation - exhausted my benefits about 6 weeks ago after working in manufacturing for 8 years. What really helped me was contacting local churches and community organizations. Many have emergency assistance programs that can help with utilities, rent, or groceries while you're job hunting. The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and local food banks don't require you to be a member to get help. Also, if you haven't already, apply for Medicaid and SNAP benefits immediately - the application process can take weeks and you'll need the coverage. And check if your county has any emergency rental assistance programs still running from COVID relief funds. Some counties still have money available but don't advertise it well. The reality is harsh but planning for life after benefits while you still have a few weeks left is crucial. Start reaching out to family/friends about temporary help, look into plasma donation if you're eligible (can be $200-400/month), and seriously consider any work even if it's way below your previous pay level. Something is better than nothing when the bills are due.

Thanks everyone for all the advice! I'll go ahead and do my regular payment request on Monday, report my work hours honestly, and wait for the waiting week to process. Sounds like I might need to be patient since it could take a couple weeks to show up after my final request. I appreciate all the help!

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - if you're concerned about tracking your waiting week payment, I'd recommend taking a screenshot of your current claim balance and payment history before you submit your final request on Monday. That way you'll have a clear "before" picture to compare against when the waiting week payment processes. Also, don't worry if your final payment request shows $0 or a very small amount due to your new job earnings - that's totally normal and won't affect your waiting week eligibility as long as you've already received those 3 payments. The waiting week payment is based on your original benefit amount, not what you might get for this final week. Good luck with the new job and hope everything processes smoothly for you!

Just wanted to check back - were you able to get through to someone about your ReliaCard? If you're still having trouble, remember that TWC also has an email option through your account portal. It's not as fast as calling, but sometimes they respond within 24-48 hours. Look for the "Contact Us" link after you log in. Also, make sure your mailing address is correct in both your TWC account and with the post office. Sometimes the cards get delayed because of address verification issues.

So glad you got it sorted out! That's great news about getting the expedited card by Friday. For anyone else still struggling with this issue, I'd also recommend checking if your local workforce office can help. Sometimes they have direct contacts at TWC that can push things through faster. Also, if you're in immediate financial distress, some local food banks and emergency assistance programs can help bridge the gap while you wait for your benefits. Don't be afraid to reach out - that's what these resources are there for!