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Just checking in - were you able to reach TWC to ask your questions before the hearing? If you're still having trouble getting through, seriously consider using Claimyr. I was skeptical at first, but it saved me hours of frustration when I was preparing for my hearing. I was able to ask specific questions about the documentation I needed and the hearing process, which helped me feel much more prepared.
I tried Claimyr yesterday and it actually worked! Got through to TWC in about 15 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. The agent went through the whole hearing process with me and confirmed that the burden of proof is on the school district to show I resigned. She also said I should bring any communications showing I was waiting to be called back to work. Feeling a bit more confident now, though still nervous about the whole thing.
One last piece of advice for your hearing - be very careful what you say about your availability for work during that period. The school might try to trip you up by asking if you were "ready and available" to return to work at any point. The correct answer is "Yes, I was available to return when the school reopened for normal operations and I was called back." Don't fall into the trap of saying you wouldn't have returned under certain conditions (unless you had legitimate health concerns that are protected). Remember that to qualify for unemployment, you needed to be ready and available for suitable work. Good luck with your hearing! Please let us know how it goes - your experience could help others in the same situation.
That's really helpful advice - thank you! I'll be careful about how I phrase my availability. The truth is I WAS ready to return whenever they called me back to work - they just never did until much later, and then suddenly claimed I had quit months earlier. I'll definitely update after the hearing next week. Feeling more prepared now thanks to everyone's advice!
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just remember to keep doing your work search activities even when the system is confusing!! my buddy got his benefits stopped because he thought his payment request didnt go thru so he didnt do his work searches that week. big mistake!!
That's a really good reminder, thank you! I've been keeping track of all my work search activities in a separate document just to be safe.
Quick update for anyone reading this thread in the future: As of January 2025, TWC has made some improvements to the Tele-Serv system. It now explicitly states "Your payment request has been successfully processed" at the end of a successful call, rather than just saying to contact TWC. This should help reduce confusion for claimants like the original poster who switch between the website and phone system.
That's GREAT news but it took them WAY too long to fix such an obvious problem!!! People have been confused by this for YEARS. Just shows how little they care about making the system user friendly.
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One more thing - prepare for the employer to possibly lie or minimize the safety issues. My former employer claimed they "were planning to fix the problems" and that I "didn't give them reasonable time." Have your timeline ready showing how long the issues existed! And be ready to explain why each safety issue made continuing to work there dangerous. The hearing officer asked me very directly: "Why couldn't you continue working while waiting for repairs?" I had to clearly explain the immediate danger.
That's a really good point. Some of these issues had been going on for months with promises to fix them. I'll make sure to document the timeline clearly. Did you submit your evidence before the hearing or bring it with you?
Quick update - I just received a determination about my appeal for unsafe working conditions. I WON! The hearing officer agreed that I had good cause to quit due to the documented safety violations. I submitted 14 photos, emails showing I reported issues 6 times over 2 months, and OSHA regulations that were clearly violated. For anyone facing a similar situation, DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. No matter what your employer claims, evidence speaks louder than their denials. Thanks everyone for the advice!
Congratulations!!! This gives me hope. Did you have to deal with any cross-examination from your employer during the hearing? That's what I'm most nervous about.
Yes, my former employer definitely tried to question me, but the hearing officer kept things pretty controlled. They asked things like "Why didn't you report these issues to someone higher up?" and "Weren't these just temporary conditions?" Just stay calm, stick to facts, and refer to your evidence. Don't get emotional even if they try to provoke you.
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Has anyone else noticed how IMPOSSIBLE it is to get straight answers from TWC about appeals?? Their website is so confusing and when I finally got someone on the phone they just read me the same stuff that was on the determination letter. Useless!! I spent like $2500 on an attorney for my case and STILL lost because the hearing officer just didn't care about my side at all. The whole system is designed to reject as many claims as possible! And now I'm stuck with debt from the attorney fees on top of everything else. So yes get a lawyer if you can afford one but even that's no guarantee!!!!
Sorry to hear that happened to you. It really does seem random sometimes whether you get approved or not. My neighbor got approved with barely any documentation while I had to fight for months.
One thing I learned going through my appeal that might help you: get the TUCA handbook online. It's the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act handbook that the hearing officers use. Look up the sections on misconduct and especially search for precedent cases related to attendance issues and family emergencies. I actually cited a previous case during my hearing where someone had childcare issues and still qualified for benefits, and the hearing officer seemed impressed that I'd done my homework. You can find the handbook on the TWC website under the Appeals section. During your hearing, focus on explaining that your tardiness was: 1) Limited (only 3 times) 2) For a good cause (childcare emergency) 3) Communicated to your employer This approach is often more effective than spending money on an attorney. Just be organized and professional during the hearing.
Thank you! I'll definitely look up that handbook. That's a really smart approach. Did you submit your evidence before the hearing or just discuss it during the call?
You should submit any documents before the hearing - they'll send you instructions for how to do that. But definitely be ready to discuss everything during the call too. The hearing officer will ask if you've received all the evidence and if you have anything else to add.
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I just applied today, so still waiting on approval. The agent said it could take 1-2 weeks because they're processing so many claims right now. I'll update when I hear back!
I had a similar situation back during Hurricane Harvey. People kept saying different things about who qualified. What really matters is if your county was in the federal disaster declaration AND if you lost work directly because of the disaster. My cousin applied for Harvey benefits even though he was laid off BEFORE the storm and got denied. It has to be directly caused by the disaster event.
That makes sense. In my case, we definitely lost work specifically because of Beryl flooding our workplace, so it sounds like I should qualify. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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the TWC systems been acting up all week i swear. i got the same ineligible status on tuesday but then it changed back to approved on thursday without me doing anything. might just fix itself but probly still worth calling
Glad you found the determination letter! That's the first thing to check whenever there's a status change. For anyone reading this thread in the future - you can be out of state temporarily while collecting Texas unemployment as long as: 1. You maintain your Texas residency 2. You continue doing your work searches (3 per week) 3. You can return to Texas quickly if offered a job 4. You request payments on your regular schedule TWC doesn't track your physical location through their website or apps. They're concerned with your legal residence and ability to accept work, not your temporary whereabouts.
Thanks for that clear explanation! We're going to call tomorrow using that service someone recommended above. Hopefully we can get this sorted quickly. I'll update with what happens for anyone who finds this thread later.
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i had a regular ui appeal not dua but just wanted to say GOOD LUCK!! let us know how it goes!!!
Thanks for the support! I'll definitely update tomorrow after it's over. Fingers crossed!
UPDATE: Had my hearing this morning and it went way better than expected! The hearing officer was professional but not intimidating at all. Asked me to explain my situation, then asked specific questions about the job offer. The whole thing took about 30 minutes. I explained that I had the wage agreement verbally and presented my email confirming the start date. They said they'll mail the decision in 7-10 days. Thanks everyone for your advice and support - it really helped calm my nerves!
Great to hear it went smoothly! The 7-10 day timeline is accurate in my experience. If approved, you'll typically see the determination in your TWC account online before you get the letter. Make sure you keep up with any work search requirements while waiting for the decision. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome!
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Regarding your question about payment timeline: if everything goes smoothly (no issues with verification or employer response), you can typically expect your first payment within 2-3 weeks after filing. However, be prepared for it to potentially take longer. The approval process involves: 1. Your initial application 2. TWC contacting your employers to verify reason for separation 3. Determination of eligibility 4. Your first payment request (which you'll do after registration) Make sure you request payment on your assigned day even during the waiting week period. The TWC portal will show you your payment request schedule after you're registered. Also, sign up for direct deposit rather than the TWC debit card if possible - it's faster and more convenient.
That's super helpful, thank you! I'll definitely opt for direct deposit. My layoff date is March 30th, so I'll plan to file that same day and budget for potentially not seeing any payments until late April. Fingers crossed it goes smoothly.
Don't forget they'll take taxes out of your benefits UNLESS you opt out! I didn't realize this and got 15% less than I expected. Also, the MAXIMUM benefit is $595/week in Texas no matter how much you made before. It's ridiculous if you were making decent money before.
This is an important point. You can choose whether to have taxes withheld from your benefits (federal taxes only, at 10%). If you don't have them withheld, you'll still owe taxes on the benefits next year. And yes, Texas has a maximum weekly benefit amount of $595, regardless of previous earnings. For someone earning $4,300/month as mentioned, their weekly benefit would likely be less than the maximum - roughly around $470-$520 depending on exactly how their wages were distributed across quarters.
Suddenly showing 'ineligible for benefits' after TWC rep said I qualified - ID.me just completed
I got laid off last week and immediately filed for unemployment. The TWC rep I talked to on the phone was really encouraging - she looked at my work history and said I definitely qualified. She even told me the weekly benefit amount (around $520) and confirmed my first payment request date would be September 15th. But I just logged into my account and it's showing "INELIGIBLE FOR BENEFITS" in big red letters!!! I literally just completed the ID.me verification about an hour ago, thinking that might fix whatever issue was happening. Has anyone else had their status flip from qualified to ineligible like this? Could the ID.me verification fix it, or do I need to call them again? The thought of trying to get through on the phone makes me want to cry. I have rent due in two weeks and was counting on this. Help!!
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Just wanted to follow up - have you checked your claim status again today? Sometimes these issues resolve themselves after the ID.me verification fully processes through their system. Also, make sure you continue to request payments on your scheduled dates even while this is being resolved. Many people make the mistake of not requesting payments while waiting for eligibility issues to be fixed, but you should always request payment on your assigned days regardless of what your claim status shows.
Thank you for checking back! Actually it updated this morning! Now it shows eligible and has my correct benefit amount. What a relief! I'm still going to keep all my documentation just in case, but it looks like the ID.me verification did eventually go through. And thanks for the tip about requesting payments - my first request date is still Sept 15, so I'll definitely do that no matter what.
Glad to hear it worked out! One more thing - make sure you're doing your work search activities and documenting them properly. You need at least 3 per week in Texas. I got caught on that and almost lost my benefits because I didn't realize they can audit your work search activities at any time.
Oh wow, didn't realize it was 3 per week! The rep I talked to initially didn't mention a specific number. Thanks for the heads up! I've already started applying to jobs but I'll make sure to keep detailed records of everything.
Ellie Kim
TWC IS THE WORST!!!!! I bet they'll make you wait 6 weeks for a determination on your new application while you get ZERO money. Then they'll probably say you don't qualify anyway. The whole system is designed to be frustrating. Good luck getting anyone on the phone!
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Jasmine Hernandez
•While TWC can definitely be frustrating, this kind of blanket negativity isn't helpful to the OP who's asking for practical advice. Many claims are processed without major issues, and even when there are delays, panicking doesn't help. Better to focus on concrete steps they can take to address their situation.
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Kaitlyn Otto
UPDATE: I finally got through to TWC this morning after using the Claimyr service that someone recommended above. The agent confirmed that my temporary job earnings ($900) aren't enough to qualify for a new regular UI claim. However, she suggested I apply anyway because the system will automatically determine if I qualify for any other programs. She also mentioned I should look into Texas Workforce Commission's retraining programs while I continue my job search. Going to check out WorkInTexas.com today and visit my local workforce office tomorrow. Thanks everyone for the advice and information - at least now I know where I stand and can plan accordingly.
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Axel Far
•That's excellent information! I'm glad you got through to someone who could give you clear guidance. The retraining programs can be particularly valuable - they sometimes have stipends available while you learn new skills. Make sure to ask about the Skills Development Fund and Skills for Small Business programs when you visit the workforce office.
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Alina Rosenthal
•Glad you got through! I was in a similar situation last year and ended up doing a 12-week IT training program through TWC that helped me change careers. Definitely worth looking into!
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