So happy for you! The waiting game is the worst part!

Congratulations on getting approved! That's such a relief after all that waiting and stress. Your experience is really helpful for others going through the same thing - it shows that 'at will' terminations really aren't a barrier to getting benefits, and that the 15-20 day wait times are unfortunately pretty standard right now. Thanks for coming back to update us with the good news!

Update: Got my determination letter today (5 days after hearing) and my benefits were APPROVED!!! The hearing officer specifically noted that the employer failed to provide evidence to support their claim of misconduct. So relieved and grateful for all the advice here. For anyone with an upcoming hearing - PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE! Having all my documentation ready made such a difference.

Awesome news on the approval! 🎉 Your story gives me hope - I have my hearing next Tuesday and my former employer has been completely silent through this whole process. They haven't submitted any counter-evidence or even responded to TWC's requests for information. I'm hoping that means they won't put up much of a fight during the actual hearing either. Did you get your back payments deposited right away or did it take a few more days after getting the determination letter?

For those asking about documentation for disaster claims, here's what TWC typically requires: 1. Proof of employment at the time of the disaster (pay stubs, employment verification letter) 2. For self-employed: tax returns, business licenses, 1099s, or client statements 3. Documentation showing how the disaster directly affected your employment 4. Any correspondence with your employer about closures or reduced hours The most common reason for DUA claim delays is insufficient documentation. Submit everything upfront if possible. Also, if your regular employer isn't reopening or you're unsure when they will, remember that accepting temporary work doesn't necessarily disqualify you from benefits. You just need to report any earnings when requesting payment, and if they're below your benefit amount, you may still receive partial benefits.

I'm in a similar situation - my restaurant got flooded out and we're looking at being closed for at least a month. I applied for regular unemployment on Monday and got the denial letter yesterday (not enough wage credits since I just started this job 3 months ago). Now I'm trying to figure out the DUA application process. One thing I'm confused about - do I need to wait for some kind of official notification that I can apply for disaster assistance, or do I just go back into the TWC portal and look for a DUA option? The website isn't super clear about the next steps after getting denied for regular benefits. Also, for anyone who's been through this - is there a separate application or does it automatically trigger once you're denied? I'm worried about missing some deadline or step in the process.

ok good to know thx

I'm going through the exact same situation right now! Filed my claim about 10 days ago after being laid off from my retail job and the waiting is killing me. From what I've gathered reading through all these responses, it sounds like the 21-day timeline is pretty standard, but definitely keep checking that correspondence inbox daily - that seems to be where all the important communications happen. I've been setting a phone alarm to remind myself to check it every morning at 9am. Also started doing my work search activities right away even though I'm still waiting for determination. Hang in there, sounds like most people do eventually get approved if it was a legitimate layoff!

Update: I just wanted to let everyone know that it worked out! I waited until Wednesday as suggested, and the system let me request payment for both weeks. I had to enter the work search information separately for each week, but I explained my illness for the missed week and it seemed to accept that. The payment is now pending in my account. Thanks everyone for your help and keeping me from panicking too much!

So glad to see your update that everything worked out! This is really helpful for others who might face the same situation. I had a similar scare a few months ago when I was traveling and completely spaced on my filing day. The anxiety of potentially losing benefits is real, but it's good to know the system does have some flexibility built in. Thanks for coming back to share your resolution - it helps calm the nerves of future folks who might find themselves in the same boat!