For activities like researching companies or updating your resume, you should include: 1. The date of the activity 2. Which companies you researched (list at least 3-4) 3. What specific positions or departments you were exploring 4. Any follow-up actions you took (bookmarked job postings, made notes on requirements) For resume updates, note: 1. Date of update 2. What sections you modified 3. What skills or experiences you added This level of detail shows TWC that these were meaningful job search activities, not just casual browsing. Good luck with your claim!

Hey Ethan! I just went through this exact situation a few months ago and wanted to share what worked for me. I was also panicking about my first work search log, but it turned out okay. Here's what I did that counted as valid work search activities: - Updated my resume and saved different versions for different job types - Created profiles on multiple job sites (Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor) - Attended a virtual job fair hosted by my local workforce center - Reached out to former coworkers via LinkedIn to let them know I was job searching The key is documenting everything with dates and details. I kept a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, activity type, company/website name, and notes about what I did. Also, don't stress too much about your first week - TWC understands there's a learning curve. Just make sure you hit all 3 activities consistently from now on. You've got this!

Just to add some important info here: while you're waiting, make sure you're still doing your required 3 work search activities each week and documenting them. Even though you're not getting paid during appeal, if you win, they'll check if you met all requirements during the waiting period before issuing backpay. I've seen people win appeals but only get partial backpay because they couldn't prove work searches during the waiting period.

I went through something similar last year - filed my appeal in December and didn't hear anything until February! The silence is absolutely maddening, especially when you're stressed about money. A few things that helped me: 1. Try calling 512-463-2826 (Appeals Department) right at 8 AM when they open - I had better luck getting through early morning 2. Send a fax to 512-475-2044 with your appeal details. Include your full name, claim ID, date you filed the appeal, and ask for status update. I got a callback within 3 days after faxing 3. Double-check that your mailing address is correct in BOTH your regular TWC account AND the appeals system (they don't sync automatically) 4. Keep requesting payments every two weeks even though you're not getting them - this keeps your claim active The restaurant industry appeals seem to take longer (I worked at a catering company), but don't lose hope! When I finally got my hearing, the officer was fair and I won because I had documentation of the layoff. The backpay made the wait somewhat worth it. Hang in there - the system is broken but persistence pays off. Document everything and keep pushing!

Update: I checked my payment request history and I DID mark that I completed my work search activities for that period. I was confused because I couldn't find where to enter the actual details. Based on what you all are saying, it sounds like I might be okay since I certified I did them (which I did), even though I didn't record the details at the time. I'm going to start keeping better records now in case I get audited. Thank you all for the help and clarification!

Great news that you figured it out! Just to add some extra peace of mind - I've been on unemployment twice in the past few years and this exact situation is super common. As long as you certified that you completed your work search activities during the payment request (which sounds like you did), you're totally fine. The actual detailed logging is only required if you get audited later. I keep a simple Google Doc with columns for Date, Company, Position, How I Applied, and any Notes. Takes like 30 seconds to update after each application and saves so much stress later. You're doing everything right now!

maaaan this is why the system is broken! ppl working and paying taxes but can't get help when they need it. sorry ur dealing with this bs

I went through something similar a few years back. The harsh reality is that unemployment insurance is essentially a "pay to play" system - you have to have paid into it through W2 employment to get benefits out. It's frustrating when you've been working and earning income, just not in the "right" way according to the system. One thing worth trying: if you had ANY W2 employment in the past 18 months (even part-time, seasonal, or gig work that issued W2s), make sure TWC has those records. Sometimes wages from smaller employers don't show up immediately in their system. You can request a wage transcript to see exactly what they have on file. Also, while you're likely stuck on regular unemployment, Texas does have some workforce development programs that might help with retraining or job placement services. Not cash assistance, but could be useful while you're job hunting. The local workforce board might have resources specifically for people transitioning from self-employment back to traditional employment.

For most people with direct deposit, the timeline looks like this: - File payment request: Day 0 - TWC processes payment: Day 1 or 2 - Bank receives and posts payment: Usually early morning of Day 2 or 3 So if you requested payment on Monday, and TWC shows it processed on Tuesday, you'll most likely see it in your account Wednesday morning, or Thursday at the latest (unless there's a holiday or weekend in there).

I've been getting unemployment for about 6 months now and with my bank (USAA), the payments always show up between 2-4am on the day after TWC shows it as processed. It's been super consistent. The only time it was different was during a federal holiday when it took an extra day. Since this is your first payment, don't panic if it takes a day or two longer than usual - the system sometimes needs extra time to verify new direct deposit setups. But after that first one, it should be like clockwork!