To answer your follow-up question - no, you typically don't need to provide proof of employment when requesting the waiting week. However, TWC may verify your employment status through their employer database or through your new employer's quarterly wage reports. Just make sure you have accurate information about your new employer (company name, address, start date, hourly wage, etc.) when going through the request process. And as someone else mentioned, you need to have received at least three benefit payments during your claim year to be eligible for the waiting week payment.

wait i thought the waiting week was just the first week you apply and dont get paid??? im confused why are you asking about this now if your benefits are ending? did i mess up something with my claim????

Update: I really appreciate all the advice! I've decided to definitely go through with the appeal and have started gathering my evidence. I found text messages proving I called in sick both days, and I'm going to ask my doctor for documentation too. I feel much more confident now! Should I mention during the hearing that I think my supervisor had it out for me after I relocated? Or should I stick strictly to the facts about my absences?

Great to hear you're moving forward with the appeal! You're making the right decision. I went through a similar hearing last year and won - the key is being well-prepared like you're doing. One thing I'd add to your prep: if possible, get a copy of your company's employee handbook or attendance policy in writing. During my hearing, I was able to reference the exact policy language that showed I followed proper procedures. The hearing officer really appreciated having the actual policy to reference. Also, practice explaining your situation calmly and concisely beforehand. You want to sound professional and factual, not emotional. The hearing officer will be looking at whether you committed "misconduct" as defined by TWC law - which requires willful disregard of your employer's interests. Following proper call-out procedures for legitimate illness is definitely NOT misconduct. You've got this! Having documentation of your proper notifications puts you in a strong position.

FYI when I won my appeal all my back payments hit at once but some people on here said theirs came in batches over a couple days. Just don't panic if you don't see the full amount right away.

Just went through this exact situation 2 months ago! Here's what I learned: Check your payment history page multiple times a day - that's where you'll see the first sign of winning. My status changed from "not payable" to "pending payment" on a Thursday morning, exactly 8 business days after my hearing. The actual determination letter didn't arrive until the following Tuesday. Also, pro tip: if you have the TWC mobile app, it sometimes updates faster than the website. I got my back payments ($3,400) in two deposits - one large one on Friday and a smaller one the following Monday. Keep submitting your payment requests and stay patient - the waiting is brutal but most people do get good news if they were truly laid off like you were. Good luck!

The TWC system is TERRIBLE about explaining this process!!! I went through this exact nightmare scenario last year and wasted TWO WEEKS trying to figure it out. When I finally got through to someone, they acted like I should have magically known all their stupid procedures. The online system should clearly explain what to do if you get a job and then lose it again! I swear they intentionally make it confusing so people give up and don't collect benefits they're entitled to!!

UPDATE: I finally got through to TWC this morning! For anyone who might have the same problem in the future: I called exactly at 8:00 AM and only had to wait about 20 minutes. The rep explained that since I stopped claiming when I got the job in March, everything was fine. My original claim from January was still valid, and I just needed to reactivate it. They asked about my most recent employment history and why I was laid off. The rep filed a new "additional claim" (that's what they call it) on my original claim. She said I should be able to request payment next week and will receive whatever balance I had left from my original claim. Thanks everyone for your help!

Based on all the responses here, you should take these steps: 1. Document why the position is unsuitable (multiple positions for same pay, not aligned with your new degree) 2. Proactively contact TWC (use the contact methods others suggested) to explain your situation 3. Continue completing your work search requirements (all 3 activities weekly) 4. Keep requesting payments on your regular schedule 5. Gather evidence of your job search in your degree field 6. Prepare for a possible appeal if TWC initially rules against you Your recent graduation is a significant factor in your favor. Just make sure you're professionally declining the offer with clear, documented reasons rather than simply ignoring it.

Just want to add that TWC also considers whether accepting the job would interfere with your ability to search for work in your field. Since you're a recent accounting graduate, taking a job that requires you to work two different positions could limit your availability for interviews and networking in your actual career field. This is another angle to document when you contact TWC - that accepting this position would actually hinder your reasonable job search efforts in accounting. Make sure to emphasize that you're not just refusing work, but refusing work that would impede your professional development and job search in your qualified field.