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Just got a determination letter saying I'm not eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance after the March flooding damaged the warehouse where I worked. The letter says something about having 'sufficient base period wages' for regular UI benefits, but then has a separate paragraph saying I don't qualify for DUA because I 'don't meet self-employment requirements'? I'm so confused! I wasn't self-employed - I was a full-time warehouse worker for 2 years until our building got flooded and they laid everyone off. Our boss said we should apply for disaster assistance. Does this mean I'm not eligible for ANY unemployment or just that I need to apply for regular UI instead? The TWC website is so confusing and I can't get through on the phone. Anyone dealt with this before? I have bills due next week!
So here's my situation - I got injured on the job about 3 weeks ago (hurt my back lifting inventory). I filed a workers' comp claim and kept working on light duty. Then yesterday my supervisor called me in and said they were letting me go because they 'don't have any work for me anymore.' I applied for unemployment benefits right away, but just got a call from a former coworker who said the company is telling TWC I was fired for 'timecard violations' because I didn't clock out for lunch breaks. The thing is, in the 9 months I worked there, NOBODY ever clocked out for lunch because the system automatically deducted 30 minutes! This feels like they're just making up a reason to deny my benefits because I got hurt. Has anyone dealt with this kind of situation? Will TWC side with me or my employer? What should I expect at this point?
That helps your case then. Warehouse jobs have high injury rates and TWC knows this. They'll be more likely to suspect retaliation. My buddy won his appeal in a similar situation. Just make sure you mention it was a warehouse job during your appeal.
So frustrated with TWC right now! I was only unemployed for 5 weeks total before finding a new job (yay!). I requested payment for all 5 weeks through the TWC portal, but after 3 weeks of waiting for my final payment, nothing showed up. I called TWC and the agent said their system shows no record of my last payment request submission for week 5, even though I KNOW I submitted it online just like all the previous weeks. The agent submitted a backdate request for that final week, but when I checked my account status the next day, they DENIED my claim for that week! I was 100% honest about everything - told them exactly when I started my new job, reported all my work search activities properly, everything by the book. They're seriously trying to avoid paying me for one legitimate week of unemployment because they claim they had "no known system issues that day"? Has anyone successfully appealed something like this? It's only one week's worth of benefits (about $550), but it's the principle - I followed all the rules and their system clearly glitched. Is going through the appeal process even worth the hassle?
im about to start a new job next week after unemployment and now im worried the same thing will happen with my final payment! does anyone know if theres a way to get proof when you submit a payment request? like maybe print the screen or something?
Yes, always take screenshots at each step of the submission process. Most importantly, take a screenshot of the final confirmation page that shows your request was successfully submitted. Also note the date, time, and confirmation number if provided. Many browsers allow you to print to PDF which creates a more tamper-proof record than screenshots. For extra protection, you can also request payment via the TeleServ phone system (800-558-8321) where you'll receive a verbal confirmation number that you should write down.
Quick update on appeal timing: As of 2025, TWC appeal hearings for payment request issues are currently being scheduled about 4-6 weeks out from filing. This is actually faster than it was last year when the backlog was much worse. So if you do decide to appeal, you might not have to wait as long as some people experienced in the past.
That's good to know! I think I'm going to try calling again first using that Claimyr service someone mentioned, but if that doesn't work, I'll definitely file the appeal. 4-6 weeks isn't ideal but it's better than the 3+ months some people were mentioning.
I filed for regular unemployment benefits on July 17 after being let go from my retail management position (reduction in workforce). My claim has been sitting in 'under review' status for over 2 weeks now with zero updates. My former employer already confirmed they won't contest it, so I'm confused about the holdup. I've requested payments twice already, but nothing has been deposited yet because my claim is still pending approval. Is this normal wait time for regular benefits, or should I be worried? My savings are getting dangerously low and rent is due next week. Anyone else experience long approval times recently?
make sure ur checking ur spam folder for emails from TWC too! i missed a request for additional info and it delayed my claim by like 2 weeks ๐คฆโโ๏ธ
Just wanted to update that based on recent reports from other claimants, TWC seems to be experiencing higher than normal processing times for regular unemployment claims right now. I've heard from several people who waited 4-5 weeks for approval in July and August. If you're approaching week 4 with no changes, that's when I'd recommend trying to reach someone by phone or through your state representative.
I'm dealing with a really difficult situation and need advice about TWC unemployment. My coworker was fired immediately after I reported a sexual assault at our workplace (small manufacturing company, about 30 employees). I'm now being pressured to resign by management who seem uncomfortable with me still being there. They've started cutting my hours and making the environment hostile. If I quit because of this situation, would I still qualify for unemployment benefits? I've been there 3 years with no issues until this happened. Not sure what my rights are or if I need to keep working there while looking for something else. Has anyone dealt with unemployment after leaving a job due to safety concerns or hostile environment? Should I document the hours reduction and treatment?
After reading through all the comments, I want to add a few more points: 1. If you do decide to quit, be very specific in your TWC application about the hostile work environment and retaliation. Use the phrase "constructive discharge" - it's when an employer deliberately creates intolerable working conditions forcing an employee to resign. 2. Texas law protects workers who report sexual assault from retaliation. Cutting hours after your report could qualify as retaliation. 3. When documenting, include dates, times, what was said/done, and who witnessed it. 4. If you're able to speak with a TWC representative directly about your situation before filing, that can be helpful. The standard phone lines are usually jammed, which is why someone mentioned Claimyr - it can be worth it for complex cases like yours.
So sorry you're going through this! One thing nobody mentioned - if you do need to quit, try to line up another job first if possible. Even with a valid "good cause" quit, TWC benefits can take 4-6 weeks to start if everything goes smoothly, and MUCH longer if your employer contests it (which they probably will). My determination letter took 8 weeks, and then I had to appeal which took another month. I almost lost my apartment waiting for benefits to start. Just something to prepare for financially if you can.
Sofia Rodriguez
did they also tell you you need to do the work search activities? I got confused cuz I thought DUA didnt require that but then for regular UI I had to submit 3 job contacts every week? whole system is confusing
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Liam O'Sullivan
AuthorYes, I saw that! The Work Search requirement is showing 3 activities per week. I've been applying to jobs online and documenting them in the system, just in case. I really don't want to mess anything up and delay my benefits any longer.
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Amara Okonkwo
Based on all your responses, it sounds like you're doing everything right! You've: 1. Completed ID.me verification 2. Been requesting payments every two weeks 3. Following the work search requirements 4. Found your regular UI claim that's pending At this point, it's just a waiting game. With disaster-related claims, TWC is experiencing high volume, so it might take another week or two for your claim to be processed. Once approved, you'll receive all back payments for the weeks you've been requesting payment. If you need to speak with someone at TWC urgently about your claim status (especially with bills coming due), that Claimyr service mentioned above is probably your best bet for getting through quickly rather than spending hours redialing.
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Liam O'Sullivan
AuthorThank you so much for all the help! I feel so much better now understanding what's happening. I was really panicking thinking I might not get any benefits at all. I'll give the claim another week to process, and if it's still pending, I'll try that Claimyr service to speak with someone. You've all been so helpful!
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