Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been navigating the TWC system for a few months now. The biweekly schedule can definitely be confusing at first, but here's what I've learned: you're essentially getting paid weekly amounts, but you request them in biweekly batches. So if your weekly benefit amount is $300, you'll request $600 every two weeks (assuming no part-time work). One thing that really helped me was setting up text alerts through my bank for deposits - that way I know immediately when the payment hits instead of obsessively checking my balance. Also, I'd recommend having at least one backup plan for those first few weeks while you're getting used to the timing. Maybe ask a family member if you can borrow money for groceries if your payment is delayed, or see if any bills can be pushed back a few days. The system does work once you get the hang of it, but having that safety net really reduced my stress during the adjustment period!

One thing that really helped me when I first started was to treat my payment request day like any other important appointment - I set a recurring reminder on my phone for the same time each week. Even though you only request every two weeks, having that weekly reminder ensures you never miss your actual request day. I also learned to submit my request early in the day (like 8-9 AM) rather than waiting until evening, because if there are any technical issues with the website, you still have time to try again or call Tele-Serv as a backup. The TWC website can get overloaded, especially on Mondays when a lot of people have their request day. Having that buffer time in your day can save you from a lot of stress if the system is running slow!

This thread has been such an incredible resource! I'm currently at week 3.5 and was starting to really stress about my claim being stuck in review. Reading everyone's experiences here has been both comforting and eye-opening - it's clear that 4-6 weeks has unfortunately become the new reality despite TWC's misleading 21-day timeline. The recurring pattern of employer non-response issues is really concerning and seems to be a major systemic problem. It's frustrating that claimants who did everything right get stuck in limbo because their former employers don't prioritize responding to TWC requests within the 14-day window. I've been following all the great advice shared throughout this thread - keeping detailed work search documentation, requesting payments on schedule, and regularly checking my correspondence inbox. It's reassuring to know about Claimyr as an option when I need to escalate, especially with all the success stories people have shared here. Luca, congratulations on finally getting your resolution! Your entire journey from filing to approval has given those of us still waiting such valuable insight into the process. The fact that it was just an employer response issue rather than anything you did wrong is really encouraging. Thanks to everyone for creating such a supportive community where people share real timelines and practical solutions rather than just venting. It makes this frustrating wait feel much less isolating when you know others are going through the same thing!

This thread has been absolutely invaluable for anyone dealing with TWC delays! I'm at week 2.5 myself and was getting really anxious about my "under review" status, but reading through all these experiences has completely changed my perspective. It's honestly ridiculous that TWC still advertises 21 days when 4-6 weeks seems to be the actual reality for most people right now. The pattern of employer non-response causing so many delays is really eye-opening - it shows how many of these situations are completely out of the claimant's control. Luca, huge congratulations on getting your resolution! Your entire journey from filing to approval has been such a helpful roadmap for those of us still waiting. The fact that it turned out to be just an employer response issue rather than anything you did wrong is really reassuring. I've been taking notes on all the advice shared here - keeping detailed work search logs, requesting payments on schedule, checking correspondence regularly, and knowing about Claimyr for when escalation becomes necessary. The multiple success stories with that service give me real confidence that there are actual solutions when you hit that 4-5 week wall. Thanks to everyone for being so open about their timelines and sharing practical solutions. This community support makes the whole frustrating process feel much less isolating!

This thread has been such a goldmine of information! As someone who's been stuck in "under review" status for almost 3 weeks now, reading about Ethan's status change gives me so much hope. I wanted to add something that might help others - if you're documenting your work search activities, make sure you're noting the METHOD you used to apply (online portal, email, in-person, etc.). I learned this from a TWC representative who said they sometimes ask for those details during the payment request process. Also, if you applied through Indeed or other job sites, try to get confirmation emails or take screenshots of the "application submitted" pages as additional proof. Ethan, your situation with the hour reduction sounds very similar to mine - I went from 35 hours to 12 hours per week before I had to quit. Having those text messages as documentation is clutch! I also saved email screenshots showing my requests for more hours being denied. The community support here is incredible. It's so reassuring to see people who've actually been through this process sharing real timelines and practical advice. Definitely going to bookmark this thread to reference when my status hopefully changes soon! Best of luck with your payment request on 4/29 - really hoping everything goes smoothly for you! 🤞

This is such an encouraging thread to read! I'm currently in week 2 of "under review" status and was getting really anxious about what it all means. Seeing everyone's experiences and the detailed advice really helps calm the nerves. Ethan, that message about being able to submit your payment request on 4/29 is definitely a positive sign! The fact that TWC moved you from "under review" to giving you a specific date means they've likely completed their initial evaluation and you're moving forward in the system. I've been taking notes on all the great advice shared here - especially about having backup devices ready for 4/29, documenting application methods for work searches, and keeping all separation documentation easily accessible. This community knowledge is so much more practical than anything I've found on the official TWC website. One small thing to add - I've been using the TWC mobile app to check my status since it sometimes loads faster than the website when traffic is heavy. Might be worth downloading as another backup option for 4/29. Really hoping everything goes smoothly with your payment request! Please keep us posted on how it goes - your experience is going to help so many others who are going through this same stressful process. 🙏

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been working temp assignments for over 3 years now. The advice here is spot-on, especially about documentation. I've never had to file unemployment (knock on wood), but I've seen plenty of coworkers go through this process. One thing I'd add - if your assignment does end and Randstad doesn't immediately have something for you, don't just sit around waiting for them to call. I've seen people do that and it never ends well. Start reaching out to OTHER temp agencies too during those 3 days. Companies like Aerotek, Kelly Services, Robert Half, etc. Having multiple agencies working for you increases your chances of avoiding unemployment altogether. Also, since you mentioned you've been on this assignment since March, make sure you have a solid reference from your current supervisor/manager at the client company. Sometimes temp agencies are slow to place people, but if you have a great reference from the actual workplace, other agencies will be more motivated to work with you quickly. The December 31st timing is rough because so many companies freeze hiring during the holidays, but January is typically one of the busiest months for new assignments as budgets reset. Stay positive - you might end up with something even better than your current role!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation with a different temp agency and reading everyone's experiences is both reassuring and eye-opening. One thing I wanted to add that might help - if you have any annual performance reviews or positive feedback emails from your current assignment, save those too. I had a situation where a temp agency tried to claim I was a "problem employee" when contesting my unemployment claim, but having documented positive feedback from the client company really helped my case. Also, since you mentioned being flexible with remote work - make sure you specify that clearly in all your communications with Randstad. Remote positions often have different geographic restrictions and could open up more opportunities for immediate placement. The advice about registering with WorkInTexas.com early is crucial. I made that mistake once and it delayed my claim by almost a week while they verified my registration. Sounds like you're being really proactive about this whole situation. Even though it's stressful, having a plan and documentation ready puts you way ahead of most people who get caught off guard by assignment endings. Hope your recruiter comes through with something great and you don't even need to use any of this unemployment advice!

I'm a former school counselor who went through unemployment after my position was eliminated due to "budget restructuring" (though they hired a new counselor the next year). I wanted to share some practical advice that really helped me navigate the TWC system as an educator. You absolutely have a strong case for benefits! The lack of formal warnings or progressive discipline is huge in your favor. TWC specifically looks for patterns of documented misconduct, and "performance concerns" that appear suddenly without proper corrective action rarely qualify. A few things that made my process smoother: 1. When you apply after June 30th, be very detailed in your separation explanation. Don't just say "performance issues" - explain that you received no prior warnings, no improvement plans, and no opportunity to address alleged concerns. 2. Upload EVERYTHING when you file: all evaluations, the non-renewal letter, any emails about the decision. The more documentation showing your good standing prior to this decision, the better. 3. If you get initially denied (which happened to me), don't panic! File your appeal within 14 days and request a phone hearing. I actually found the hearing officer was much more understanding of the education context than the initial reviewer. 4. Start documenting your job search activities now, even before you apply. You'll need 3 per week once benefits start, and having a head start helps reduce stress later. The hardest part for me was the emotional toll of feeling like I'd failed, but looking back, that termination led me to a much better position in a different district. Sometimes these forced changes really are blessings in disguise. You've earned these benefits through years of contributions. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for accessing support you've paid for!

I'm a current Texas teacher and wanted to add some reassurance - you absolutely CAN and SHOULD apply for unemployment benefits! Your situation actually sounds very strong for approval. The fact that you had 6 years of service with no formal warnings before this sudden "performance concerns" issue is a huge red flag that this wasn't legitimate misconduct. TWC looks for documented patterns of problems, not vague last-minute complaints. A few practical tips from watching colleagues go through this: - Keep copies of EVERYTHING - your evaluations, the non-renewal letter, any emails about meetings or decisions - When you apply after June 30th, be very clear this was a discharge/termination, not a resignation - Don't let the district's HR department intimidate you - they often don't explain unemployment options because they don't want to deal with claims - If denied initially, absolutely appeal! Many teacher cases are won at the appeal level The "reasonable assurance" rule that trips up some educators won't apply to you since you've been explicitly told you won't be returning next year. I know this feels overwhelming right now, but you've paid into the unemployment system through your paychecks for 6 years. You've earned the right to these benefits during your job transition. Don't let anyone make you feel like teachers don't deserve the same safety net as other workers. Start looking at other districts too - many good schools are still hiring for fall, and sometimes a forced change leads to finding a much better fit. You've got this!