I've been following this thread and wanted to add some encouragement - I was in almost the exact same situation at my logistics company about 6 months ago. They hired me at 40 hours but kept cutting me down to 24-28 hours per week saying "freight volume is down temporarily." I was terrified to apply because I thought it might jeopardize my job, but honestly it was one of the best decisions I made. The TWC application process was straightforward - I just had to be completely honest about still being employed but with significantly reduced hours. My employer was contacted for verification but it was totally routine, no drama at all. What really helped my case was having documented proof of the hour reduction - I kept copies of my original job offer showing 40 hours/week and compared it to my recent paystubs showing the reduced hours. The partial unemployment benefits made the difference between keeping my apartment and potentially becoming homeless. Don't let fear stop you from getting help you're entitled to - your employer is paying into this system specifically for situations like yours where hours get cut due to business conditions beyond your control!

I'm in a very similar situation at my packaging facility! They hired me full-time but I've been getting only 20-28 hours per week for the past two months. Reading through all these experiences has been so helpful - I had no idea partial unemployment was even available for people still employed but with reduced hours. The consistent advice about documenting everything (original schedule vs actual hours), being honest in the application, and not waiting since benefits can't be backdated really stands out. It's encouraging that so many people's employers were understanding since they're the ones who made the decision to cut hours. I've been struggling to cover my utilities and car payment on these reduced paychecks, but I kept thinking I just had to wait it out. Seeing all these success stories from people in manufacturing, retail, construction, and other industries gives me the confidence to finally apply. Starting my documentation this week and applying online by the weekend. Thanks to everyone for sharing - this thread has been a lifesaver!

Great question! I had the same confusion when I started. TWC definitely pays biweekly (every two weeks), not weekly. You'll request payment on your assigned day (10/6 for you), then typically receive it 2-3 business days later. After that, your next request date will be exactly two weeks later. One tip that helped me - set up direct deposit ASAP if you haven't already, as paper checks can take much longer to arrive. Also, make sure you're logging your work search activities consistently since TWC requires 3 job contacts per week. The system takes some getting used to, but once you understand the biweekly rhythm, it becomes much easier to budget around. Good luck with your claim!

Hey there! I'm also pretty new to the TWC system and this thread has been a goldmine of information. Just wanted to add that I found it helpful to bookmark the TWC login page (ui.texasworkforce.org) on my phone's home screen so I can easily access it on my payment request days. Also, if you're like me and tend to be forgetful, consider setting up multiple reminders - maybe one a few days before your request date to prepare your work search info, and another on the actual day. The biweekly schedule definitely takes some adjustment, especially coming from jobs that paid weekly, but you'll get into the groove quickly!

I'm in the exact same situation and this entire thread has been such a blessing to find! My TWC benefits just expired this past Monday and I've been losing sleep worrying about how I'm going to make ends meet while still job searching. I'm a medical assistant too, and you're absolutely right about the competition being brutal right now. I've submitted probably 50+ applications over the past few months with very few callbacks. It's so discouraging when you're qualified and experienced but still can't seem to land anything. Reading through everyone's experiences here has given me so much hope though! I worked about 5 weeks at a urgent care clinic during my benefit year covering for someone on maternity leave, so it sounds like I should definitely file a new claim based on what others are sharing. Even if it's only $150-200/week, that would cover my car insurance and utilities while I keep grinding through applications. Has anyone had luck with the bigger hospital systems like HCA or Tenet? I've applied to several positions with them but their hiring process seems to take forever. Also considering looking into dermatology and plastic surgery offices since they often need MAs and the work is usually more predictable than family practice. Thank you so much for starting this thread - sometimes you just need to know you're not the only one going through this struggle!

I'm going through this exact situation right now too! My benefits just expired last Friday and I've been frantically trying to figure out what my options are. Reading through this entire thread has been such a relief - I had no idea that working even part-time during your benefit year could qualify you for a new claim. I'm also in healthcare (phlebotomist) and have been struggling to find a permanent position despite having 3+ years of experience. The competition is insane right now! I did work about 6 weeks at a temp agency covering different labs during my benefit year, so based on everyone's advice here, I'm definitely going to file a new claim today. For other phlebotomists out there - don't overlook mobile phlebotomy companies like Any Lab Test Now or Bioreference. They're always looking for experienced phlebs for home draws and workplace screenings. The scheduling can be unpredictable but it's decent pay and keeps your skills sharp while searching for something permanent. Also wanted to mention that Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp often have openings that aren't posted on their main career sites - try calling individual lab locations directly and asking if they need per diem or part-time help. Sometimes managers have immediate needs that haven't made it through corporate HR yet. This thread has been such a lifesaver during what felt like the most hopeless week ever. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and advice - it's amazing how much better I feel knowing there are still options and that we're all going through this together!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I've been filing unemployment benefits for about 6 months now and I STILL get anxious about the Sunday deadline every single time. It's reassuring to see that so many people have had similar experiences with cutting it close on the timing. I usually try to submit mine around noon on Sunday, but there have definitely been a few times where I've procrastinated until late afternoon and then started panicking. The recurring alarm suggestion is genius - I'm setting that up right now so I never have to deal with that Sunday evening stress again. Thanks Daniel for posting about your experience and thanks everyone for sharing their stories. This community really helps ease the anxiety that comes with navigating the unemployment system!

I'm really glad you posted this Daniel! I had a similar scare a few weeks back when I was running errands and realized at 5:15pm that I hadn't done my payment request yet. I was literally in the parking lot of Target frantically trying to log into the TWC website on my phone! Got it submitted by 5:25pm and still received my payment on the normal Tuesday schedule. The 6pm cutoff is definitely a hard rule, but as long as you're under it, you're in the clear. Setting those calendar reminders is such a smart idea - I did the same thing after my close call. It's amazing how much stress we can save ourselves with just a simple recurring alarm!

Emma, I'm rooting for you! After reading through all these responses, it sounds like you actually have several promising options with your Amazon earnings. That $2,400 over 3 weeks is solid wage history that TWC should be able to work with. Just wanted to add one more tip for your call tomorrow - if the first representative you speak to seems unsure about your options or gives you a quick "no," politely ask to speak with a supervisor or claims specialist. Sometimes the frontline reps aren't as familiar with the more complex scenarios like yours, but the specialists deal with benefit exhaustion and requalification cases regularly. Also, after you get clarity on your TWC situation, consider reaching out to your local TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) office if you have dependents. They sometimes have emergency assistance programs that can help bridge gaps between benefit periods. You've got a great action plan now between all these suggestions. Really hoping tomorrow's call gives you the breakthrough you need. Please keep us updated - I think a lot of people will benefit from hearing how your situation gets resolved!

Emma, I've been following your situation and it really resonates with me since I went through something very similar about 8 months ago. The good news is that with your Amazon earnings, you likely have a strong case for additional benefits - $800/week for 3 weeks is actually pretty substantial in TWC's eyes. One thing I'd add to all the great advice you've gotten: when you talk to TWC tomorrow, make sure they explain the difference between your "benefit year" (which ends in June 2026) and your "base period" for calculating new benefits. Your Amazon wages might establish a new base period that could qualify you for benefits even though your original benefit year hasn't expired yet. Also, if you do get approved for additional benefits, ask them about the "partial unemployment" option for your ongoing part-time work. You might be able to collect some unemployment benefits while still working those part-time gigs, as long as you report the earnings correctly. The TWC system is definitely confusing, but you're asking all the right questions and staying on top of everything. That $0 payment request strategy is crucial - I'm glad you've been keeping up with those. Really hoping your call goes well tomorrow and you get some relief soon!