I went through this same panic last year! Filed my claim and then completely spaced on the WorkInTexas registration for almost 2 weeks. Here's what I learned: **Good news:** You're only 6 days out, which is way better than the 2+ weeks some of us have delayed. Since your first payment request probably isn't due yet, you should be totally fine if you register today. **About your 2023 registration:** Unfortunately, it's definitely expired by now. WorkInTexas registrations become inactive after about 90 days of no activity, so even though you were in the system before, you'll need to go through the full registration process again. **Pro tips from my experience:** - Use a computer, not your phone - the mobile site is a nightmare - Set aside a solid hour to complete everything in one sitting - Fill out EVERY section completely, including uploading a resume - Take screenshots of your completion confirmation The TWC website is super confusing about this requirement, but it's absolutely mandatory. Don't stress too much though - as long as you get registered before your first payment request, you should avoid any payment delays. Just get it done today and you'll have peace of mind!

Just went through this exact same situation a few months ago - filed my claim and then completely forgot about WorkInTexas registration for over a week! The anxiety was real, but here's what I learned: **You're actually in good shape at only 6 days out.** Most people don't submit their first payment request until 2-3 weeks after filing, so you have time to get this sorted before it becomes a real problem. **Your 2023 registration is definitely expired.** I had the same false hope, but those registrations go inactive after 90 days of no activity. You'll need to start completely fresh. **Here's exactly what to do:** 1. Register on WorkInTexas TODAY using a desktop computer (seriously, the mobile site will make you want to throw your phone) 2. Complete EVERY section - work history, resume upload/creation, job preferences, make profile searchable 3. Screenshot your completion confirmation and save it somewhere safe 4. Don't panic about calling TWC unless you run into actual technical issues The good news is that TWC checks your registration status when they process your payment request, not when you initially file. As long as you're registered before you submit that first payment request, you should be golden. I know the 2-hour hold times are brutal, but honestly, just getting registered is more productive than sitting on hold right now. You've got this! 💪

This whole thread has been incredibly educational! I'm scheduled to start my unemployment benefits next week and honestly had no clue about any of these timing rules. The TWC paperwork I received mentioned filing dates but nothing about the 14-day grace period or what happens if you miss your window. It's pretty concerning that such important information isn't clearly communicated upfront - like, this could literally mean the difference between getting your benefits or losing weeks of payments! I'm definitely going to download that Claimant Handbook everyone mentioned and set up multiple reminder systems. Also bookmarking that Claimyr service since it sounds like getting through to TWC directly is nearly impossible. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - this is way more helpful than anything I got from the official orientation materials!

This thread has been absolutely invaluable! I'm about to file my first unemployment claim in Texas and had no idea how complex the timing requirements were. Reading through everyone's experiences really drives home how easy it would be to accidentally lose benefits just from not understanding the system. The 14-day grace period rule is huge information that definitely isn't made clear during the application process. I'm going to follow all the advice here - downloading the Claimant Handbook, setting up multiple calendar reminders, and bookmarking that Claimyr service for when I inevitably need to actually reach a human at TWC. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to rely on community forums to learn critical information that should be front and center in all TWC communications. Thank you to everyone who shared their real-world experiences - this is exactly the kind of practical guidance that makes navigating this confusing system possible for newcomers like me!

I went through almost the exact same situation about 6 months ago! My employer also didn't show up to the appeal hearing, and like you, I was shocked when I still lost the first appeal. The whole "if one party doesn't appear" language in their paperwork is so misleading. What I learned is that TWC considers ALL evidence submitted, regardless of attendance. Your employer's written response and any documentation they provided before the hearing still gets reviewed alongside your testimony. It's frustrating because you can't question or challenge their claims when they're not there to defend them. But here's the encouraging part - based on your situation (performance termination with no documented warnings + positive reviews from 3 months ago), you have a really strong case for Commission Appeals. That level of review is much more thorough about examining whether employers followed proper procedures. I ended up winning my Commission Appeal after about 7 weeks. The key was emphasizing in my written appeal that: 1) The employer failed to provide evidence of progressive discipline, 2) There was a contradiction between recent positive performance and sudden termination, and 3) Their absence prevented me from cross-examining their vague claims. Don't give up! Make sure to file that Commission Appeal within 14 days if the decision doesn't go your way. Your case sounds very winnable at the next level.

I'm so sorry you're going through this frustrating situation! I went through something very similar about 8 months ago and completely understand your confusion about the employer no-show not automatically helping your case. What I learned is that TWC hearing officers review all available evidence, including any written documentation the employer submitted before the hearing, even if they don't attend. It's definitely not intuitive based on how their paperwork is worded! However, based on what you've shared about your situation, you actually have several very strong arguments for a Commission Appeal if this decision doesn't go your way: - You were terminated for alleged "performance issues" but received no formal warnings or write-ups - You had positive performance reviews just 3 months before termination - There's no evidence of progressive discipline or performance improvement plans - The employer's absence prevented you from questioning their claims or asking for specifics In Texas, employers typically need to demonstrate they followed proper progressive discipline procedures before terminating someone for performance issues, especially when recent reviews were positive. The fact that they couldn't even be bothered to show up and defend their position in person makes their case even weaker. I ended up winning my Commission Appeal after losing the first level, and it took about 6-7 weeks to get the decision. The reviewers at that level seem much more thorough about examining whether employers actually followed proper procedures. Don't lose hope - make sure to file that Commission Appeal within 14 days if the decision doesn't go your way. Your case sounds very winnable based on the lack of documentation from your employer!

This thread has been absolutely invaluable! As someone who just filed for unemployment benefits three weeks ago, I had no clue these claimant contact requests even existed. Reading through everyone's experiences - both the horror stories and the solutions - has given me such a better understanding of what to watch out for. What really stands out to me is how consistently everyone mentions the same problems: TWC's vague notifications, impossible phone system, and serious consequences for missing deadlines. It's honestly shocking that we need to rely on community forums and third-party services just to communicate with our own state agency, but I'm grateful people are sharing these real-world solutions. I'm definitely implementing all the advice from this thread - daily account checks, early morning calling strategy, documenting everything, and bookmarking Claimyr as a backup. It's ridiculous that navigating unemployment benefits requires this level of strategy and preparation, but better to be overprepared than lose benefits over something preventable. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and advice. This discussion should honestly be required reading for anyone dealing with Texas unemployment!

This entire discussion has been incredibly helpful! I've been on unemployment for about a month and had absolutely no idea these claimant contact requests existed or how critical they are. Reading through everyone's experiences really highlights how broken TWC's communication system is - it's alarming that so many people are losing benefits simply because they can't get through on the phone to respond to vague notifications. What strikes me most is how this thread has become an unofficial guide to navigating TWC's system, complete with specific strategies like calling at 8am, documenting attempts, and using services like Claimyr when all else fails. It's honestly ridiculous that we need community forums and third-party services just to communicate with our own state agency, but I'm grateful people are sharing these real-world solutions. I'm definitely taking all this advice to heart - setting up daily account monitoring, bookmarking backup options, and being prepared to act quickly if one of these requests appears. It shouldn't require this level of vigilance and strategy just to maintain unemployment benefits, but better to be overprepared than caught off guard. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and creating this incredibly valuable resource!

Just want to add one more thing - make sure you keep detailed records of when you start working and what you earn each week. I learned this the hard way when TWC asked me to verify my employment dates and earnings months later. Having pay stubs, start date documentation, and a simple calendar noting your work days will save you major headaches if they ever audit your claim. Good luck with the new job!

Make sure you understand the difference between your benefit year end date and when your benefits actually stop. Even if you start working full-time, your benefit year doesn't automatically close - you'd still need to request your waiting week payment later if you become eligible. Also, once you start the new job, you can still file payment requests if your hours get cut or if the job doesn't work out, as long as you're within your benefit year. Just keep your claim active by continuing to request payments (even if you report full-time work) until you're certain the job is stable.