I'm currently 3 weeks into my Commission Appeal and feeling all the same stress and anxiety you described. My employer also claimed "misconduct" for what was clearly a position elimination - they said I was "uncooperative with new procedures" when really they were implementing cost-cutting measures that made my role redundant. The waiting is absolutely brutal, especially when you're watching your bank account drain with no idea when (or if) you'll get a resolution. I've been doing my payment requests every two weeks like everyone recommends, but seeing "payment withheld pending appeal" each time just adds to the stress. Reading through all these experiences has been incredibly helpful - thank you everyone for sharing timelines and practical advice. I'm definitely going to try calling that direct appeals number (512-463-2826) and contacting my state rep this week. The remand option also sounds worth exploring since I have some additional evidence that wasn't available during my original hearing. What really frustrates me is how this system seems designed to protect employers who can afford to fight while grinding down working people who just need the benefits they paid for. But seeing everyone here still pushing back and sharing strategies gives me hope that we don't have to just accept this treatment. I'll report back if I learn anything useful from the phone calls. Stay strong everyone - we're all in this together and we can't let them exhaust us into giving up!

I'm currently 5 weeks into my Commission Appeal and this thread has been a lifesaver for understanding what to expect and finding practical strategies. My employer claimed "violation of company policy" when they were really just eliminating my entire department - classic misconduct disguise to avoid UI costs. The financial stress is overwhelming. I've already burned through most of my emergency fund and had to start picking up gig work on weekends just to cover basic expenses. Seeing "payment withheld pending appeal" every two weeks feels like a punch to the gut when you're already struggling. Based on all the advice here, I called that direct appeals number (512-463-2826) yesterday and actually got through! The agent confirmed they received all my documents and said they're currently processing cases from late February/early March. Since I filed in mid-March, that gives me some hope I might hear something in the next few weeks. I'm also planning to contact my state rep this week and explore the remand option since I have some email evidence that wasn't available during my original hearing. The fact that so many people here are dealing with identical fake "misconduct" claims shows this is a systematic problem with employers gaming the system. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and keeping each other motivated to fight. This process feels designed to break us down, but knowing we're not alone makes all the difference. I'll update if I learn anything useful from my state rep contact or remand request. Stay strong - we paid into this system and we deserve better than this bureaucratic nightmare!

I'm going through this exact nightmare right now too! Been calling for 8 days straight with zero success - it's absolutely maddening. Reading through all these strategies is giving me a roadmap though. I'm planning to try the callback number (512-463-2697) this afternoon during that 1-4pm window that @Ellie Simpson mentioned worked for her. Also going to submit a request through my state rep's office today and set up Claimyr as backup. One thing I noticed from everyone's experiences is that most successful resolutions involved finding out there was some hidden issue or missing document that TWC never properly communicated. I just checked my correspondence inbox after reading these comments and found a request for ID verification from 3 weeks ago that somehow never triggered an email notification! Uploading those docs now. It's ridiculous that their notification system is so broken, but at least now I know to check that inbox regularly. Thanks everyone for sharing what actually worked - this community is honestly more helpful than TWC's own customer service at this point!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! Been trying to reach TWC for over a week about my pending claim and it's like they've designed the system to be impossible to navigate. This thread is honestly the most useful resource I've found anywhere - way more helpful than TWC's own website or help pages. Based on everyone's experiences here, I'm going to try the multi-strategy approach: using that callback number (512-463-2697) during the 1-4pm window, submitting a request through my state representative's office, and setting up Claimyr as backup. The fact that so many people found hidden correspondence or missing documents in their inbox is eye-opening - I just checked mine and found a wage verification request from 2 weeks ago that I somehow never received an email about! It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to become TWC system experts just to access our own benefits, but I'm grateful this community exists to share real solutions. The combination of the callback system + state rep inquiry seems to be the most effective approach based on the success stories here. Thanks everyone for sharing what actually worked instead of just complaining - this gives me hope that I can finally get my claim resolved!

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - when I applied as a contract employee, TWC actually has a specific section in their online application for "contract workers." They ask directly whether your employer withheld taxes and paid into unemployment insurance. Having that letter from your employer confirming they paid UI taxes is gold - it basically answers their main concern upfront. I'd also suggest keeping copies of a few recent paystubs that show the tax withholdings, just to have backup documentation. The whole process was way less complicated than I expected once I had the right paperwork together. Good luck with your application!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you're in web development like me, make sure to check if any of your previous contract work from other companies also counts toward your base period wages. I found out TWC looks at ALL employers who paid UI taxes on your behalf during that 4-quarter period, not just your most recent one. So if you worked for multiple companies as a contract employee over the past year, those wages can add up and potentially increase your weekly benefit amount. I had completely forgotten about a 3-month contract I did early last year until I saw it show up in my wage record - it actually bumped my WBA up by about $80/week! Definitely worth double-checking your full employment history when you apply.

I'm going through a similar situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I was laid off from my retail job 4 weeks ago (company said it was "restructuring" but I think they just wanted to avoid paying severance), filed for unemployment, got denied, and am now in the appeal process. I just had a second interview yesterday for a customer service position that I'm really hoping works out. Reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel much more prepared - I'll definitely continue with my appeal regardless of whether I get this job, and I'll make sure to document everything properly. The advice about bringing work search logs and being transparent with the hearing officer is gold. It's such a relief to know that finding employment during the appeal process doesn't disqualify you from getting benefits for the weeks you were actually unemployed. Thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge!

Having been through this exact scenario myself, I can confirm what others have said - finding work during your appeal is actually a good thing and won't hurt your case! I was in appeals for wrongful termination when I got hired at my current job. Here's what I learned: 1) Keep your appeal hearing - you're fighting for benefits you were entitled to during unemployment, 2) Report your new job honestly when requesting your final week, 3) Bring ALL documentation to your hearing including proof of wrongful termination AND your new employment timeline. The hearing officer told me that finding work actually strengthened my case because it showed I was actively seeking employment and following requirements. I ended up winning my appeal and got full backpay for the 8 weeks I was unemployed. Your delivery protocol evidence sounds solid - stick with the appeal and enjoy your new warehouse job!

I HATE the new TWC system so much!!! It's been nothing but problems since they "upgraded" it in January. My brother-in-law works in IT and says they obviously didn't test it properly before launch. I've been locked out 3 times in 2 months for no reason at all. And then they have the nerve to blame US when their crappy system fails! Last time I called, I waited 3.5 HOURS only to have the call dropped right when someone finally answered. The whole thing is designed to frustrate people so they'll give up on claiming benefits. Stay strong and keep fighting!

Just wanted to update everyone - I finally got through to TWC this morning using the Claimyr service that was recommended. They fixed my account in about 5 minutes! The rep said there's been a widespread issue with the work search log page causing security flags on accounts. Apparently when the page times out or gives errors, some security algorithm flags it as suspicious activity. I was able to submit my work search logs and complete my payment request. They also put a note on my account about the technical issue so I won't be penalized for the delay. Thanks for all the help and suggestions everyone!