I'm at week 5 waiting for my claim approval and this thread has been a lifesaver! I got laid off from my job at a local credit union, but I also worked part-time at a grocery store for a few months before that. Reading everyone's experiences with wage verification delays, I'm pretty sure that's what's holding up my claim too. The most frustrating part is how TWC makes it sound like 2-4 weeks is normal, but clearly when you have multiple employers it's a totally different timeline. I wish they would just be upfront about these potential delays instead of leaving us guessing what's wrong. I'm planning to try the 7am calling strategy tomorrow morning and ask specifically about wage verification holds. Based on everyone's advice here, I'll also reach out to my old grocery store manager to make sure they respond if TWC contacts them. This community has honestly taught me more about how TWC actually works than their entire website. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it really helps to know we're not alone in dealing with this broken system!

I'm at week 6 of waiting for my claim approval and finding this thread has been incredibly validating! I was laid off from my position at a healthcare clinic, but I also worked part-time at a local gym for several months before getting that job. After reading everyone's experiences here, I'm now certain my delay is wage verification related. It's honestly infuriating that TWC doesn't warn you upfront that having multiple employers can add 4-6 weeks to your processing time. Their "2-4 weeks" estimate is completely misleading for anyone with a normal modern work history. I'm definitely joining the 7am calling brigade tomorrow morning. Based on all the advice here, I'll ask specifically about wage verification status and whether both my previous employers have responded. I'm also going to contact my old gym manager today to give them a heads up about potentially receiving a TWC request - small businesses seem to be the worst at responding promptly to these official requests. This thread has been more educational about TWC's actual processes than their entire website and help system combined. Thanks to everyone for sharing your timelines and strategies - it really helps to know there's light at the end of this frustrating tunnel!

Congrats on the new job! I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago and was just as confused. Here's what you need to do: continue with your regular payment request schedule, and when you do your next request after starting Tuesday, the system will ask if you've returned to work - just answer yes and provide your start date and employer info. Report any earnings from days you worked that week, even if you haven't received your first paycheck yet. The TWC system will automatically determine if you get partial benefits or if your claim should be closed. The most important thing is DON'T just stop requesting payments without going through this process - that's what causes issues later on. As long as you're honest about everything, you won't have any fraud problems. The system is literally designed for people finding jobs, so don't stress too much about it!

Congrats on the new job Kaitlyn! I just went through this same process last month and totally get the confusion. Here's what you need to do: keep doing your payment requests on your normal schedule, and when you do your next request after starting work Tuesday, answer YES when it asks if you returned to work. Provide your start date and report any earnings from that week (even if you haven't been paid yet). The system will automatically handle closing your claim or adjusting benefits. The key thing is DON'T just stop requesting payments without going through this process - that's what gets people in trouble! As long as you're honest about everything, you won't have any fraud issues. The whole system is designed for people to find work, so you're doing exactly what it's meant for. Good luck with the new job!

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the TWC appeals process is absolutely broken right now and your situation is unfortunately very common. I filed my appeal back in November and didn't hear anything for over 10 weeks, so I completely understand the stress and frustration you're feeling. Here are a few things that helped me finally get some movement on my case: 1. **Call the Appeals Department directly at 512-463-2826** - Don't waste time with the main TWC number. Try calling right at 8:00 AM when they open for the best chance of getting through. 2. **Send a fax to 512-475-2044** - Include your full name, claim ID, the date you filed your appeal (January 7th), and request a status update. I actually got a response to my fax faster than phone calls. 3. **Double-check your address in BOTH systems** - The regular TWC account and appeals system don't sync addresses automatically. Many people miss hearings because notices go to old addresses. 4. **Keep requesting payments every two weeks** - Even though you're not getting paid, this keeps your claim active for backpay purposes if you win. The realistic timeline right now seems to be 8-12 weeks based on everyone's experiences, not the ridiculous "10 days" they claim on their website. Your January 7th filing date means you should hopefully hear something within the next few weeks. Restaurant layoffs actually have pretty good success rates when you have documentation of the downsizing. Make sure you have all your emails from management about staff reductions organized and ready. Don't give up - I know the financial stress is brutal, but I eventually won my case and got full backpay. The system is completely broken but persistence does pay off!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - I went through almost the exact same situation last year and know how incredibly stressful the silence can be, especially when rent is due! A few things that really helped me: **Try the Appeals Department direct line at 512-463-2826 at exactly 8:00 AM** - I had much better luck getting through in the first 15 minutes after they open rather than calling the main TWC number. **Send a fax to 512-475-2044** with your claim ID, appeal date (Jan 7th), and request for status update. I know it sounds old school, but I actually got a callback within 3 days after weeks of failed phone attempts. **Double-check your mailing address** in BOTH your regular TWC account AND the appeals system - they don't sync automatically and many people miss hearings because notices go to outdated addresses. The realistic timeline right now seems to be 8-12 weeks based on everyone's experiences here, not the misleading "10 days" on their website. Your January filing means you should hopefully hear something soon. For restaurant layoffs specifically, keep all those emails from your manager about the downsizing organized - documentation of involuntary separation tends to have good success rates in appeals. And definitely keep requesting payments every two weeks even though you're not getting them - this keeps your claim active for backpay if you win. I know the financial stress is brutal, but don't give up! I eventually won my case and got full backpay for all the weeks I was waiting. The system is broken but persistence really does pay off.

Hey Santiago! Just wanted to add something I learned the hard way - when you file your claim, make absolutely sure you select the correct reason for separation. Since you mentioned it's a layoff due to "reduction in force," DO NOT select anything that could be interpreted as quitting or being fired for cause. I've seen people accidentally select the wrong option and it delayed their benefits for weeks while they had to go through an appeal process. Also, keep copies of any layoff notices or emails from your employer about the reduction in force. TWC might ask for documentation later, and having that paperwork ready can speed up the process. The fact that your whole team is being cut should make this pretty straightforward for approval. You're in a much better position than you think with that 2-year work history before your current job!

Santiago, I went through a similar situation last year - got laid off after only 4 months at my job but had worked steady for years before that. The key thing that helped me was filing my claim online literally the day I got laid off (don't wait!). One thing I wish someone had told me upfront: when you get to the part about your work history, be prepared to enter details for every employer you had during your base period, not just your current one. They'll ask for company names, addresses, supervisor info, exact start/end dates, and your total gross wages for each job. Having all that info organized beforehand saved me from having to stop mid-application to hunt down old pay stubs. Also, since you mentioned you're stressed about bills - once you're approved, you can typically get benefits for up to 26 weeks in Texas (sometimes extended during high unemployment periods). With your work history, you should qualify for a decent weekly amount. Just remember to keep applying for jobs consistently because those work search requirements are no joke!

This is absolutely infuriating and unfortunately way too common! I went through something similar in 2023 with a $4,200 overpayment that resulted from TWC's own mistake. Here's what ultimately worked for me: The hardship waiver is definitely your best bet - especially since you have those detailed call notes! I was able to get my entire overpayment waived by proving TWC gave me incorrect guidance. The key was being very specific in my waiver application about exactly what each rep told me and when. A few additional tips: - When you call Collections, ask to speak with a supervisor immediately. The front-line staff often can't make real decisions about payment reductions. - For your state rep complaint, include copies of your Open Records Request and TWC's failure to respond. That's a violation of state law and they take it seriously. - Keep pushing on that Open Records Request through the AG's office. Those call recordings are crucial evidence that you followed their instructions. The whole system is designed to make you give up and just pay, but don't let them wear you down. You have a strong case here, especially with your documentation. Stick to your plan and keep us updated - we're all rooting for you!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - it's absolutely maddening when a government agency makes YOU pay for THEIR mistakes! I work in administrative law (different agency) and see this kind of thing way too often. A couple additional thoughts to add to all the excellent advice you've gotten: 1. When you file that AG complaint about the ignored Open Records Request, emphasize that TWC held your appeal hearing WITHOUT providing the requested records that were directly relevant to your case. This could potentially be grounds for procedural due process violations. 2. Consider requesting an "inability to pay" determination in addition to the hardship waiver. It's a slightly different process but can sometimes work when the hardship waiver doesn't. 3. If you have any email confirmations or reference numbers from your original unemployment applications or weekly certifications, include those with everything you submit. They help establish a paper trail. 4. Document your current financial situation thoroughly - bank statements, pay stubs, rent/mortgage, utilities, medical bills, etc. The more complete picture you can paint of genuine financial hardship, the better. The fact that you kept such detailed records of your calls is going to be your saving grace here. Don't let them intimidate you - you have more ammunition than you think!