I forgot to mention something important - when TWC looks at your case, they're going to compare your current weekly earnings to your previous earnings. Make sure you have documentation showing what you made BEFORE the change (pay stubs, etc) and what you're making now. The bigger the difference, the stronger your case. Also, if your employer tries to argue that you're just "not selling enough" now, be ready to counter with proof that the change in advertising strategy has directly impacted lead volume. This strengthens your argument that it's a structural change in the job, not performance-related.

One more thing to consider: your base period wages for unemployment will be based on your salary, not your new commission structure. This is actually good news for you, as your benefit amount will be calculated on your higher, previous earnings. When you file, you'll need to continue reporting any commission income you receive each payment period. If you earn over a certain threshold in a week, your benefits might be reduced or eliminated for that week, but you would still remain eligible for future weeks when your commission is lower. Just don't wait too long to file! The sooner you get your claim started, the better.

The MOST IMPORTANT THING about your case is that you have actual PROOF you didn't quit!!! TWC hates it when employers lie about this stuff. I've seen so many people get denied because they didn't have documentation. Smart move saving those text messages!!! The fact that you have witnesses too makes your case super strong.

Does anyone know if they ever call with the decision or is it always by mail/online? I'm in a similar situation waiting on an appeal decision and jumping every time my phone rings lol

I filed last month and my experience was totally different from what people are saying. I got paid for BOTH weeks on my first payment request! No waiting week for me. Maybe they changed the rules? Or maybe it depends on why you got laid off?

make sure hes doing his work searches!!! my friend got audited and had to pay back $$ because he didnt keep proof of all his job applications

One more tip: Always check your TWC correspondence inbox after requesting payment. Sometimes there are issues that need to be resolved before payment is released, and you'll see a notice there. Also make sure you report any wages correctly during your payment request to avoid overpayment issues later.

Good luck! Let us know if you get it Friday! 🤞

Have u tried the callback feature? Sometimes when u call the main number and go thru the menu theres an option to request callback instead of waiting on hold. Worked for me once but not always available.

Quick update based on your situation - since it's Friday already and you've been trying all week, I'd recommend this approach: 1. Try calling one more time today if possible 2. If that doesn't work, use Claimyr as mentioned above or visit a Workforce office Monday morning 3. In the meantime, submit a message through the TWC portal contact form explaining your situation (though responses can take 5-7 days) The good news is that once you get this resolved, you should receive all the payments you're eligible for, even if delayed. The system is frustrating but eventually works out for most people.

If you're struggling to get updates on your claim, I'd recommend using Claimyr to get through to a TWC agent directly. I was in a similar situation with confusion about my employer's response, and after two weeks of being unable to reach anyone, I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days repeatedly calling. The agent was able to give me specific details about my claim status that weren't showing online. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh It really helped clear up confusion about my employer's response and what it meant for my claim. Sometimes getting accurate information directly from a live agent makes all the difference in understanding where your claim stands.

To address your follow-up question about payment requests - yes, you should absolutely continue requesting payments on your assigned day even while waiting for your determination letter. When your claim is approved, TWC will release payments for any eligible weeks you've already requested (assuming you met all requirements like work searches for those weeks). The determination letter will be posted in your TWC correspondence inbox, which is different from your regular email. Log into your TWC account, go to Claim and Payment Status, and check the Correspondence Inbox tab. You can also sign up for text or email notifications when new correspondence is posted. If you don't see a determination letter within 5-7 business days, it might be worth trying to contact TWC directly for an update. The 'no response' from your employer is generally positive, but final decisions can still take some processing time in their system.

dont 4get to check ur correspondence inbox on the twc portal every day!! they send important msgs there and dont always email u about them

Once your employer's deadline passes, keep an eye on your claim status in the TWC portal. It will change from "pending" to either "approved" or there might be an issue that requires additional information. If there's no change after 2 weeks, that's when I'd recommend trying to contact TWC directly to check if there's a hang-up somewhere. Also - start documenting your work searches immediately if you haven't already. Use the WorkInTexas.com system to track them, as TWC can directly verify those searches if they audit your claim later.

wait i forgot to mention they might ask for his past pay stubs so have those ready? i think i had to upload like 3 months worth when i filed last year

To clarify about the work search requirements someone mentioned earlier - for partial unemployment claims where you're still working reduced hours at your regular job, TWC sometimes modifies or waives the work search requirements. Your husband should ask specifically about this during his application process or when he speaks with a TWC representative. Make sure to get clear guidance on this because requirements can vary based on individual circumstances and current TWC policies. Also, once approved, he'll need to report his earnings accurately when requesting payment every two weeks. TWC will reduce his benefit amount based on what he earns at his job, but as long as he's earning less than his weekly benefit amount plus 25%, he should receive some partial benefits. Lastly, make sure he knows his assigned payment request day (based on the last digit of his Social Security number) and doesn't miss it, as that can cause delays or issues with his benefits.

I HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM!! Called TWC literally 46 times (I counted) before I got through last week. Turns out they had sent my ReliaCard to my old address even though I updated my address in the system. The rep had to cancel that card and issue a new one. Now I'm waiting AGAIN for another 7-10 days. The whole system is broken and they don't care that people have bills to pay! Make sure you verify your address when you finally get through to someone.

UPDATE: I managed to get through to TWC this morning (took forever). The representative confirmed my ReliaCard was mailed out 2 days ago and should arrive within 5-7 business days. She also verified they have my correct address. For anyone else in this situation, I recommend calling as early as possible (I called right when they opened at 8am) and being super persistent. Now just waiting anxiously for that card to show up!

Just to follow up on what was said about work search - you absolutely need to be doing this even while waiting for approval. You need 3 work search activities per week in Texas, and TWC can and will ask for your records going back to your initial application date. Also, make sure you're requesting payment on your regular schedule (every two weeks) even while your claim is pending. Many people miss this step and it causes further delays.

Yes, a spreadsheet is perfect for tracking work search activities. Include these details for each activity: 1. Date of contact 2. Company name and contact information 3. Position applied for 4. Method of application (online, in-person, etc.) 5. Result/follow-up Remember that "work search activities" can include: - Job applications - Creating a profile on WorkInTexas.com - Attending job fairs - Creating a resume - Registering with a staffing agency Keep good records because TWC can audit these at any time. And yes, definitely set those payment request reminders - your request day is based on the last digit of your Social Security Number.