Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this process about 3 months ago. The anxiety while waiting is absolutely brutal - I remember refreshing that portal constantly! For what it's worth, TWC definitely uses your last work day (7/17) not your filing date. My timeline was pretty typical - filed on a Wednesday, got approved exactly 19 days later. The key things that helped me: 1) Keep doing those bi-weekly payment requests religiously even while under review, 2) Start your work search activities immediately (3 per week), and 3) keep detailed records of everything. I used a simple Google doc to track all my job applications with dates, company names, and confirmation emails. When I finally got approved, the backpay came through pretty quickly and covered from my last work day minus that waiting week everyone mentioned. Hang in there - 9 days in you're still well within the normal timeframe. The system works, it's just painfully slow!

Hey ApolloJackson! I just went through this exact situation about a month ago - also got laid off unexpectedly from my job and had to navigate the TWC system for the first time. Everyone here has given you really solid advice about the timing (they'll definitely use 7/17 as your effective date, not when you filed). One thing I wanted to add that helped me during the waiting period: if you have any items around your place you could sell quickly (old electronics, furniture you don't absolutely need, clothes, etc.), Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp can be surprisingly fast for getting some cash in hand. I sold an old laptop and some gaming equipment within a few days and it covered my grocery budget while waiting for approval. Not ideal obviously, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to bridge the gap. Also, many local libraries have job search resources and sometimes even job fairs or networking events that count toward your work search requirements. Kill two birds with one stone - job searching AND getting out of the house so you're not refreshing that portal every 5 minutes (trust me, I was there too!). The waiting is absolutely terrible but hang in there - almost everyone I know who filed eventually got approved, it's just a matter of time. You've got this!

I've been on unemployment for about 8 months now and went through an audit around month 5. One tip I'd add is to keep a simple spreadsheet or document on your phone/computer where you log each work search activity immediately after doing it. I found that trying to recreate my activities from memory weeks later was really difficult. Also, don't forget that networking activities count too! I attended a few virtual networking events through my local library and workforce center, and those counted as valid work search activities. LinkedIn networking (reaching out to people in your field, joining professional groups) can also count if you document it properly with screenshots of your messages or connection requests. The key is really just being consistent and thorough with your documentation. I know it feels like extra work when you're already stressed about finding a job, but it's so worth it for peace of mind. Good luck with your job search!

As someone who's been through multiple TWC audits, I want to emphasize how important it is to diversify your work search activities. While job applications are the most obvious choice, don't overlook other qualifying activities that might be easier to document: - Attending virtual job fairs (many are hosted weekly and you get confirmation emails) - Completing skills assessments or career tests through WorkInTexas.com - Attending free webinars about interviewing, resume writing, or industry trends - Visiting local workforce development centers for career counseling - Taking online courses related to your field (some count as reemployment activities) I keep a simple Google Doc that I update in real-time from my phone whenever I complete an activity. Include the date, time, activity type, company/organization name, and any confirmation numbers or contact information. Screenshots are your friend - I screenshot everything from application confirmations to webinar attendance certificates. One more tip: if you're doing in-person applications or networking, take a photo of the business storefront or get a business card. It adds credibility to your documentation and shows you were actually there. TWC auditors appreciate that level of detail.

I've been following this thread closely since I'm in a somewhat similar situation (employer changing my work location instead of schedule), and I wanted to add something that really helped me when I spoke with a TWC representative. They specifically mentioned that Texas recognizes childcare as a "compelling personal reason" that can support a good cause resignation, especially when the employer knew about your childcare constraints when they hired you. The key thing the TWC agent told me was to be very specific in your documentation about the timeline - show that you were hired WITH the understanding that night shift was part of the job, then the employer unilaterally changed that condition. They also said to keep records of your job search efforts for other night positions, because TWC wants to see that you're genuinely seeking suitable employment, not just trying to avoid work. One practical tip: when you're documenting conversations with your employer, follow up any verbal discussions with an email saying something like "Per our conversation today, I want to confirm that..." This creates a written record even if they won't put things in writing themselves. You're handling this exactly right by seeking advice and building your case properly. The fact that you took this job specifically because of the night schedule and now they're forcing a change that makes it impossible to continue - that's textbook constructive discharge. Stay strong and keep documenting everything!

I'm a single parent who went through this exact situation two years ago in Texas. My employer switched me from evening shift to morning shift with only 4 weeks notice, and I had to quit because I couldn't afford morning childcare. TWC initially approved my benefits without even requiring an appeal! Here's what made the difference in my case: I had saved the original job posting that specifically mentioned "evening hours" and my offer letter that referenced the shift schedule. When my supervisor told me about the change, I immediately sent an email asking to stay on evenings and explaining my childcare situation. When HR denied my request, I sent another email stating that this schedule change was a fundamental alteration to my employment terms that made it impossible to continue working. The TWC examiner told me during my fact-finding interview that having that email trail showing I tried to work with my employer was crucial. She said many people just quit without attempting to resolve the issue first, which hurts their case. The fact that you're already thinking about documentation puts you way ahead of where I was initially. One thing I wish I had done sooner was contact local childcare centers to get written statements about morning availability and costs. Even though TWC approved my claim, having that extra evidence would have made me feel more confident during the process. Start gathering that documentation now while you still have time - it shows TWC that morning childcare truly isn't a viable option for your situation.

I'm new to this community and just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed to this thread! I'm literally in the exact same situation - have about $268 left in my benefits and was completely panicking about whether that was truly my last payment or if I'd get the waiting week too. Reading through all of these responses has been such a huge relief! The TWC website is absolutely terrible at explaining this process clearly. @Andre Laurent, your detailed breakdown should honestly be pinned as official guidance somewhere - it's clearer than anything TWC provides! And hearing the real timelines from everyone about when the waiting week option appears (24-48 hours after balance hits $0) is incredibly helpful for planning. I've been keeping pretty good job search records throughout my claim, but after reading @Anastasia Ivanova's advice about needing documentation from that very first week, I'm definitely going to spend some time organizing everything from my waiting week period. I think I have most of it saved in various places, but having it all compiled and easily accessible sounds like a smart move. One question for those who've been through this - when you were doing your work searches after your regular benefits ran out (while waiting to request the waiting week), did you need to continue logging them in the TWC system, or was it more about just maintaining your eligibility and having records ready if asked? I want to make sure I do everything correctly so I don't accidentally mess up my waiting week payment! This community is honestly amazing - you've all provided more helpful information in one thread than I could find anywhere else. Thanks for making such a stressful process so much more manageable!

I'm new to this community but this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation with about $310 left in my TWC benefits and was so confused about the waiting week process. Reading everyone's experiences here has given me so much clarity and peace of mind. @Andre Laurent - your step-by-step breakdown was absolutely perfect and answered all my questions! And hearing the actual timelines from @Maya Diaz, @Kyle Wallace, and others about when the waiting week option appears (24-48 hours after balance hits $0) is so valuable for planning. I've been doing most of my job searches through Indeed and company career pages, so it's really reassuring to hear from multiple people that screenshots and email confirmations from those sources work fine for documentation. I'm definitely going to organize all my records from that first week this weekend to be prepared. One thing I wanted to mention for others in this situation - I noticed that my TWC account has a "Payment History" section that shows each week of your claim with the corresponding dates. This has been helpful for me to identify exactly which week was my waiting week so I can make sure I have the right documentation organized for that specific time period. This community is honestly a lifesaver! You've all provided clearer information than anything I could find on the TWC website. Thank you for sharing your real experiences and making this whole confusing process so much more understandable!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Had my TWC appeal hearing just last week after waiting since December, and my employer also completely no-showed. The hearing officer gave me the same spiel about them still having 14 days to appeal, which honestly feels like such a slap in the face when they couldn't even respect the process enough to attend. I've been refreshing my portal probably 20 times a day even though I know it's way too early for updates. Reading through everyone's experiences here is giving me so much hope though - the consistent 5-7 day timeline for portal updates and the fact that most no-show employers don't bother with second appeals is really encouraging. I've kept up with all my payment requests during this whole nightmare, so fingers crossed that backpay comes through soon. This whole TWC system is absolutely broken but at least we have this community to help each other navigate it! Thanks for posting this - it's exactly what I needed to read right now.

I'm in a very similar situation - just had my TWC appeal hearing three days ago after waiting since January, and my employer was also a complete no-show! The hearing officer was really professional but it's so frustrating that they explained how the employer can still file another appeal within 14 days even though they couldn't be bothered to participate in the first one. I've been obsessively checking my portal every few hours since then (I know it's too early but I can't help myself). Reading through everyone's experiences here is giving me so much relief though - the consistent timeline of 5-7 days for portal updates and hearing that most no-show employers don't follow through with second appeals is exactly what I needed to hear. I've been diligently doing my payment requests every two weeks this entire time, so I'm really hoping that backpay comes through when this is all over. It's crazy how broken the TWC system is, but this community has been such a source of comfort and practical advice during this whole nightmare process. Thanks for sharing your story - knowing we're not alone in this makes all the difference!