I went through a similar appeal process in 2022 for a COVID overpayment. The most important thing is to stay organized and document everything. Create a timeline of events showing exactly when and how you were laid off, and gather any evidence that supports your version of events. One tip that really helped me: if your restaurant filed for any kind of business closure or bankruptcy during COVID, try to get documentation of that too. It strengthens your case that this was a legitimate layoff due to business circumstances, not a voluntary quit. Also, don't let your former manager's version of events intimidate you. Employers sometimes mischaracterize separations to avoid higher unemployment insurance costs. The hearing officer will listen to both sides and make their own determination based on the evidence. You've got this! The fact that you have texts about the closure is already a good start.

I'm going through something similar right now! Got my determination letter last week saying I owe back $3,800 from 2021. My employer is claiming I was a "no-call no-show" but I have email proof that I notified my supervisor when I couldn't come in due to COVID exposure. One thing I learned from calling TWC (finally got through after using that Claimyr service someone mentioned) - they said having any written communication about your separation is huge. Even if it's just a text saying "hey, we're closing temporarily" that can make or break your case. Also wanted to add - if you're really stressed about the money aspect, I found out TWC has to prove you received benefits you weren't entitled to. The burden of proof is on THEM during the appeal, not on you to prove you deserved it. That made me feel a bit better going into this process. File that appeal ASAP though - the 14-day deadline is no joke!

Hey just wanted to check in - any update? Did you get your decision yet?? I'm invested in your situation now! 😂

That's AMAZING news!!! 🎉 I'm so happy for you! I remember being in that same anxious headspace waiting for my decision last year. It's such a huge relief when you finally get that validation that you were right to leave an unsafe situation. Your supervisor probably thought they could get away with creating those conditions, but TWC obviously saw right through it. Enjoy those back payments when they hit - you definitely earned them after all that stress!

UPDATE: Finally got through to TWC this morning after trying that Claimyr service! The agent explained that even though I missed the appeal deadline, I can still submit a Request to Reopen the Appeal which basically asks for a late appeal due to good cause. She said my reason (not understanding the determination letter) might qualify, especially since I never received clear instructions about the workforce registration requirement. She's sending me both the appeal form and the hardship waiver form, and suggested I submit both at the same time. Fingers crossed this works! Thanks everyone for the advice - I'll update again when I hear something.

I work for a legal aid organization and see cases like this regularly. The workforce registration requirement is poorly communicated by TWC, and you're not alone in this situation. A few additional tips for your appeal: - Request copies of ALL communications TWC claims they sent you about workforce registration - Document exactly when and how you were (or weren't) informed about this requirement during your initial application - If you can show you never received proper notice, that strengthens your good cause argument significantly Also consider contacting Texas Legal Aid (texaslegalaid.org) or your local legal aid office - many offer free assistance with TWC appeals and overpayment issues. They know exactly how to frame these appeals for the best chance of success. The fact that you found work and stopped claiming benefits shows good faith - emphasize that in your appeal. You weren't trying to game the system, you just weren't properly informed about ongoing requirements after you stopped needing benefits.

Congratulations on getting through the review process! That's such a relief after 5 weeks of waiting. I'm currently in week 3 of being under review myself, so seeing your success gives me hope. Did you notice any specific change in your account before the status updated, or did it just suddenly switch from "Under Review" to "Claim Processed"? Also, when you do get your payment, will it include all the back weeks you were waiting, or just the current week? I'm trying to plan my finances around this whole mess too.

Wow, what a rollercoaster this thread has been! I've been following unemployment discussions for a while but this is my first time posting. @QuantumQuester, I'm so relieved to see your claim finally got processed! Your story really highlights how broken the TWC system can be - 5 weeks is just unacceptable when people are facing eviction and can't pay basic bills. For anyone else still waiting, I wanted to share that my local workforce office actually has a "claim specialist" who can sometimes help with stuck claims. Not all offices have this, but it's worth calling your nearest location and asking. They can't process claims directly, but they have better access to the TWC system than the regular phone reps and can sometimes spot issues that are causing delays. Also, I've heard good things about that Claimyr service @Mei Chen mentioned - my neighbor used it last month and said it was worth the fee just to avoid the endless busy signals. The stress of not being able to even talk to a human while your bills pile up is almost worse than the actual waiting sometimes. Thanks to everyone sharing resources like the state rep contact and 211 - this community really looks out for each other!

Just want to add one more thing that helped me when I went through this exact situation - keep a detailed log of all your communications and submissions. I created a simple spreadsheet tracking when I filed with TWC, when I registered with Oklahoma, what documents I submitted, and all the confirmation numbers. This saved me so much headache when there were processing delays and I had to prove what I'd already done. Also, screenshot everything! Both TWC and OESC websites can be glitchy, and having screenshots of your submissions and confirmations is invaluable if something goes wrong. Good luck with your claim!

Just wanted to share my recent experience with this exact situation! I moved from Dallas to Colorado in February and got laid off in March. Filed with TWC and it worked out fine, but here's what I wish someone had told me upfront: 1. The interstate coordination can be slower than they tell you - my first payment was delayed by almost 2 weeks while the systems "talked to each other" 2. Colorado's work search requirements are WAY more strict than Texas - you need 5 job contacts per week instead of 3, and they're super picky about documentation 3. Make sure you understand which state's appeal process applies if something goes wrong - it's the paying state (Texas) not your resident state 4. When you do your weekly certifications, you'll still use the TWC system but some of the questions might seem weird because they're written for Texas residents The good news is once it's all set up, the payments come through just fine via direct deposit. Just be patient with the initial setup process and don't panic if it takes longer than expected!