make sure u send any documents you plan to use to BOTH the hearing officer AND your former employer before the hearing. there are rules about when these need to be submitted. if u try to introduce new evidence during the hearing that you didn't share beforehand they might not accept it!!

I went through something very similar about 18 months ago - employer appealed after I was already approved and receiving benefits. The delay you experienced is unfortunately normal due to TWC's backlog issues. Here's what really helped me prepare: I created a simple one-page timeline with dates showing exactly what happened leading up to my termination. Since your termination letter specifically mentions "position elimination due to departmental restructuring," that's your strongest piece of evidence. Make copies for everyone involved in the hearing. During my hearing, the employer tried to bring up minor issues that were never documented or addressed during my employment. The hearing officer asked them directly why these weren't mentioned in my personnel file or addressed through progressive discipline if they were serious enough to constitute misconduct. That really hurt their case. Stay calm during the hearing and remember - you already won once when the initial investigator approved your claim after interviewing both parties. The burden is on your employer to prove misconduct occurred, not on you to prove it didn't. Good luck!

Hey OP, make sure you're checking your mail too. Sometimes they send important notices about account issues through snail mail (because apparently it's still 1995 🙄

This is so frustrating but unfortunately becoming way too common. I went through the same thing a few months ago - account got flagged out of nowhere even though I'd been filing correctly for weeks. The key is persistence and documentation. Start calling first thing in the morning (like 8am sharp), have your SS card, ID, and any previous correspondence ready. Write down the date/time of every call and who you speak with. It took me about 10 days of daily calls but I finally got someone who could actually fix it. The "system error" excuse is their go-to line but keep pushing. You got this! 💪

Based on everyone's experiences here, I suggest taking these steps: 1. Call TWC first thing tomorrow at 800-939-6631 2. If you can't get through, try again during off-peak hours (usually right after lunch) 3. Have your confirmation number ready 4. Ask the representative to: - Verify they see your overpayment payment in the system - Flag your account to prevent a second deduction - Document the call in your case notes - Provide you with a reference number for the call If they do end up taking the payment twice, you'll need to go through their refund process, which typically takes 1-2 weeks. The good news is that they do eventually correct these issues, but it can be frustrating waiting for the resolution.

I went through this same situation about 3 months ago and unfortunately they did take the money twice from me too. What I learned is that you need to call them BEFORE your payment processes, not after. Once I finally got through to someone (took about 8 calls over 2 days), they were able to see my payment confirmation and put a hold on the automatic deduction. The rep told me their payment system updates in real-time but their benefits deduction system runs on a delay, so there's always a window where this can happen. Definitely try calling tomorrow morning and keep your confirmation number handy - you'll need it to prove you already paid!

my brother works at twc and says they approve MOST tardiness firings unless its like crazy excessive (like hours late everyday) or you were on a final warning for something else too

Based on everything you've shared, I think you have a good case. Make sure to provide TWC with these details about your tardiness reasons when they contact you. The fact that your final tardy was to take your child to school when your spouse couldn't is particularly relevant - TWC often recognizes family obligations as reasonable causes. If you do receive a denial, don't panic. The appeal process is straightforward: 1. Submit your appeal online or by mail within the 14-day deadline 2. Prepare a simple statement explaining why you believe the decision was incorrect 3. Gather any documentation supporting your explanation 4. Participate in the telephone hearing when scheduled Approximately 30-40% of initial denials are reversed on appeal, especially in cases like yours where the "misconduct" is debatable.

My brother in law got partial unemplyment for 6 months when he lost his welding job but kept working at his uncles shop part time. Hes fine never had to pay anything back. you worry too much lol

I'm in almost the exact same situation! Lost my full-time warehouse job but still have my weekend cashier position. I was terrified to file because I thought having ANY job would disqualify me, but reading everyone's responses here is so reassuring. I've been putting off filing for two weeks because I was scared of getting in trouble later. Sounds like as long as I'm honest about my part-time earnings, I should be okay to apply. Thanks for posting this question - you probably helped a lot of people who were in the same boat!