Sorry to hear about your layoff - that's always tough, especially with no warning. Just wanted to add a few practical tips that helped me when I went through this last year: 1. Apply for unemployment the same day if possible - don't wait! Every day you delay pushes back your potential start date. 2. For semi-monthly pay, they'll look at your total quarterly earnings, so gather your last few paystubs to have those numbers ready. 3. While waiting for approval, consider reaching out to local food banks or community assistance programs if money gets tight - there's no shame in getting help during a transition. 4. Start your job search immediately even before benefits kick in. The work search requirements are real, and having a head start helps both with compliance and potentially finding work faster. 5. If you have any severance pay, be aware that it might affect when your benefits start - TWC has specific rules about this. The 3-4 week timeline others mentioned is pretty accurate in my experience. Hang in there - this phase won't last forever, and you'll come out stronger on the other side!

I went through a similar situation about 6 months ago when my company did "workforce optimization" (another fancy term for layoffs). Here's what I learned that might help: **Immediate action items:** - File your claim TODAY if possible - the sooner you file, the sooner your waiting period starts - Have your Social Security card, driver's license, and last paystub ready when you apply - Write down your exact termination date and reason (you'll need this multiple times) **Semi-monthly pay specifics:** - TWC will calculate your quarterly wages automatically from employer records - They typically use your highest earning quarter from the "base period" (first 4 of last 5 completed quarters) - Your weekly benefit will be roughly your quarterly high divided by 25, up to the $694 max **Timeline reality check:** - Initial claim filing: 30-45 minutes online - Determination letter: 10-14 days if straightforward - First payment: 2-4 weeks total from filing (if no complications) - You'll get backpay for eligible weeks once approved **Money management tip:** Contact your utility companies, credit card companies, and landlord NOW to explain your situation. Many have hardship programs or will work with you on payment plans if you're proactive rather than reactive. The stress is real, but you're taking the right steps by getting informed. This community has been incredibly helpful for navigating the process!

Sounds like your hearing went really well! The fact that your employer admitted they didn't give you written warnings is huge - TWC usually expects employers to follow progressive discipline before termination, especially for attendance issues. Plus having documentation for those traffic-related tardies shows you weren't just making excuses. I'm cautiously optimistic for you! The waiting is always the hardest part, but based on what you described, I think you have a strong case. Definitely keep us updated when you hear back!

Congratulations on getting through your hearing! It really does sound like it went well. The combination of having documented evidence for some of your tardies AND your employer admitting they skipped proper progressive discipline procedures puts you in a strong position. In my experience with TWC cases, hearing officers pay close attention to whether employers followed their own policies and gave fair warning before termination. The fact that you were only one tardy over their limit, had legitimate reasons for some incidents, and didn't receive written warnings all work in your favor. The 7-14 day wait is tough, but try to stay positive. Based on what you've shared, I'd be surprised if they didn't overturn the denial. Thanks for keeping us updated - your experience will definitely help others who find themselves in similar situations!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress on top of preparing for your new baby! I went through a similar situation 2 years ago and it's incredibly frustrating how little support there is for new parents in Texas. Everyone here is absolutely right about unemployment - you won't qualify while on FMLA because you're not "available for work" even though the leave is unpaid. It's such a cruel catch-22. Here are a few things that helped me get through 10 weeks of unpaid leave: 1. **Food banks** - Many don't require income verification and can help stretch your grocery budget significantly 2. **Plasma donation** - If you're healthy, you can donate plasma while pregnant (up until about 6 weeks before due date) for extra cash 3. **Gig work before baby comes** - I did some freelance work evenings/weekends to build up savings 4. **Local pregnancy resource centers** - Many provide free diapers, formula, baby clothes and sometimes emergency financial assistance Also, start having conversations with your mortgage lender NOW rather than waiting until you miss payments. Many have hardship programs but they work better if you're proactive. The whole system is absolutely broken, but you WILL get through this. Don't be afraid to accept help from family and friends - most people understand how expensive having a baby is. Hang in there mama! 💕

I feel for you so much! I'm currently 8 months pregnant and just went through this same panic when I realized my company's maternity leave is completely unpaid too. It's honestly criminal how little support new parents get in this country. Since everyone has already confirmed that unemployment won't work (which sucks but is unfortunately true), here are a few things that have helped me prepare financially: 1. **Baby registries with completion discounts** - Target and Amazon both give you 15% off remaining registry items. I'm using this for all the essentials like diapers, wipes, etc. to stock up cheaply 2. **Local Buy Nothing groups on Facebook** - I've gotten SO much free baby stuff this way, including a barely-used crib and changing table 3. **Nextdoor app** - neighbors often sell baby items cheap or give them away 4. **Second-hand baby stores** - much cheaper than regular retail and babies outgrow everything so fast anyway Also, if you have any skills like writing, graphic design, or tutoring, consider setting up some remote freelance work you could potentially do during maternity leave (when baby is sleeping). Obviously your health and bonding time come first, but even a few hours a week could help with bills. The financial stress is so real, but you're going to be an amazing mom and you'll figure this out! We're all just trying to make the best of a broken system. ❤️

I'm going through the exact same situation right now! Filed my claim on July 23rd after being laid off from my customer service job on July 19th. It's been 8 days and I'm also seeing "under review" status. Reading through everyone's responses here is actually really helpful - I didn't realize they backdate to your last work day or about the waiting week requirement. I've been doing the bi-weekly payment requests like you, but I was worried I was doing something wrong since nothing's approved yet. The rent stress is so real though! I ended up reaching out to my landlord yesterday after reading @Aria Washington's suggestion and she was actually really understanding. Gave me a 10-day extension as long as I provide documentation when my benefits get approved. Sometimes people surprise you! Hopefully we both hear something soon. At least we know we're not alone in this waiting game.

I'm new to this whole unemployment process and just filed my claim yesterday after being let go from my teaching assistant job. Reading through all these responses is both helpful and nerve-wracking! It sounds like I should prepare for at least a 2-3 week wait, which is honestly terrifying since I was living paycheck to paycheck already. The tip about contacting your landlord early really resonates - I think I'll do that this week rather than waiting until rent is actually due. One question though - I see people mentioning work search requirements of 3 activities per week. Do those start immediately while your claim is under review, or only after you're approved? I want to make sure I'm doing everything correctly from the beginning. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it really helps to know what to expect!

UPDATE: I finally got it resolved! For anyone with similar problems in the future: I ended up using Claimyr this morning (the service someone mentioned above) and got connected to a TWC rep in about 30 minutes. The rep was able to reset my PIN, help me file my initial claim, AND backdate it to my actual layoff date four weeks ago. She said they've been having major system problems with PIN resets for the past month, which explains why none of my contact requests were answered. Now I just need to wait 2-3 weeks for the claim to process, but at least I'm in the system now! Thanks to everyone who offered advice. This has been incredibly stressful but I'm so relieved to finally have it submitted.

Congratulations on getting it resolved! Your post is going to be so helpful for others dealing with this same nightmare. I went through something similar last year and it's amazing how broken the TWC system is for something so basic as a PIN reset. The fact that you had to pay a third-party service just to reach a human being at a government agency is pretty ridiculous, but I'm glad it worked out. Make sure to keep detailed records of all your payment requests and job search activities going forward - TWC loves to randomly audit people and ask for documentation weeks later.