I was in a similar situation last year with my TWC appeal! My employer completely ignored all my attempts to contact them after I was terminated. Here's what worked for me: Send everything via certified mail AND email immediately - don't wait another day. I used certified mail with return receipt requested to create an official paper trail. Even though my employer refused to sign for the certified letter (it got returned as "unclaimed"), the TWC hearing officer accepted this as proof that I made a good faith effort to deliver the documents. Make sure to keep the postal receipts and any returned mail as evidence. During my hearing, when my employer claimed they never received anything, I was able to show the hearing officer my certified mail receipts and the returned envelope marked "unclaimed." The hearing officer noted that I had followed proper procedure. Also, organize everything with a cover sheet listing your case number, hearing date, and itemized list of enclosed documents. This shows you're taking the process seriously and makes it harder for anyone to claim documents were missing. You've got this! The fact that you have paystubs, emails, and texts puts you in a strong position. Just focus on following the proper procedure for sharing evidence, and don't let your employer's lack of response derail your case.

I'm going through something very similar right now with my TWC appeal! My former employer has been completely unresponsive since they fired me, so I totally understand your stress about getting these documents delivered properly. Here's what I learned from talking to a TWC representative: you absolutely MUST attempt to send the documents to your employer, but the key word is "attempt." The hearing officer needs to see that you made a good faith effort to comply with the rules, not that your employer actually received or acknowledged the documents. My plan is to do both certified mail AND email to cover all bases. For certified mail, I'm sending it "return receipt requested" so I have proof of delivery attempt even if they refuse to sign. For email, I'm sending to their HR department and any other work email I have, then taking screenshots of the sent confirmation. The most important thing is to do this ASAP since you only have 2 weeks left. Don't let their lack of communication sabotage your case - you have good evidence and that's what really matters in the hearing. Stay organized, follow the procedures exactly, and bring all your proof of delivery attempts to the hearing. You've got this!

Great tip about checking for overpayments on the 1099-G! I didn't have any overpayments thankfully, but that's definitely something people should watch out for. One more thing I learned while researching this - if anyone here is married and filing jointly, make sure to discuss the tax implications with your spouse. The unemployment income could potentially bump you into a higher tax bracket or affect other credits/deductions. My wife and I are planning to meet with our tax preparer early this year to make sure we're prepared for any surprises.

Just wanted to add another resource that might be helpful - if you're doing your own taxes this year, make sure your tax software can handle unemployment income properly. I used TurboTax last year and it walked me through exactly where to enter the 1099-G information and automatically calculated everything. Some of the free filing options through the IRS website also handle unemployment benefits well. Also, if you're still unemployed or underemployed, you might qualify for free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. They have locations throughout Texas and the volunteers are trained specifically on unemployment tax issues since it became such a big deal during the pandemic years.

I'm in the exact same boat right now! Filed my claim about 9 days ago after being laid off due to company restructuring, and my WBA ($412) just appeared on my portal this morning. Like you, I was initially relieved thinking it meant I was approved, but then noticed my status still says "under review." This thread has been such a lifesaver - I had no idea this was normal TWC procedure! It's really reassuring to hear from so many people who went through the same thing with legitimate layoffs and eventually got approved. I also just got hit with the ID.me verification requirement today, so I'll be tackling that this weekend based on all the helpful advice shared here. The stress about upcoming bills is so real! I've been checking my portal obsessively hoping for updates. It's comforting to know that's totally normal and that company restructuring should be a qualifying separation reason once they finish all their verification steps. I'm definitely going to set up those text alerts that Val mentioned and make sure to submit my payment request next week even while still under review. Thanks for posting this question - you've helped so many of us understand this confusing process and feel less alone during the stressful waiting period! Fingers crossed we all get our approval letters soon! 🤞

I'm going through the exact same situation! Filed my claim about a week ago after being laid off due to company downsizing, and my WBA ($445) just showed up yesterday. Like everyone else here, I initially thought seeing the benefit amount meant I was automatically approved, but then realized my status still says "under review." This entire thread has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea that the WBA appearing was just one step in the verification process! Reading everyone's experiences has really eased my anxiety about the waiting period. I also just got the ID.me verification requirement today, so I'll be working through that this weekend based on all the great tips shared here. The financial stress while waiting is so intense, especially with rent due soon! I've definitely been guilty of refreshing my portal every few hours hoping for changes. It's really comforting to know that legitimate layoffs like company downsizing typically get approved once TWC finishes all their verification steps. I'm planning to submit my first payment request next Tuesday even though I'm still under review, and I've been documenting all my work search activities just to be safe. Thanks Amina for asking this question - you've created such a supportive thread that's helping so many of us navigate this confusing and stressful process! Hoping we all get our approval letters soon! 🤞

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this stressful situation - hospitality has definitely been hit hard and the job market is tough right now. Unfortunately, what others have said is correct - Texas doesn't currently offer benefit extensions beyond the standard 26 weeks. The Extended Benefits program that existed during COVID and previous recessions isn't active. However, don't give up hope! Here are some immediate steps I'd suggest: 1. Contact your local Workforce Solutions office ASAP about their training programs - some offer stipends while you learn new skills, and as others mentioned, they often have better job placement rates than going it alone 2. Call 211 for a comprehensive list of local assistance programs for rent, utilities, and food while you transition 3. Consider expanding your job search beyond hospitality - your customer service and management skills are highly transferable to healthcare admin, retail management, and office environments 4. Keep filing your payment requests even after benefits end (as someone else wisely mentioned) in case any federal programs become available 5. If you're able to get through to TWC (try that Claimyr service another commenter mentioned), ask specifically about Trade Adjustment Assistance or any disaster-related programs you might qualify for The next few weeks will be challenging, but many people have successfully transitioned from hospitality to other industries. Your management experience is valuable - don't underestimate how that translates to other fields. Hang in there!

I went through the exact same thing in hospitality management last year and it's absolutely terrifying when you see those final payments approaching. What really saved me was diversifying my approach - I ended up getting hired at a corporate event planning company where my hotel management experience was actually a huge asset. They loved that I understood logistics, vendor management, and could handle high-pressure situations with demanding clients. A few practical tips that worked for me: - LinkedIn was more helpful than job boards for management positions. I messaged hiring managers directly explaining how my hospitality skills transferred - Temporary staffing agencies often have immediate openings in office management and customer service roles that can bridge the gap - Check out your local community college's continuing education programs - some offer free courses in software like QuickBooks or Excel that can make you more competitive Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're claiming every deduction possible on your taxes and look into whether you qualify for any local energy assistance programs. Every little bit helps when you're stretching resources. The job market is definitely tough right now, but your management background is more valuable than you might think outside of hospitality. Don't give up!

Quick update for anyone finding this thread later - I just checked my TWC account and my payment from Monday (Veterans Day) has a processing date of Wednesday with expected deposit of Friday. So that confirms what others have said about the two-day delay. Hope this helps with planning!

I'm dealing with the same issue right now - requested my payment Monday not realizing it was Veterans Day. Based on what everyone's saying here, it sounds like we're all looking at Friday deposits instead of the usual Wednesday/Thursday. Really wish TWC would send out email alerts or something when there's going to be holiday delays. I've got rent due Saturday so Friday will work but man, the stress of not knowing for sure is rough. At least now I know to mark all the federal holidays on my calendar going forward. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!