Update: I finally got through to TWC today! The agent confirmed what everyone here said - there aren't any automatic extensions right now. But she was actually really helpful and went through some options with me: 1. She explained how to apply for SNAP benefits to help with groceries while job searching 2. Connected me with Workforce Solutions for their healthcare specialization program 3. Suggested I look into the Self-Employment Assistance program since I have some skills that could work freelance I have an appointment with a career counselor next week, and they're going to help me explore training options that might come with a stipend. Still worried about paying rent next month, but at least I have some direction now. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

I'm really glad you were able to get through to TWC and found some helpful resources! Your update gives me hope since I'm in a similar situation - my benefits are ending in about 6 weeks and I've been dreading making that call. The Self-Employment Assistance program sounds particularly interesting since I've been considering freelance work in my field but wasn't sure if that would affect my unemployment status. Could you share any details about what the Self-Employment Assistance program involves? Is it something you can do while still collecting benefits or is it a replacement for benefits? Also, did they mention anything about the healthcare specialization program at Workforce Solutions - like how long it takes or what certifications they offer? Thanks for taking the time to update everyone. It's so helpful to hear from someone who actually made it through the process successfully!

I'm a former TWC claims examiner and wanted to share some insider perspective on your situation. You absolutely have a viable case for benefits, but timing and documentation will be crucial. Here's what I've seen work best in similar cases: When you submit your written request to stay on nights, include a specific timeline showing you were hired for night shift work and emphasize that accepting this position was contingent on the schedule accommodating your childcare situation. Use phrases like "material breach of hiring terms" and "constructive discharge due to unilateral schedule modification." TWC examiners look for three key elements: 1) The change was substantial and affected core job conditions, 2) You made good faith efforts to resolve the conflict, and 3) Quitting was your only reasonable option. Your situation checks all these boxes. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - when you file your claim, you'll likely be asked about your availability for work. Be prepared to explain that you ARE available for employment, just not morning shift positions due to childcare constraints. This isn't considered a limitation that would disqualify you from benefits, especially since night shift jobs exist in your field. The initial determination might take 2-3 weeks, so definitely look into emergency assistance programs if needed. Even if initially denied, appeals have about a 70% success rate for legitimate constructive discharge cases when properly documented. Don't let an initial denial discourage you - your case has strong merit based on what you've described.

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 currently going through my own TWC nightmare and this thread has been incredibly valuable! I lost my initial hearing last month over a $3,900 overpayment - my employer claimed I was fired for poor performance when I was actually let go after reporting safety violations to OSHA. What really resonates with me from everyone's advice is treating the Commission Appeal as a completely fresh start. I made the mistake in my first hearing of assuming the hearing officer would understand the context, but now I realize I need to spell everything out with documentation. @Fidel Carson - your breakdown of evidence requirements is exactly what I needed. I have emails showing I reported the safety issues and my supervisor's retaliation afterwards, plus OSHA correspondence. Sounds like documenting the timeline and showing I had no reasonable alternative will be key. @Isaiah Sanders - I'm definitely going to try Claimyr to get through to TWC. I've been trying to call for two weeks with no luck and I need to understand exactly what the hearing officer found lacking in my case before I file my Commission Appeal. One question for the group - has anyone dealt with a retaliation case specifically? I'm wondering if there are additional protections for whistleblower situations that I should be citing in my appeal. The safety issues I reported were serious (exposed electrical wiring) and I feel like I had a legal obligation to report them. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. It's scary facing these overpayments but knowing others have successfully navigated the Commission Appeals process gives me hope! 💪

I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now! Just lost my TWC hearing two weeks ago and they're demanding I pay back $4,200. My employer claimed I quit without notice, but the reality is they kept cutting my hours until I couldn't afford to stay - classic constructive discharge. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been so incredibly helpful and given me hope that I'm not totally screwed. I had no idea I could submit new evidence at the Commission Appeals level or that I should be citing specific legal codes. I was planning to just rehash the same arguments from my first hearing, but now I understand I need to approach this completely differently. @Fidel Carson - your legal breakdown is exactly what I needed to see. I think I can prove constructive discharge since they cut my hours from 40/week to 15/week over two months, making it impossible to pay my rent. I have pay stubs showing the hour reduction and texts with my manager where I asked for more hours and was told "business is slow." @Isaiah Sanders - definitely going to try Claimyr tomorrow. I've been trying to reach TWC for over a week and it's impossible. Getting insight into why the hearing officer ruled against me before I file my Commission Appeal could be crucial. The most encouraging thing I'm seeing from everyone is that the Commission Appeals process seems much more thorough and fair than the initial hearings. I'm going to spend this week gathering all the additional documentation people have suggested and organizing everything chronologically. Thank you all for sharing your stories and advice - this community support means everything when you're facing thousands in overpayment demands! I'll definitely update once I file my appeal. 🙏

I'm so sorry you're going through this heartbreaking situation with your son. While others have covered the unemployment eligibility well, I wanted to mention a few additional resources that might help: 1) Check if your county has a Special Needs Alliance or similar organization - they often have emergency financial assistance specifically for families with medically complex children. 2) Contact United Way by dialing 211 - they maintain a comprehensive database of local assistance programs and can often connect you with resources you might not find otherwise. 3) Some utility companies have hardship programs that can reduce your monthly bills, which frees up money for other expenses. Also, don't overlook applying for WIC if you haven't already - even though your son has special dietary needs, they may be able to help with approved formula or foods. Hang in there, and please keep us updated on how things go with TANF and the other suggestions.

Harper, my heart goes out to you and your precious little one. While I don't have additional resources to add beyond what others have shared, I wanted to mention that some churches and faith-based organizations (regardless of your religious affiliation) often have emergency assistance funds specifically for medical crises like yours. Many don't require you to be a member and can sometimes provide one-time help with utilities, groceries, or medical expenses. Also, if your son receives any services through Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), the case workers there are often fantastic at connecting families with lesser-known assistance programs. They work with families in similar situations regularly and may know of grants or support services that aren't widely advertised. You're doing an incredible job caring for your son during an unimaginably difficult time.

Hey Zoe! Congrats on winning your appeal - what a relief that must be after all that stress! I'm actually going through something very similar right now. Got laid off in December, denied benefits in January because my employer claimed I "voluntarily quit" (complete nonsense), and I have my appeal hearing scheduled for next Friday. Reading through everyone's experiences here is giving me so much hope! It sounds like you did everything perfectly - keeping up with payment requests during the appeal and having solid documentation to counter their bogus claims. Since your status just changed to eligible yesterday, that's definitely a good sign that the payment processing is moving along. From what everyone's sharing, it seems like once that status flips, you're usually looking at just a few more business days. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your payment comes through super quick! And thank you for sharing your experience - it's really encouraging for those of us still fighting our appeals. The fact that the hearing officer actually listened to your evidence and saw through your employer's BS gives me hope that there are still fair people in the system. Hang in there - you're so close to getting what you're rightfully owed!

Hey Zoe! Congratulations on winning your appeal - that's such a huge victory after dealing with all that stress and uncertainty! I'm currently waiting for my own appeal hearing (scheduled for next month) so it's really encouraging to hear success stories like yours. Based on what everyone else is sharing, it sounds like you're right on track with the timing. The fact that your account status changed from disqualified to eligible is definitely a positive sign that their system is processing everything. From the experiences shared here, it looks like most people see their payment within a few business days once that status flips. I've been following this community for a while now and the advice about continuing to do payment requests during the appeal seems to be absolutely critical - sounds like you were smart to keep doing that! It's frustrating that TWC doesn't make this clearer in their process. Keep us posted on when your payment comes through - it'll give hope to those of us still in the appeals process. After 3+ months of this ordeal, you definitely deserve to get your benefits quickly. Fingers crossed it shows up in your account very soon!