Just wanted to add that you should also keep track of exactly when your last teacher paycheck comes through - sometimes districts have slight variations in their final payment dates. Once that last check clears, make sure to note it because that's when you can expect to start receiving your full unemployment benefits (assuming you're still unemployed and eligible). Also, since you mentioned relocating within Texas, you might want to update your address with TWC once you move to avoid any mail delivery issues with important correspondence about your claim.

One more thing to keep in mind - make sure you're reporting your teacher salary on the correct weeks when you do your payment requests. TWC asks for earnings for the specific week being requested, so if you get paid every two weeks or monthly, you'll need to figure out which week(s) that paycheck covers. For example, if you get paid on the 15th for work periods that span multiple weeks, you'd report that income for the weeks it actually covers, not just the week you received the payment. This can get a bit tricky with teacher pay schedules, so keep good records of your pay stubs to make sure you're reporting accurately.

I feel your frustration! I went through this exact same thing a few months back. Here's what I learned from my experience: First, definitely try that alternative number (888-872-8414) that Ava mentioned - it worked better for me than the main line. Also, I had success calling at exactly 7:59 AM and staying on the line even when it seemed like nothing was happening. One thing that really helped me was creating a simple log of every call attempt - time, what happened, how long I waited, etc. It helped me identify patterns and also gave me specific details when I finally got through to an agent. For your "pending" status after 3 weeks, that's definitely not normal. In my case, it turned out my employer hadn't responded to their notice yet, but TWC never told me that was the holdup. When I finally got through, the agent was able to see exactly what was missing and expedite the process. If all else fails, definitely reach out to your state representative like ElectricDreamer suggested. I wish I had known about that option earlier - would have saved me weeks of stress! Good luck, and don't give up. The system is frustrating but you'll get through eventually.

I just went through this same ordeal last week! After reading through all these suggestions, here's what finally worked for me: I combined several of the strategies mentioned here. I used a redial app (Auto Redial for Android) starting at 7:58 AM, and it took about 90 minutes but I finally got through on the 888-872-8414 number that Ava mentioned. When I finally connected, the agent told me that my claim was stuck because my previous employer had 10 days to respond to a notice, and they were on day 9. Nobody had told me this was happening! The agent was able to see that the employer response was the only thing holding up my payments. One thing I wish I'd known earlier - you can actually see more detailed status information if you log into your account and look under "View and Maintain Account Information" then "Claim and Payment Status." It shows stuff that doesn't appear on the main dashboard. Also, I started keeping a simple note on my phone with each call attempt (time, outcome, wait time) like Natasha suggested. It really helped me stay focused instead of just getting angry at the system. Don't give up! The system is definitely broken but you can get through with persistence and the right timing.

I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been super helpful! Just wanted to add that when I called TWC yesterday, they told me to make sure I have my last day of work documented clearly - apparently they need to know the exact date you went from "temporary disaster-related work loss" to "permanent layoff" for their records. The agent also mentioned that if you worked any hours during your DUA period (like cleanup work or temporary shifts), you need to report those too when filing your regular UI claim. It can affect your base period calculation. Also heads up - they're apparently pretty backed up right now with Beryl-related claims so expect longer processing times than usual. Stay strong everyone, we'll get through this!

Just went through this exact situation two weeks ago! Hurricane Beryl damaged my workplace and I was on DUA, then got permanently laid off when they decided not to rebuild. Here's what I learned: 1. You MUST file a completely new regular UI claim - they don't transfer automatically 2. File ASAP even if you're still getting DUA payments - you can keep collecting DUA until your regular UI gets approved 3. Your benefit amount will likely be different since regular UI uses your actual wage history vs DUA's set amounts 4. Make sure you have documentation of your permanent layoff (email, letter, etc.) - they'll want proof of why you're switching from disaster to regular benefits One thing that surprised me: my regular UI amount was actually $150/week MORE than my DUA payments since I had good earnings history. The transition took about 2 weeks and there was no gap in payments as long as I kept requesting my DUA benefits until the regular UI kicked in. The work search requirement for regular UI is annoying compared to DUA, but honestly just document everything you're already doing - applying online, networking, etc. You've got this! The TWC system is confusing but once you get the ball rolling it works out.

Based on your comments about having worked some small jobs since your last claim, I'd recommend filing a new initial claim immediately. Bring all documentation of those jobs - even if they were short-term. TWC will calculate if you've earned enough in your base period to qualify. Regarding your housing situation, contact your county's Health and Human Services department. Many counties have emergency housing assistance, especially if you're actively looking for work. As for your former employer, while they don't have to rehire you, if you believe their refusal is based on retaliation for filing unemployment or based on a protected characteristic (race, gender, age, disability, etc.), you might have grounds for a discrimination complaint. The Texas Workforce Commission's Civil Rights Division handles these types of complaints.

I went through something similar last year and it's really tough. One thing that helped me was applying for emergency rental assistance through 211 (just dial 2-1-1). They connected me with local programs that could help with hotel costs while I got back on my feet. Also, when you file that new claim, make sure to mention you're experiencing homelessness - TWC sometimes has expedited processing for people in crisis situations. Don't give up! It took me about 2 months to get everything sorted out but I eventually found something better than my old job anyway. Hang in there and keep us posted on how the new claim goes!

I went through this exact same situation with TWC about 8 months ago when my retail job cut hours to basically nothing. Here's what I learned the hard way: Your first payment will definitely only cover ONE week because of the waiting week policy. Even though you'll certify for two weeks on Dec 10th, you won't get paid for that first week until much later in your claim (after you've collected benefits equal to 3x your weekly amount). One thing I wish someone had told me - the payment processing can sometimes take longer than the estimated date, especially around holidays. Don't panic if the Dec 18th deposit doesn't hit exactly on time. Mine was delayed by 2 days during Thanksgiving week. Also, start keeping a spreadsheet of ALL work search activities now. I used a simple Google Sheet with columns for date, company name, position applied for, and method (online, in person, etc.). TWC can audit you at any time and they want very specific documentation. Better to be over-prepared than scramble later! The uncertainty is really stressful but you're doing the right thing by planning ahead. Hang in there!

Just want to add one more thing that might help with your planning - when you do get that first payment (likely around $300-500 depending on his previous wages), remember that unemployment benefits ARE taxable income. TWC doesn't automatically withhold taxes unless you specifically request it when filing your claim. You can have 10% federal taxes withheld from future payments by logging into your TWC account and updating your tax withholding preference. This might be worth considering so you don't get hit with a big tax bill next April. I learned this the hard way my first time on unemployment! Also, if your husband was in construction, he might want to check with his former employer about whether they're planning to call workers back after the holidays. Some construction companies do temporary layoffs during slow winter months and rehire in spring. If there's a chance of recall, make sure he reports that possibility to TWC - it could affect his work search requirements. Hope this helps and that things get better for your family soon!