when i finished my contract last yr it took about 10 days from filing to getting determination letter saying i was approved. first payment came like 3 days after that. not too bad actually!

Since you mentioned your contract is ending due to budget cuts, make sure you get something in writing from your employer stating this. It could be an email or formal letter. This documentation will be helpful if TWC contacts your employer to verify the reason for separation. Sometimes employers dispute unemployment claims, even for contract endings, to avoid increases in their unemployment insurance rates. Having written proof that the separation wasn't your fault will strengthen your claim.

Heads up - those appeal hearings are super formal! Judge made me swear an oath and everything lol. But dont be nervous just tell truth. I would check mail settings too sometimes TWC emails go to spam

Has anyone actually used that Claimyr service mentioned above? I've been trying to get someone at TWC on the phone for days and I'm desperate, but wondering if it's legit before I try it.

I just want to emphasize how INSANE it is that TWC doesn't make this clear!!! The determination letter should say in HUGE BOLD LETTERS that you need to keep requesting payments during appeal. They deliberately make this confusing so people miss out on benefits they deserve. It's total BS that we have to learn this stuff from random internet strangers instead of the actual agency that's supposed to help unemployed people!

One more thing - when you talk to TWC about the missed payment requests, make sure you specifically ask for a "backdated payment request" form. They can email it to you. Fill it out for each missed week, explaining that you weren't informed of the requirement to continue requesting during appeal. Be very specific with dates and include any proof that you were job searching during those weeks. This won't guarantee they'll allow the retroactive requests, but it improves your chances significantly.

hav u tried the chat option on the website? thats how i got help

I tried the chat but it just gave me automated responses that didn't help with my specific situation. Maybe I'll try again though.

i work for a different temp agency now but got benefits last year when my assignment ended. one weird thing was my benefit amount was super low because they only counted the weeks i actually worked, not the full quarter. just be prepared that your weekly benefit might be less than you expect.

One more important detail: when you request your payment every two weeks, if the temp agency contacts you about ANY potential work during that period, you must report that contact on your payment request, even if you didn't accept the assignment. Failure to report these contacts can result in an overpayment determination later. Also, make sure you're doing and documenting at least 3 work search activities each week. For temp workers, TWC is particularly strict about verifying these because they want to ensure you're actively looking for work while waiting for the agency to call.

quick question - did anyone have to do those stupid work search requirements during the appeal process? i thought we didn't have to do that until after getting approved but my friend said i should be doing them now just in case??? so confused

Got my decision today - APPROVED!!! Only took 5 days instead of the 7-10 they said. The letter specifically mentioned that "claimant's testimony was found credible and employer failed to appear to provide contradicting evidence." Thank you all for the support! Now waiting for the backpay to hit my account.

UPDATE: The website is back up now! Just successfully submitted my payment request. It's running a bit slow but at least it's working. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

I'm still getting an error message when I try to log in. Anyone else still having problems or is it just me now? Getting so frustrated with this whole process!!!

In my experience working with TWC claims, after the caseworker interview, a determination is typically made within 5-10 business days. However, remember that the timeline can vary based on: - How many claims TWC is processing at the moment - Whether your employer contests any details - If additional verification is needed - Any discrepancies in your work history Keep up with your payment requests every two weeks. If approved, you'll receive payment for all eligible weeks you've requested. Make sure you're completing your work search activities too (minimum 3 per week) and documenting them properly. Even before approval, you need to meet these requirements to receive benefits for each week.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! I'm feeling a bit more optimistic now. I've been doing my work searches and keeping records, and I'll definitely keep requesting payments every two weeks. I'll update this thread once I hear something. Hoping for that determination letter soon!

Yes, you might have a valid FMLA claim since you meet the requirements. You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division. This would be separate from your unemployment claim, but could potentially help with getting your job back or receiving compensation if they find your termination violated FMLA protections.

good luck with TWC, mine took 5 weeks to get approved 😩

Just to follow up on my earlier comment - if you have direct deposit, most payments delayed by a holiday will arrive by Wednesday morning at the latest. If you have the TWC debit card, it can sometimes take until Thursday because there's an extra processing step with the card issuer. For future reference, here are the remaining federal holidays in 2025 that might affect your payment timing: - Memorial Day (May 26) - Juneteenth (June 19) - Independence Day (July 4) - Labor Day (September 1) - Columbus Day (October 13) - Veterans Day (November 11) - Thanksgiving (November 27) - Christmas (December 25

mine just posted!!!! check ur account maybe