I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Got denied DUA for my freelance graphic design business after the flooding wiped out my home office and damaged my equipment. The "insufficient proof of self-employment" reason is so frustrating because I thought my tax returns and client invoices would be enough. Reading through all these responses is giving me hope though - it sounds like the key is really proving that direct connection between the disaster and your inability to work. I have emails from three clients who had to postpone their projects because their businesses were dealing with flood damage, plus photos of my flooded office space and damaged computer equipment. One question for those who successfully appealed - did you submit your appeal online through the TWC website or mail it in? I'm worried about the 14-day deadline and want to make sure it gets there on time. Also, did anyone include a letter from their accountant or tax preparer confirming their self-employment status? Wondering if that would help strengthen the case. This whole process is so stressful when you're already dealing with disaster recovery. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it's really helpful to know others have gotten through this successfully!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this denial - it's incredibly frustrating when you clearly qualify but get caught up in their documentation requirements. Based on what you've described, you actually have a really strong case for appeal with those canceled job emails and $6,000+ in documented lost work. A few things that helped me when I appealed my DUA denial for my handyman business: 1. Create a clear timeline showing your normal work schedule vs. what happened after the flooding 2. Include a brief cover letter explaining exactly how the disaster made it impossible to continue working (flooded job sites, client properties damaged, equipment issues, etc.) 3. Organize all your documents with clear labels - make it easy for the reviewer to see the connection The fact that you have specific emails from clients canceling due to flood damage is gold - that's exactly the direct causal link they're looking for. Your 2024 tax returns establish your self-employment status, but those client cancellation emails prove the disaster's immediate impact. Don't let that 14-day deadline stress you out too much, but definitely don't wait until the last minute. Submit everything you have even if you think of additional documents later - you can always send supplemental information. The most important thing is getting your appeal filed on time. You've got this! The appeal process works when you have the right documentation, and it sounds like you're already gathering exactly what they need to see.

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! My eligibility was just restored after a successful appeal, and I have about 7 weeks that I requested while ineligible. Reading through all these responses is giving me hope that I can still get those weeks paid. I'm definitely going to try calling tomorrow with my confirmation numbers ready. Has anyone had success getting through to TWC early in the morning vs later in the day? I'm wondering if there's a better time to call to avoid the busy signals. Also really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences - it's so stressful not knowing if you'll lose those weeks of benefits you rightfully earned!

I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Just to add another data point - I was able to get through to TWC yesterday afternoon around 2pm after trying for several days. The key thing the agent told me is that they can see ALL your previous payment request activity in their system, even when you were ineligible. She was able to pull up every week I had requested going back 3 months and released all of them on the spot once she confirmed my eligibility determination was in the system. The whole call took about 15 minutes once I got through. She also mentioned that if you DON'T call to request the back weeks, they will eventually "age out" of the system (she said after 6 months), so definitely don't wait too long. For anyone still trying to get through - persistence really does pay off. I called about 20 times over 4 days but finally connected. Having your confirmation numbers ready definitely speeds up the process!

I'm going through a similar situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I quit my construction job last month after repeated safety violations - missing guardrails on scaffolding, no fall protection equipment provided, and electrical hazards that were reported but never fixed. My initial claim was denied for "voluntary quit without good cause" even though I have photos and witness statements. My appeal hearing is next week and I was terrified until reading everyone's experiences here. Thank you all for sharing what worked - I'm printing everything out, organizing it by date, and practicing explaining the specific safety violations calmly. It's encouraging to know that people DO win these appeals when they have proper documentation. Fingers crossed!

I successfully won my TWC appeal for unsafe working conditions about 8 months ago. Here's my advice based on what worked for me: 1) Create a comprehensive timeline showing when each safety issue started, when you reported it, and to whom. 2) Print everything - don't rely on digital copies during the hearing. 3) Know the specific OSHA or safety regulations that were violated. 4) Practice explaining each safety concern in 2-3 clear sentences. During my hearing, the employer tried to claim the issues were "minor" and "being addressed," but my documented timeline showing 3+ months of ignored complaints proved otherwise. The hearing officer was very thorough and asked good questions. Stay factual, don't let emotions take over, and remember - you have the right to a safe workplace. Your photos and documentation of reporting the issues multiple times puts you in a strong position. You've got this!

Hey Butch! I went through the TWC process about 3 months ago after my retail management position was eliminated, and I can definitely relate to feeling overwhelmed at first. One thing that really saved me time was creating a checklist before starting the application. Here's what I wish I had organized beforehand: - Last 5 pay stubs (to verify wages and employer info) - Employment verification letter or termination notice if you have one - Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit - A quiet 45-60 minutes when you won't be interrupted The biggest mistake I made was trying to rush through it during my lunch break and had to start over because the session timed out. Also, once you submit, you'll start getting mail from TWC pretty quickly - some will be informational, others will be time-sensitive. I set up a dedicated email folder and physical folder just for TWC correspondence so I wouldn't miss anything important. One more thing - the WorkInTexas.com registration that others mentioned isn't just a formality. They actually have some decent job search tools and employer connections, so it's worth spending a few minutes setting up a proper profile there rather than just doing the bare minimum to satisfy the requirement. You're asking all the right questions, which tells me you'll navigate this just fine. The fact that you were laid off due to downsizing (not fired for performance issues) should make your approval pretty straightforward. Hang in there!

Hey Butch! I filed for TWC unemployment about 2 months ago after my company went through massive layoffs, and I totally understand that overwhelming feeling you're experiencing right now. Everyone here has given you amazing advice already, but I wanted to add one thing that really helped me during the waiting period - set up a routine. After I submitted my application, I was constantly refreshing my email and checking my mailbox obsessively waiting for updates from TWC. What helped was designating specific times to check for updates (like once in the morning and once in the evening) rather than constantly worrying about it throughout the day. Also, use this waiting time productively! Start networking now, even before you officially start your work search requirements. Reach out to former colleagues, join professional groups on LinkedIn, and let people know you're looking. Some of the best opportunities come through personal connections rather than job boards. One practical tip - when you do get approved and start your work search activities, mix up your approach each week. Don't just apply to 3 jobs and call it done. Maybe do 2 applications, 1 networking event, and 1 skill-building activity. It keeps things interesting and you'll probably have better success with a varied approach. The retail industry is tough right now, but there are definitely opportunities out there. Having that TWC safety net will give you the breathing room to find something good rather than just taking the first thing that comes along. You've got this!

Just wanted to add from my experience - I successfully got benefits after quitting my retail job due to a manager who was sexually harassing me. The key things that helped my case were: 1. I kept a detailed journal with dates, times, and exactly what was said/done 2. I reported it to HR in writing (email) and kept copies of their inadequate responses 3. I got a witness statement from a coworker who saw some of the incidents 4. I consulted with my doctor about the anxiety it was causing and got that documented The whole process took about 3 months from when I quit to getting approved, but it was worth fighting for. TWC initially denied me, but I won on appeal. The hearing was nerve-wracking but the officer was professional and focused on the facts. One thing I wish I'd known earlier - if you're documenting inappropriate comments, try to get them in writing somehow. I started responding to verbal comments with follow-up texts like "Just to clarify what you said to me today about..." and sometimes he'd actually respond confirming it! That evidence was huge during my hearing. Stay strong and document everything. Your mental health matters more than any job.

I want to add some practical advice about timing and next steps. If you do decide to quit, apply for unemployment benefits IMMEDIATELY - don't wait. The sooner you file, the sooner the process starts, and there's a one-week waiting period before benefits can begin anyway. Also, when you're gathering documentation, include any evidence that shows the treatment you're receiving is different from other employees. Performance metrics comparing your quotas to coworkers, emails showing different standards being applied to you, etc. This helps establish a pattern of targeting rather than just general workplace stress. One more thing - if you have any coworkers who've witnessed the inappropriate comments or impossible quotas, ask if they'd be willing to provide written statements. Even if they're still employed there, sometimes people will help if you explain the situation. Just be discreet about it. The documentation you're already thinking about (texts, emails to HR, doctor's notes) sounds like you're on the right track. Keep building that paper trail and don't let anyone convince you that workplace harassment is "just part of the job." You deserve a safe work environment.