I just got off the phone with a TWC agent (finally!) who was much more helpful than the first one. She confirmed that since I'm in TWC-approved training, this should be considered

That's such great news! I'm really glad you got a more knowledgeable agent who could clarify the training benefits provision. It's frustrating how inconsistent the information can be between different TWC representatives. The fact that they're treating it as "good cause" because of the approved training program makes total sense - that's exactly what these workforce development programs are designed for. And having them expedite the review is huge since you're starting CDL training next week. Keep us updated on how it goes! Your situation will probably help other people in similar circumstances. CDL drivers are in such high demand right now, so this training investment should really pay off for you long-term.

Have you tried updating your info online? Sometimes the website works better than trying to call.

I went through this exact same thing last year! Here's what finally worked for me: I kept a detailed log of every attempt to contact them (date, time, method), then I reached out to my state representative's office with all that documentation. Their constituent services team was able to get through to TWC within 48 hours and got my issue resolved. It's ridiculous that we have to go through a politician's office to get basic customer service, but it worked. Also, try calling at exactly 8:00 AM when they open - I had better luck getting through early morning. Don't give up, you've got this! 💪

Thank you all for the helpful responses! So it sounds like I should: 1. Make my final regular payment request on May 23rd 2. Request the waiting week on my next filing date (June 6th) even though I don't have a job yet 3. Once I find work and earn 3x my weekly benefit amount, contact TWC to release the waiting week payment I really appreciate all the help. The TWC website and paperwork definitely don't make this clear!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation and had no idea about the return-to-work requirement for getting the waiting week payment. I've been unemployed for 4 months and getting close to exhausting my benefits too. One question - does anyone know if part-time work counts toward that 3x weekly benefit requirement? My weekly benefit amount is $521, so I'd need to earn about $1,563. If I can only find part-time work initially, will that count as long as I eventually hit that earnings threshold? Or does it have to be full-time employment specifically? Also wondering if anyone has experience with how long it takes TWC to actually process and send the waiting week payment once you call them after meeting the work requirement. I'm trying to plan my finances accordingly since this whole process seems to take forever with TWC!

Good point. I've been gathering everything for months - I have emails from my manager discussing the layoff, the official layoff notice, and even text messages where my supervisor acknowledged it was a layoff. I'm definitely ready for the hearing, I just wish they'd actually SCHEDULE it already!

I'm going through something similar right now - filed my appeal in January and still waiting. One thing that helped me was creating a timeline document with dates of all my interactions with TWC (when I filed, when I got confirmations, every time I called, etc.). It's been really useful for keeping track of everything and I plan to bring it to my hearing when it finally gets scheduled. Also, if you haven't already, try calling the Appeals line right when they open at 8 AM - I've had better luck getting through early in the morning. Hang in there, I know how stressful this waiting period is!

For your work search activities while waiting for determination: 1. Make sure you're doing at least 3 documented work search activities per week 2. Register with WorkInTexas.com if you haven't already (this is required) 3. Keep detailed records of all applications and contacts (company name, position, date, contact method, follow-up) A determination should come within 21 days, but with current backlogs it might take longer. Until then, you won't know if you're approved or denied, but you should continue requesting payments on your assigned day every two weeks. If approved, you'll receive payment for those weeks (minus the waiting week). And remember - even if initially denied, many people win on appeal, especially in situations like yours where there's no documented history of progressive discipline.

I'm in a similar boat right now - got terminated from my office job for "poor performance" but it was really because I questioned some questionable billing practices. Filed last Monday and still waiting on my determination letter. From what I've read on here and other forums, the key factors seem to be: - No prior documented warnings (sounds like you're good here) - Whether you were given a chance to improve (doesn't sound like it) - If the employer can prove actual misconduct vs just not meeting their standards The fact that you didn't sign their termination papers and contested it from day one is huge. It shows you genuinely disagreed with their reasoning rather than just trying to get benefits after accepting fault. Keep requesting your payments every two weeks even while waiting - that's what everyone here says to do. And definitely start gathering any evidence you have (performance reviews, emails, inventory reports, etc.) in case you need to appeal. Hang in there - sounds like you have a solid case based on what others have shared about similar situations.