Based on what you've shared, you have a very strong case for unemployment benefits under the family violence exception. Make sure you: 1. File as soon as your contract ends in June 2. Have all documentation ready to upload 3. Check your TWC correspondence inbox daily after filing 4. Complete your payment requests every two weeks even if your claim is under review 5. Keep detailed records of all your job search activities If you receive a determination letter approving benefits, great! If you receive a denial, file an appeal immediately (within 14 days) and clearly state that your separation was due to documented family violence as protected under Texas Labor Code 207.046.

I went through something very similar last year and want to offer some encouragement - TWC did approve my benefits under the domestic violence exception. A few things that helped my case: I filed online but then immediately called to speak with someone to explain the situation verbally (even though it took forever to get through). I also contacted the Texas Legal Aid hotline who helped me understand exactly how to present my case to TWC. They have specialists who deal with domestic violence situations and employment issues. The number is 1-833-457-5342. Don't give up if you get an initial denial - many of these cases require a human review rather than just the automated system. You're being so brave protecting yourself and your daughter. Wishing you the best outcome.

When I had my appeal hearing, I had my 3 year old screaming in the background and I was so embarrassed! But the hearing officer was actually really nice about it. Just wanted to say they're usually pretty understanding people. I was nervous too but it went way better than expected.

Just wanted to add - make sure you have a quiet space for the call and test your phone connection beforehand! I had my hearing last month and the connection kept cutting out, which made it really stressful. The hearing officer was patient about it, but it definitely made me more nervous. Also, if you get overwhelmed during the hearing, it's totally okay to ask for a moment to collect your thoughts or to ask them to repeat a question. They want to make sure you understand what's being asked. One thing that really helped me was writing out a basic timeline beforehand with key dates - when I started the ID.me process, when the hurricane hit, when I discovered the issue, etc. Having it written down made it easier to stay organized when explaining everything. You've got this! The fact that you have documentation of the hurricane and your attempts to complete verification puts you in a really good position.

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.

I went through this exact situation 6 months ago with Express Employment. Here's what worked for me: I filed immediately after they told me "no assignments available" and was honest that I was still technically employed but with zero hours. The key is documenting EVERYTHING - I kept screenshots of all texts/emails from the agency saying no work was available. When they inevitably contested my claim (which they did after 10 days), I had solid proof they couldn't provide work. My advice: don't wait around hoping they'll call with something better. File now while you have clear documentation that no work is available. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove the timeline. Also, start your work search activities immediately - apply to direct-hire positions too, don't just rely on the temp agency. TWC wants to see you're actively seeking permanent employment, not just waiting around for temp assignments.

To address your specific question about wages needed: You need to have earned at least $2,500 in total during your base period AND have wages in at least 2 of the 4 base period quarters. If your seasonal job spans across 2 quarters (like Nov-Jan), you MIGHT qualify if you earn enough. For example, if you make $15/hr and work 30 hours/week for 12 weeks, that's about $5,400 which exceeds the minimum amount, but it needs to be properly distributed across quarters. I'd suggest applying regardless - TWC will calculate your eligibility based on the specific quarters that apply to you.

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - when you do apply for unemployment after your seasonal job ends, make sure you have all your documentation ready. Save your hiring paperwork that shows it was designated as seasonal/temporary work, keep your paystubs, and if possible get something in writing from your employer when they lay you off that confirms it was a seasonal separation. Also, Texas allows you to file your claim the Sunday of the week your employment ends, so don't wait too long after your last day. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim can be processed. And definitely keep track of your work search activities from day one - you'll need to report 3 per week once you start receiving benefits. Good luck with your seasonal job! Sounds like you have a good chance of qualifying based on your hours and pay rate.

I just went through this same process a few weeks ago! For your first payment request, it typically takes 3-4 business days to hit your account via direct deposit. Since you submitted on Monday, I'd expect to see it by Thursday or Friday at the latest. The good news is that once you get through your first payment, subsequent requests are much faster - usually just 2 business days. Make sure to keep checking your TWC account online for any updates on payment status. If you don't see anything by Friday, definitely call the Tele-Serv number that others mentioned. The waiting is nerve-wracking when bills are due, but hang in there - it should come through soon!

I'm in a similar situation - just filed my first payment request this week too and the waiting is killing me! From what I've gathered reading through everyone's responses, it sounds like 2-3 business days is typical once your payment gets processed, but first payments can sometimes take up to 5 days. The SSN processing schedule thing is news to me - that's actually really helpful to know! I'd suggest checking your payment status online daily and if it's still showing "pending" after 4-5 days, that's when you might want to try calling or using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Fingers crossed we both get our deposits soon - unemployment stress is real when bills are due!