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Glad you're getting on track! One more thing - when you do your first payment request, have your bank account information ready for direct deposit setup if you haven't done that already. It's much faster than waiting for a debit card or paper check.
Just wanted to add that you should also check if your employer contested your claim or if there are any pending issues on your account. Log into your TWC portal and look for any flags or notices. Sometimes there can be delays or holds that aren't immediately obvious from your approval letter. Also, if you had any severance pay or vacation payout from your warehouse job, make sure to report that accurately when you do your payment requests - failing to report income can cause major problems later. Good luck with everything!
I'm in a very similar situation - filed my appeal in late January and still nothing after almost 3 months. The worst part is the financial stress while waiting. I've had to move back in with family and pick up gig work just to survive. What really gets me is that they can deny your claim in like 2 weeks, but then take 4-6 months to hear your appeal! The system is completely backwards. I'm definitely going to try calling that Appeals number at 8 AM like someone mentioned. Brooklyn, have you been able to find any temporary work while waiting, or are you just stuck in limbo like the rest of us?
I'm in almost the exact same boat as you and Brooklyn - filed my appeal in mid-January and it's been radio silence ever since. The financial stress is absolutely crushing. I've been doing DoorDash and Uber just to keep the lights on, but it's barely covering my basic expenses. You're so right about how backwards the system is - they can reject you instantly but take forever to actually review the appeal. It's like they're hoping we'll just give up and go away. I'm definitely going to try that 8 AM Appeals number trick too. We shouldn't have to jump through all these hoops just to get a fair hearing on benefits we're entitled to! Hang in there everyone - hopefully we'll all get some movement on our cases soon.
I'm so sorry you're going through this - the waiting is absolutely brutal and the financial stress makes it even worse. I went through a similar situation last year (appeal took about 18 weeks) and here are a few things that helped me: 1. Definitely call that Appeals line at 512-463-2800 first thing at 8 AM - I had much better luck getting through to them than the main TWC number 2. Document EVERYTHING - every call you make, confirmation numbers, dates, etc. It'll be helpful for your hearing 3. Keep requesting payment every two weeks no matter what - this is crucial for getting backpay when you win 4. Check both your online TWC inbox AND physical mail regularly - sometimes hearing notices only go one way The system is definitely broken and these delays are ridiculous, but don't give up! Many people do win their appeals, especially when they have good documentation like you mentioned. The backpay when it finally comes through will include everything from when you first filed. Hang in there - I know it's incredibly stressful but you're doing everything right by staying on top of it and gathering your evidence.
I'm in week 4 of pending status myself, so I feel your pain! One thing that helped me was filing a complaint through the TWC website under "File a Complaint" - not sure if it actually speeds things up but at least it creates a paper trail showing you're actively trying to resolve the issue. Also, I've been keeping a detailed log of all my attempts to contact them (dates, times, what happened) in case I need to escalate this later. The financial stress while waiting is real - have you looked into your local food bank or utility assistance programs? I know it sucks having to consider those options when you've paid into unemployment insurance, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to get through this bureaucratic nightmare. Hang in there!
@Rosie Harper That s'a really good idea about filing a complaint to create a paper trail - I hadn t'thought of that approach. I m'definitely going to do that today. And you re'absolutely right about not letting pride get in the way of seeking help while waiting. I ve'been so focused on when the unemployment will come through that I haven t'really explored other options. Thanks for the reality check and the encouragement. Week 4 for you is rough too - hopefully we both see some movement soon! Have you tried the local workforce office route that @Joshua Wood mentioned?
I'm going through the exact same thing - 6 weeks pending with no employer response! What's really frustrating is that I called my former employer directly to ask if they received anything from TWC, and they said they never got any notice at all. Makes me wonder if TWC even sent it to the right address or if it got lost in their system somehow. I ended up having to provide my HR contact's direct email and phone number through the TWC portal, but still no movement. The financial stress is getting overwhelming - I've already had to ask family for help with rent. At this point I'm convinced something is broken in their notification system because how can this many employers just be ignoring TWC notices? Really considering the state rep route that @Chris Elmeda mentioned because this can't be normal processing time.
@Liam Fitzgerald That s'really concerning that your employer says they never received the notice from TWC! That makes me wonder if there s'a systemic issue with their notification system. I might try calling my former employer too just to check - I hadn t'thought of doing that. Six weeks is absolutely unacceptable, especially when you re'having to ask family for rent help. I m'at 5 weeks and already feeling the financial pressure, so I can only imagine how stressed you must be. The state rep route is starting to look more and more appealing. Have you tried providing the updated HR contact info recently, or was that a while ago? I m'wondering if we should all be pushing harder instead of just waiting for this broken system to work itself out.
Congratulations on getting through to TWC! That's a huge relief. I'm a veteran myself and went through something similar when I transitioned out. One thing I'd add - if you haven't already, make sure you're registered with your local workforce center and consider reaching out to a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) in your area. They often have staff who understand the UCX system and can advocate for you if you run into any more issues. The American Legion and VFW both have people who deal with this stuff regularly. Also, once you start receiving payments, keep detailed records of everything - TWC has been known to have "computer glitches" that can mess up ongoing claims. Best of luck with your transition to civilian life!
This is really helpful advice, thank you! I hadn't thought about connecting with a VSO - that's a great idea. I'll definitely look into the American Legion and VFW in my area. And good point about keeping detailed records once payments start. I've already been documenting everything so far just because this whole process has been so confusing. Really appreciate the support from fellow veterans on here!
Hey Amina! I'm a veteran who went through almost the exact same thing when I got medically discharged from the Marines in 2023. The whole UCX process is honestly a nightmare - those contradictory letters had me thinking I was losing my mind! What really helped me was keeping a detailed log of every interaction (dates, times, what was said) because TWC's system doesn't always sync up properly. Also, if you're not already doing it, make sure you're requesting payment every single week even with the $0 showing - I missed one week thinking "what's the point" and it caused issues later when my backpay was calculated. The 7-10 business days timeline sounds about right based on my experience. Hang in there - the waiting sucks but once it gets resolved you'll get all your backpay at once. Feel free to reach out if you run into any other issues during this process!
Lara Woods
Yes, you need to document all your work search activities. This includes job applications, attending job fairs, networking events, creating profiles on job sites, etc. WorkInTexas.com is Texas's official job matching system - you must register there and can use it to find and apply for jobs that count toward your work search requirements. Keep detailed records of all activities: company name, position, date, method of application, contact person if available. TWC may randomly audit your work search activities at any time.
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Kaylee Cook
•Adding to this excellent advice: make sure you're very specific when explaining incidents of poor working conditions. Instead of saying "My boss was always rude," say "On January 12, 2025, my manager Bob shouted at me in front of 4 customers when I requested clarification on the new return policy. When I asked to discuss this privately, he refused and threatened to cut my hours." Specific examples with dates are much more persuasive than general complaints.
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Finnegan Gunn
I went through something very similar about 8 months ago - toxic management, constant schedule changes, and feeling like my mental health was crumbling. Here's what I wish I had known: START FILING IMMEDIATELY even if you're unsure about qualifying. The process takes time and you want to get your claim date established. When filling out the voluntary quit statement, focus on specific workplace violations rather than just "stress" - things like denial of legally protected time off, creating hostile work environment, or unsafe conditions carry more weight. Also, Texas law requires employers to provide a separation statement (Form C-28) within 10 days if you request it - this can sometimes work in your favor if they admit to the conditions you're describing. Don't let anyone discourage you from applying - I was initially denied but won my appeal because I had documentation. The key is being persistent and thorough with your evidence. Good luck!
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•This is exactly the kind of detailed advice I was hoping for! I had no idea about the Form C-28 - should I request that from my former employer right away? Also, when you say "legally protected time off," does that include sick leave for my child? I was denied time off multiple times when my son had doctor appointments, even though I gave advance notice. Would that count as a workplace violation that strengthens my case?
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