This entire thread is both heartbreaking and infuriating. I'm currently at 16 months waiting for Commission Review after winning at both lower levels, and reading everyone's experiences makes me realize I've been way too passive in my approach. I've been calling the main TWC number monthly and getting the same runaround - "it's in process, be patient, there's a backlog." But seeing @Amina Diop's update about discovering a "system flag" and undisclosed employer documentation really opened my eyes. How many of us are sitting in limbo because of TWC's administrative errors that we're never told about? Tomorrow I'm calling the Appeals Department directly (512-463-8770), emailing the Ombudsman office, and contacting my state representative. I'm also going to reach out to the State Auditor's office as @CyberSamurai suggested. This is clearly a systemic problem affecting multiple people, not isolated delays. @StarGazer101 - your 18-month nightmare is absolutely unacceptable, but thank you for posting this. Your situation has mobilized all of us to take more aggressive action. The fact that you've won TWICE and they're still dragging this out is unconscionable. I think we should seriously consider coordinating a group complaint and reaching out to local media outlets together. When you have this many people experiencing identical delays (win twice, then disappear into Commission Review black hole for 12-18+ months), that's not normal processing - that's systematic negligence that deserves public scrutiny. Keep fighting everyone - they're counting on us giving up, but we won't!

I'm so sorry you're going through this ordeal - 18 months is absolutely outrageous! Reading through all the advice here, I wanted to add one more potential resource that helped me when I was dealing with a different state agency issue. Have you tried filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau? I know it sounds unconventional for a government agency, but TWC actually responds to BBB complaints because they affect their public rating. When I filed one for a different issue, I got a response within 2 weeks from someone much higher up the chain than I'd ever reached through normal channels. Also, consider documenting all of this and sending it to your local newspaper's investigative team. The Austin American-Statesman has done stories on TWC issues before, and 18 months for someone who's already won twice is exactly the kind of bureaucratic nightmare that makes for compelling reporting. The fact that you've won at both the hearing and Appeal Tribunal levels means you have a rock-solid case. TWC is absolutely hoping you'll give up, but don't let them win through attrition. That $18,500 is rightfully yours, plus interest! Keep us posted on what happens when you try the Appeals Department direct number - I have a feeling that's going to be the breakthrough you need.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I had my initial hearing last week where the officer barely looked at my evidence and seemed to have already made up their mind before we even started. What really struck me about your situation is how you went above and beyond to get clarification by calling SIX times - that shows incredible good faith effort on your part. The fact that you're being treated like you're trying to defraud the system when you were literally trying to follow their rules correctly is just mind-boggling. I wanted to share one additional resource that helped me - the Texas Department of Labor website has a section on "procedural due process" that outlines your rights during appeal hearings. It specifically states that all submitted evidence must be considered and that hearing officers should maintain professional conduct. You might want to reference this if you encounter similar issues in your continuation hearing. Also, I've found it helpful to practice stating my case out loud beforehand. It sounds silly, but when you're nervous or frustrated during the actual hearing, having practiced your key points helps you stay focused and professional. Don't let them wear you down - what happened to you with the incorrect agent guidance is a legitimate basis for appeal, and you have every right to expect your evidence to be properly reviewed. Rooting for you!

I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare - the system is supposed to help people in difficult situations, not make them worse. What you experienced with the hearing officer not even reviewing your evidence is completely unacceptable and frankly unprofessional. I went through a somewhat similar appeal process two years ago (different circumstances but same frustrating treatment) and I learned a few things that might help: 1. When your hearing resumes, ask them to state on the record whether your evidence has been fully reviewed before proceeding with any testimony or questions 2. If possible, try to get the name of the TWC agent who gave you the incorrect information - even if you don't remember from your calls, it might be in your claim file notes 3. Consider having someone join your hearing as a witness/support person - they don't have to speak, but their presence often makes hearing officers more professional 4. Take detailed notes during the continuation hearing about everything that's said and any procedural issues The most important thing is don't let them intimidate you into thinking you did anything wrong. You called SIX times specifically to make sure you were following the rules correctly - that's the opposite of trying to cheat the system. You have every right to receive the benefits you and your employer paid into. Keep fighting and stay organized. The fact that you have 15+ hours of documented evidence shows you're taking this seriously and have a strong case. Wishing you the best outcome!

Thank you everyone for the advice! I just submitted my payment request and made sure to report the exact wages I earned during the 2 weeks I worked. I also documented my 3 work search activities per week as required. The TWC website shows my payment is now pending, so hopefully it goes through without issues. Really appreciate all the help!

Glad to hear you got it sorted out! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - if you ever have a gap between when your temp job ends and when you submit your next payment request, make sure you're still doing your work search activities during that gap too. TWC counts every week you're unemployed toward the requirement, even if you haven't submitted a payment request yet. I learned this the hard way when I had a similar situation and forgot to do work searches the week after my temp job ended.

I just wanted to add my experience as someone who recently went through this exact situation! My TWC check was mailed on a Monday and I received it the following Friday (5 business days) here in Austin. What really helped my stress levels was setting up informed delivery with USPS - it's free and shows you a photo of all the mail coming to your address that day. That way you'll know for sure if your check is arriving before you even get home to check your mailbox. You can sign up at usps.com and it usually activates within 24 hours. At least then you won't be wondering every single day if today is the day! Also, completely agree with everyone saying to get direct deposit set up again ASAP once you regain account access - it's so much less stressful than waiting for paper checks.

I'm going through the same situation right now! My check was mailed out last Thursday and I'm still waiting for it in the Dallas area. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helping calm my nerves - it sounds like 5-7 business days is pretty normal. I'm definitely going to try that informed delivery signup that someone mentioned, and I'll also try the browser cache clearing trick to get back into my TWC account. It's so frustrating being stuck with paper checks when direct deposit is so much faster! Hopefully we all get our checks soon and can avoid this stress in the future.

I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now! Filed my second appeal on June 28th after my first one was denied (employer claimed I was terminated for poor performance but I have emails showing it was actually a layoff due to budget cuts). It's been almost 8 weeks now and I'm losing my mind checking that stupid TWC portal every day just to see "Appeal Received" with no other updates. The financial stress is unreal - I've burned through my savings and I'm behind on rent. But reading everyone's experiences here is actually really helpful. I had no idea that 6-8 weeks was normal for second appeals, and I definitely didn't know about continuing to request payments during the appeal process. I stopped doing that after the first few got denied because I thought it was pointless! Question for those who've been through this - when TWC finally schedules your second appeal hearing, do they give you much advance notice? I'm worried I'll miss the call or email notification since their communication has been so terrible throughout this whole process. Also going to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned and definitely calling my state rep's office. At this point I'll try anything to get some kind of update on where my case stands. This whole system is designed to make people give up, but I can't afford to do that!

Going through the second appeal process myself right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Filed mine on July 20th after my first appeal was denied (employer falsely claimed I abandoned my job when I was actually following medical leave procedures). One thing I wanted to add that I haven't seen mentioned much - if you have any medical documentation, union correspondence, or HR emails related to your separation, make sure to include ALL of it in your second appeal. I made the mistake of only submitting what I thought was most relevant in my first appeal, but for the second one I'm throwing everything at them. Better to have too much evidence than not enough. Also been using that work search tracking spreadsheet idea someone mentioned - game changer for staying organized! I include columns for date, company name, position applied for, method (online, in-person, etc.), and contact info. Makes those weekly certifications so much easier. The waiting is brutal but reading everyone's timelines here gives me hope. Sounds like most people who stick it out through the full process end up getting approved on the second appeal, especially when they have solid documentation. Just gotta keep pushing through the anxiety and financial stress while TWC does their thing at glacial speed. Keep us posted on your progress @Isla Fischer - rooting for you!