I'm really sorry for your loss and everything you're going through. Mental health cases with TWC are tough, but don't give up - I've seen people win at the Commissioner level even after losing at the Appeal Tribunal. One thing that helped in a case I'm familiar with was getting a letter from the doctor specifically stating that continuing to work would have been "detrimental to recovery" or "medically contraindicated." TWC seems to respond better to that kind of definitive medical language rather than just documentation of the condition itself. Also, since you mentioned moving to Oklahoma for family support - make sure you frame this as part of your medically necessary treatment plan, not just a personal choice. If your therapist recommended family support as part of your recovery, get that in writing. The waiting time for Commissioner Appeals is brutal (mine took 5 months), but the Commissioners do tend to look more closely at the actual law rather than just rubber-stamping denials. Document everything, keep requesting payments, and consider getting legal help if you can afford it. You've got this.

I'm so deeply sorry for the loss of your sister - that kind of traumatic loss can completely derail your mental health and ability to function. You're dealing with an incredibly difficult situation, and TWC's handling of mental health cases can be frustrating. Based on what others have shared, it sounds like you have a real chance at the Commissioner level, especially since you have medical documentation and communicated with your employer about your struggles. A few additional thoughts that might help: Consider getting a comprehensive psychological evaluation if possible - sometimes a formal assessment can carry more weight than therapy notes alone. Also, if you have any text messages, emails, or other informal communications with coworkers or supervisors about your struggles after your sister's death, include those too. Sometimes the informal documentation shows the reality of your situation better than formal paperwork. The fact that you were having panic attacks during meetings and your performance was suffering shows your condition was directly interfering with your ability to do your job - that's exactly what TWC needs to see for "good cause connected to work." I know the financial stress makes everything worse when you're already grieving. Keep fighting this - your situation sounds like exactly the kind of case that should qualify for benefits. The Commissioner Appeal is your best shot, and you're taking all the right steps to build a strong case.

Quick update on my earlier comment - I just double-checked and according to the ID.me help center, a U.S. passport counts as a "primary document" but you'll still need something for the secondary verification. Good options if you don't have your SS card are: - W-2 from last year - Recent tax return (doesn't need to be the full return, just the first page with your info) - Utility bill with your name and current address - Health insurance card Hope this helps clarify things!

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble with document photos, try scanning them with your phone's built-in scanner app (like Notes on iPhone or Google Drive scanner) instead of just taking regular photos. The scanner apps usually produce clearer, more uniform images that ID.me accepts more easily. Also, make sure there's no glare or shadows on the documents - I had to retake mine twice because of lighting issues. Good luck with your verification!

my brother got a job at amazon but they only gave him like 10 hours the first week and he still got sum unemployment but way less

Just wanted to add my experience from a few months ago - I was in almost the exact same situation! Started a retail job that only gave me 12-15 hours per week initially. I was terrified to report it thinking they'd cut me off completely, but I'm so glad I did. TWC reduced my weekly benefit by about 60% but I still got something, which really helped bridge the gap until my hours increased. The key things that helped me: 1. I kept detailed records of every hour worked and wages earned 2. When the questionnaire came (it took about 10 days after reporting), I was very clear that this was part-time/temporary work and I was still actively job searching 3. I continued doing my 3 work searches every week even though I had the part-time job The whole process was way less scary than I thought it would be. Just be honest and thorough in your reporting and you should be fine! Good luck with the new job too - hopefully it leads to more hours or opens doors to something better!

I'm so relieved to see this positive update! Your experience really highlights how important it is to keep pushing for accurate information from TWC. It's unfortunate that the first representative gave you such alarming and incorrect advice about potentially losing all your benefits. This thread has been incredibly educational - I had no idea about the Training Benefits provision for TWC-approved workforce programs. It makes complete sense that they would have protections in place for people trying to improve their job prospects through official training channels. The CDL field is booming right now, especially in Texas with all the logistics and transportation needs. You're making a smart career move that should lead to much better long-term employment opportunities than the PRN hospital work. I hope the expedited review goes smoothly and you can focus on your training without the stress of wondering about your benefits! Thanks for keeping everyone updated - this information will definitely help other community members who might face similar situations with secondary job separations during approved training programs.

This is such a great example of why persistence pays off when dealing with TWC! The difference between your first and second representatives is night and day - it really shows how important it is to keep trying until you get someone who actually understands the system. I've been working in workforce development for a few years now, and the Training Benefits provision is one of the most underutilized protections available to unemployed workers. The whole point of these TWC-approved training programs is to help people transition to better careers, so it would be completely counterproductive for them to penalize you for quitting a part-time job that conflicts with your training schedule. Your CDL training is going to be such a smart investment! The transportation industry in Texas is absolutely booming right now, and CDL drivers are seeing some of the best wages and benefits they've had in years. Plus, once you have that license, you'll have job security in a way that healthcare PRN work just can't provide. Thanks for sharing this whole experience - I'm sure it'll help a lot of people who find themselves in similar situations. It's a perfect reminder that sometimes you have to advocate for yourself and push back when you get incorrect information from government agencies. Wishing you all the best with your training program!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! What your employer did is textbook pregnancy discrimination and you absolutely should file for unemployment benefits immediately. Don't let being close to your due date discourage you - your pregnancy actually strengthens your case, not weakens it. A few important points: - File your claim TODAY through WorkinTexas.com - When describing your separation, be clear that you were terminated after providing employer-requested medical documentation - Emphasize that reasonable accommodations were available (reassignment to older kids' rooms) - Keep all documentation - texts, emails, doctor's note, anything related to this You'll likely qualify for benefits right away, and when you give birth you can temporarily pause your claim during recovery, then resume when you're medically cleared to work again. Your claim stays open during that time. Also consider filing an EEOC complaint within 180 days - it's free and could result in additional compensation for the discrimination. You don't need a lawyer to file either the unemployment claim or EEOC complaint, though consulting one wouldn't hurt if you can manage it later. Stay strong - you're fighting for your rights and your baby's future! 💪

This is absolutely infuriating - what they did to you is completely illegal! You have a rock-solid case here. Apply for unemployment benefits IMMEDIATELY through WorkinTexas.com - don't wait another day. Here's the key thing everyone's mentioned but I want to emphasize: being 3 weeks from your due date actually HELPS your case, not hurts it. This is textbook pregnancy discrimination under both state and federal law. They literally asked YOU to bring documentation, then fired you when you complied! When you file, be crystal clear: "Employer requested medical documentation for pregnancy-related lifting restrictions. After providing doctor's note limiting lifting to 5lbs, employer terminated me rather than reassigning me to available positions that would accommodate restrictions." Document EVERYTHING - save those texts where they asked for the note, keep your doctor's paperwork, write down dates and conversations while they're fresh. You'll likely get approved quickly since this is such clear wrongful termination. And yes, definitely file that EEOC complaint too within 180 days. Many employment lawyers take discrimination cases on contingency (no upfront costs) if you decide to pursue that route later. You've got this mama - focus on getting your benefits flowing first, then worry about holding them accountable for this discrimination! 💪