Can I apply for TWC unemployment while on unpaid maternity leave with denied short-term disability?

Unfortunately, you probably won't qualify for unemployment in this situation. TWC typically requires that you're able and available to work full-time, actively seeking work, and separated from your employer through no fault of your own. Since you're still employed and on an approved leave, you don't meet those criteria. Being on maternity leave (even unpaid) means you're not considered 'available for work' which is a key requirement. Have you checked if you qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or WIC? Those might be better options for your situation.

congrats on ur baby! i tried filing for unemplyment when i was on unpaid medical leave last yr and got denied right away. they sent me a letter saying i wasnt eligble bc i still had a job even tho i wasnt getting paid. super frustrating!!

This system is COMPLETELY RIGGED against mothers!! You can't get disability because pregnancy is a "pre-existing condition" (ridiculous!) and you can't get unemployment because you technically have a job, but NO ONE PAYS YOU. I went through the EXACT same thing in 2023 and it was a nightmare. The insurance companies and government agencies just pass you back and forth until you give up. I ended up having to use credit cards and borrow from family. It's disgusting how this country treats new mothers.

have u tried calling TWC directly to ask? sometimes the rules have exceptions that aren't obvious online. might be worth a shot.

When I needed to reach TWC last year during my claim issues, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and actually got through to a rep in about 20 minutes after trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh Even if you might not qualify, it's worth getting an official answer directly from TWC about your specific situation. Sometimes there are exceptions for special circumstances, and your case has some unusual factors with the disability denial.

my sister is going thru something similar right now...have u checked with ur HR dept about FMLA? sometimes there r state programs that help during family leave even when the company benefits dont cover it

I work in HR and can provide some accurate information. Unfortunately, TWC unemployment is not an option while on maternity leave, even unpaid leave. The key requirements for TWC benefits include being available for full-time work and actively searching for work (minimum 3 work search activities weekly). Since you have a return-to-work date and aren't actually seeking new employment, you wouldn't qualify. Regarding your short-term disability denial: if your policy has a pre-existing condition exclusion period (typically 6-12 months), that's legally enforceable. However, you may want to: 1. Ask your HR department if they offer any company-specific leave supplements 2. Check eligibility for TANF through Texas Health and Human Services 3. Look into local community programs for new mothers 4. Contact Texas Workforce Solutions for emergency assistance programs Texas 211 can also connect you with additional resources.

One other thing to consider - if you do reach TWC and they confirm you're not eligible for regular unemployment, ask specifically about any pandemic-related programs that might still be available. Some of those had different eligibility requirements than standard unemployment.

UPDATE: I wanted to thank everyone for their advice. I used Claimyr to finally reach TWC yesterday, and the agent confirmed I'm not eligible for unemployment while on maternity leave. However, they did direct me to some emergency assistance programs through Texas Workforce Solutions that I'm applying for now. Also filed for TANF and reached out to a local community program for new mothers that might help with some bills. It's not a perfect solution, but at least I have some potential options now. This has been such a stressful time.