Can I collect TWC benefits with long COVID if I can't complete work search requirements?

thats a tricky situation! i think TWC does have medical exemptions but not 100% sure how they work. my cousin had something similar last yr with a back injury.

You're in a complicated situation that many people don't understand. TWC does offer medical exemptions from work search requirements in certain cases, but you need to specifically request this accommodation. Here's what you should do: 1. Call TWC directly and explain your situation (good luck getting through) 2. Request a "Medical Work Search Exemption" - be specific with this terminology 3. They'll likely send you a form for your doctor to complete 4. Your doctor needs to certify that you're unable to work temporarily but expect to return to work eventually The tricky part is that unemployment is specifically for people who are "able and available" for work. If you're too ill to work at all, SSDI might be your better option, but those claims take much longer to process. If you can work with accommodations or part-time, make that clear in your request.

The previous responses have some good points but also some confusion. Let me clarify based on my experience with a similar situation: You're dealing with two separate systems that somewhat contradict each other. SSDI requires proving you CANNOT work, while unemployment requires proving you CAN work and are actively looking. For TWC specifically: 1. You must be able to work in some capacity to qualify for unemployment 2. You must be available for work (meaning ready to accept suitable work) 3. You must actively search for work unless exempted TWC does offer work search exemptions for medical reasons, but these are temporary and require documentation. However, if your condition completely prevents you from working, you likely won't qualify for unemployment regardless of work search exemptions. You might consider: - Requesting reduced work search requirements rather than full exemption - Documenting jobs you could perform with accommodations - Being very clear about what type of work you CAN do despite your limitations I recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to TWC directly. They can connect you to a live agent much faster than calling directly. I waited 3+ hours repeatedly until I tried their service - got through in about 20 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh that shows how it works. This situation really requires speaking with a TWC specialist who can advise on your specific case.

Just wanted to share my experience with TWC and medical issues... I had surgery last year and couldn't do the normal work search for 6 weeks. What I learned is you have to be SUPER careful how you phrase things!!! If you say you're completely unable to work, they will deny benefits PERIOD. But if you say you can work with limitations or in certain environments, they can adjust your work search requirements. When I called, the agent had me request a form called "Request for Medical Exemption from Work Search" or something similar. My doctor filled it out specifying I could work sedentary jobs for limited hours. TWC approved a reduced work search requirement (only 1 per week instead of 3) for 8 weeks. Be aware that applying for SSDI at the same time might complicate things because you're basically telling one government agency you CAN'T work and another that you CAN. That could create problems down the road.

I've been dealing with long COVID for 18 months now and it's a NIGHTMARE trying to navigate these systems!!! TWC is especially frustrating because their rules don't account well for fluctuating conditions. Here's what happened to me: I got approved for unemployment with reduced work search (2 per week instead of 3) but then had a terrible flare-up and missed submitting my payment request on time. They denied my next payment saying I wasn't "actively seeking work" even though I had the exemption! I had to appeal and wait SEVEN WEEKS to get it resolved. The hearing officer eventually reversed the decision, but I almost lost my apartment waiting. The SSDI application is going on 11 months now with no decision. The whole system is broken for people with long-term illnesses that aren't visible or consistent. Sorry I don't have better news, but at least you know what you might be dealing with.

I want to clarify something important - there's a significant difference between requesting a work search exemption and proving you're able to work with limitations. For the TWC system specifically: 1. You MUST certify that you're able to work in some capacity 2. Then separately, you can request work search adjustments The medical work search exemption or reduction doesn't change the fundamental requirement that you're able and available for suitable work. Be very clear in all your communications that you CAN work with appropriate accommodations. When you complete your payment requests, always answer "YES" to the question about being able and available for work. If you answer "NO" to that question, you'll be automatically disqualified regardless of any exemptions. The doctor's documentation should specify what types of work you CAN do, not just what you can't do. For example, "Patient can perform sedentary work for up to 4 hours per day in a remote environment with flexible scheduling."

idk if this helps but my mom was on unemployment last year and broke her ankle. she couldnt do interviews for like 6 weeks but still got her benefits. she just uploaded the hospital papers to her twc account and kept requesting payment

It sounds like based on your responses that you're starting to understand the key distinction here. I think you have a valid path forward if you approach this correctly. For your specific situation with long COVID, I'd recommend taking these steps: 1. Have your doctor create documentation that clearly states what types of work you CAN perform (remote, part-time, sedentary, etc.) along with necessary accommodations 2. Call TWC using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect faster - waiting for hours on the regular line will just exhaust you further with your health issues 3. Request the specific form for medical work search adjustment (they'll email it to you) 4. Continue to request payments while answering that you ARE able and available for suitable work 5. Keep detailed records of any work searches you do complete, focusing on positions that match your current capabilities 6. If you're having a severe symptom day when a TWC appointment is scheduled, call immediately to reschedule rather than missing it Many people with long COVID have found that emphasizing their ability to work remotely or on a modified schedule has been successful with TWC. The key is framing your situation as needing accommodation rather than being unable to work.