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Molly Hansen

Can I get TWC benefits after leaving work for medical reasons with no accommodations?

I've been dealing with severe chronic back pain for months that's gotten worse lately (bulging disc L4-L5). My doctor says I can't keep doing my current warehouse job lifting heavy packages, and gave me work restrictions. When I showed my employer the doctor's note, they said they don't have any light duty positions available and basically told me I'm out of luck. I can't physically do my job anymore, but I'm worried if I quit I won't qualify for unemployment. Has anyone successfully gotten TWC benefits in a situation like this? Do I need specific documentation from my doctor? I'm stressed about how I'll pay bills while I look for work I can physically handle.

Brady Clean

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ur gonna need mor than just a doctors note. TWC is super picky about medical seprations. u need to prove that u asked for accommodations and they coudlnt provide any. get that in writing from ur job!!!!

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Molly Hansen

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Thanks for the advice. Should I email HR and specifically ask for a written statement saying they can't accommodate my medical restrictions? I'm worried they'll just ignore me.

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Skylar Neal

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This type of situation can qualify for unemployment benefits, but you need to handle it carefully. TWC considers this a "medical separation" which is different from quitting. Here's what you should do: 1. Get detailed medical documentation from your doctor outlining your specific limitations and that you can no longer perform your job duties 2. Request accommodations formally in writing (email is fine) to your employer 3. Have your employer provide written confirmation they cannot accommodate your restrictions 4. When you file, select "medical reasons" as your separation reason 5. Be prepared to provide all documentation during your claim process I went through something similar with my knee injury last year. The key is documenting EVERYTHING. Don't just verbally discuss accommodations - get it all in writing.

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What if the employer doesn't respond to the written accommodation request? My husband is in a similar situation with his back and HR just keeps giving him the runaround about paperwork.

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Kelsey Chin

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Your situation should qualify you for benefits under what TWC calls a "medically necessary separation." The key factors TWC considers are: - You have a genuine medical condition verified by a healthcare provider - You requested reasonable accommodation from your employer - Your employer was unable to provide accommodation - You're still able and available to work in some capacity, just not your prior position Make sure to get documentation of your accommodation request and their response. When filing, be very clear that you didn't simply quit - you were forced to leave because they couldn't accommodate your medical restrictions. You'll likely need to submit your medical documentation during the claims process. Also important: you must be able and available to work some type of job within your restrictions to qualify for benefits. If your doctor says you can't work at all, you might need to look into disability instead of unemployment.

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Molly Hansen

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This is super helpful, thank you! My doctor says I can definitely still work, just not anything requiring heavy lifting or bending. I'll make sure to document everything carefully.

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Norah Quay

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i was in the EXACT same boat!! herniated discs from a car accident and couldn't do my nursing job anymore. TWC denied me at first but I appealed and won. The appeal hearing was stressful AF but worth it. Make sure you save EVERY email between you and your work and get your doctor to write a detailed letter about your restrictions. Good luck!!

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Leo McDonald

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did you use a lawyer for your appeal? ive heard those hearings are really intimidating...

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Norah Quay

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No lawyer, just prepared like crazy. Organized all my documents, wrote down what I wanted to say, and was honest. The hearing officer was actually pretty nice once we got started. Just be super professional and stick to the facts.

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Jessica Nolan

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Listen, TWC is extremely difficult to reach these days if you need to explain your situation or have questions about your claim. When I had a medical separation last year, it was a nightmare trying to get someone on the phone about my documentation. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with a TWC agent after spending days getting busy signals. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh Based on your situation, you really need to talk directly with TWC to make sure you're submitting everything correctly. Medical separations can be tricky, and one missing document can cause a denial that takes weeks to appeal.

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Molly Hansen

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Thanks for this tip! I've been trying to call but keep getting disconnected. I'll check out that service if I can't get through in the next couple days.

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My cousin JUST went through this!!! The most important thing is DOCUMENTATION!!! TWC denied her initially (they deny almost everyone first time) but she won her appeal because she had: 1. Email from her doctor with restrictions 2. Email asking her boss for accommodations 3. Email from HR saying they couldn't accommodate DON'T QUIT until you have documentation!!! Make them tell you in writing! And don't let them trick you into resigning!

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Molly Hansen

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This is good advice - I'll definitely get everything in writing. Did your cousin have to wait long for her appeal hearing?

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It took about 3 weeks to get the appeal hearing scheduled. Then another week to get the decision. She got backpay for the whole time though once she won!

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Leo McDonald

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this is why this country is falling apart. healthy people looking for handouts instead of just finding a new job they can actually do. twc isnt meant to be for people who just dont want to work anymore

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Kelsey Chin

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That's a fundamental misunderstanding of unemployment insurance and medical separations. The OP has a documented medical condition and can't perform their specific job - not that they "don't want to work." They're actively seeking other employment within their medical restrictions. This is precisely what unemployment benefits are designed for - temporary support while transitioning between jobs when the separation wasn't your fault.

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Molly Hansen

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I've worked hard for 7 years at my company and never taken a handout. I literally physically cannot do my job anymore without risking permanent damage to my spine according to my doctor. I'm actively looking for other work I can do with my condition.

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Skylar Neal

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One more important thing: when you do your work search requirements while on unemployment, make sure you're only applying to jobs that fit within your medical restrictions. If TWC offers you a job referral for something that would violate your medical restrictions, you need to explain why you can't accept that specific job while still being able and available for other suitable work.

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Molly Hansen

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That's a really good point I hadn't considered. I'll keep detailed notes about what jobs I'm applying for and how they align with my medical restrictions.

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Brady Clean

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btw don't forget u need like 3 job searches each week or TWC will cut ur benefits! my roommate got cut off for missing like 2 job searches and had to appeal

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Norah Quay

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anybody know if quitting for medical reasons affects the amount of benefits you get? like do you still get the full amount?

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Kelsey Chin

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If you qualify for benefits through a proper medical separation, you should receive your regular benefit amount based on your past wages. The type of separation doesn't reduce the amount, but it does affect eligibility. The bigger factor in benefit amount is your earnings during the base period (roughly the 12-15 months before filing).

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I went through something very similar about 8 months ago with a shoulder injury from my construction job. The key thing that helped me was getting my doctor to write a very specific letter explaining not just my restrictions, but WHY I couldn't do my specific job duties anymore. Don't just get a generic work note - ask your doctor to be detailed about how your back condition prevents you from doing warehouse work specifically. Also, when you request accommodations from your employer, be very specific about what you're asking for. Don't just say "I need light duty" - ask for specific things like "no lifting over 10 pounds" or "no bending/twisting" based on your doctor's restrictions. This makes it clearer when they can't accommodate you. One thing that really helped my case was documenting the timeline - when the injury got worse, when I got medical care, when I told my employer, when I requested accommodations, etc. TWC wants to see that you tried to work with your employer before leaving. Good luck with your claim! Medical separations can be approved, you just need to be thorough with your documentation.

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Grant Vikers

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This is really helpful advice, especially about getting the doctor to be specific about why I can't do warehouse work. I'm going to ask my doctor to write a detailed letter explaining how lifting heavy packages and the constant bending/twisting motions required in my job would aggravate my L4-L5 disc issue. The timeline documentation idea is smart too - I've been dealing with this for months so I should be able to show a clear progression. Thanks for sharing your experience!

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Esteban Tate

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I've been following this thread and wanted to add something important that hasn't been mentioned yet. When you file your TWC claim, make sure you select "left work for medical reasons" or similar wording rather than just "quit" - the specific reason you select can make a huge difference in how your claim is processed initially. Also, if your employer tries to contest your claim (which they might to avoid their unemployment insurance rates going up), having all that documentation everyone mentioned becomes even more critical. I've seen cases where employers claim the employee "abandoned their job" instead of acknowledging the medical separation. One more tip: if you have any coworkers who witnessed your struggles with the physical demands of the job or conversations about accommodations, ask them if they'd be willing to provide a brief written statement. Sometimes having witness testimony can really strengthen your case if it goes to appeal. The whole process can be stressful, but don't give up if you get an initial denial. Medical separations often get approved on appeal when you have proper documentation.

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Dylan Hughes

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This is excellent advice about the wording when filing! I hadn't thought about how the specific language I use could impact the initial processing. I'll definitely make sure to select the medical reasons option rather than just "quit." The point about employers potentially contesting the claim is something I need to prepare for too - my company has been pretty unsympathetic about my situation so far, so I wouldn't be surprised if they try to fight it. I'll start reaching out to a couple coworkers who have seen me struggling with the heavy lifting lately to see if they'd be willing to provide statements. Thanks for the thorough advice!

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ThunderBolt7

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I work as a claims specialist (not with TWC but similar state agency) and wanted to emphasize something crucial that could make or break your case: timing matters A LOT. Don't wait until you're in severe pain or completely unable to work before starting this documentation process. The strongest medical separation cases show a clear progression where the person tried to continue working despite medical issues, sought treatment, got restrictions, attempted to work with their employer on accommodations, and only left when it became truly impossible to continue safely. Also, keep copies of EVERYTHING - not just emails but also any texts, photos of your work environment if relevant, and even notes from verbal conversations (date, time, who was present, what was discussed). I've seen cases won and lost based on small details in documentation. One final tip: when you file, be prepared for the possibility that TWC may require you to get an independent medical examination. This is normal for medical separation claims and isn't them doubting your condition - it's just part of their verification process. Your situation sounds like it should qualify if handled properly. Stay organized and don't let anyone pressure you into just quitting without following the proper steps!

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This is incredibly valuable insight from someone who works in the system! The timing aspect you mentioned really resonates - I can see how waiting too long or moving too quickly could both hurt a case. I've been dealing with this back pain for months and have medical records showing the progression, so hopefully that works in my favor. Your point about keeping copies of everything is noted - I'm going to start a dedicated folder with all documentation related to this situation. The possibility of an independent medical exam is good to know about in advance so I don't panic if they require it. One question: when you mention not letting anyone pressure me into "just quitting," are you referring to situations where employers might try to get someone to resign instead of them having to deal with accommodation requests? I'm worried my supervisor might try to push me toward just putting in my two weeks notice.

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