Can I get TWC benefits after quitting due to workplace harassment? Have documentation

Yes, you can potentially qualify! This falls under what TWC calls "good cause" for leaving employment. You need to make it clear in your application that you had no reasonable alternative but to quit due to the harassment. When you file, you'll eventually have to explain why you left - be specific about the harassment and mention that you reported it to HR with no resolution. IMPORTANT: When you file, TWC will contact your employer who will likely contest your claim. They'll schedule a fact-finding interview where you'll need to present your evidence. Have all your documentation ready - emails to/from HR, text messages, your journal entries, etc. The more documentation you have, the better your chances.

i quit cuz of a crazy boss too last summer and got benefits but u NEED those receipts fr. twc gonna ask for proof u tried to fix it before quitting so those hr emails are gold. good luck!

I was in almost the exact same situation in 2024 with my retail manager. The process was frustrating but I did eventually get approved. Here's what you need to know: 1) When you file online, select "quit" and then you'll get options for why - choose something related to workplace conditions 2) In the explanation box, be VERY specific - dates, times, exactly what happened, who you reported to, when you reported it 3) They'll schedule a phone interview about 2-3 weeks after you apply - THIS IS CRUCIAL. Have your documentation in front of you and be ready to calmly explain everything 4) Your employer will likely say you quit without good cause - don't get emotional when responding to their claims 5) Keep requesting payment every 2 weeks even while waiting for a decision! It took about 5 weeks total before I got my first payment, but they did backpay from when I first applied. Good luck!

Sorry your going through this. TWC is so hit or miss with these cases. My friend quit her nursing job bcuz of harassment and got denied even with proof. I think it depends on which agent reviews your case tbh.

When you file, TWC is going to give your employer a chance to respond to your claim. They'll almost certainly say you quit voluntarily without good cause. That's when the battle begins. I had to call TWC at least 15 times before I finally got through to someone who could help me with my similar situation. The hold times were INSANE - I literally couldn't get through for days. When I finally did, the rep was actually very helpful and walked me through exactly what documentation I needed to submit. I discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a TWC agent in under 10 minutes when I was desperate. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. It saved me days of redial frustration when I needed to check on my appeal status. Worth it when you're in documentation submission limbo.

I had to appeal. My initial claim was denied automatically because my employer claimed I just stopped showing up (completely false). It was during the appeal that I finally got to present my evidence and speak to someone who actually listened. The appeal took about 3 weeks to process after I submitted all my documentation.

For the best chance of approval, you need to demonstrate three specific things to TWC: 1. The harassment created working conditions so intolerable that any reasonable person would have quit 2. You made genuine efforts to resolve the situation before quitting (your HR reports are critical here) 3. You had no reasonable alternative but to leave When filing, use the term "constructive discharge" - this is a legal concept where quitting due to intolerable conditions is treated as if you were effectively fired. Also mention "good cause connected with work" specifically. Texas is actually better than many states when it comes to these situations. Document everything precisely, stick to facts rather than emotions during interviews, and be prepared for a potential initial denial followed by appeal. One last thing - start your work search activities immediately and document them. Even while waiting for approval, you need to complete at least 3 work search activities per week.

btw how long were u at that job? think u need like 6 months minimum to qualify but im not 100% sure

I HATE how companies get away with this!!! my boss was terrible too and HR did NOTHING. they're not there to help us they just protect the company!!! fight for your benefits you deserve them!!!!

Just wanted to add - make sure to prepare for your fact-finding interview like it's a job interview. Be professional, stick to facts, don't badmouth your former employer (even if they deserve it), and focus on the specific incidents with dates and documentation. Having it all organized made a huge difference in my case.

Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I feel much more prepared now. I'm going to organize all my documentation tonight and file my initial claim tomorrow morning. I'll update this thread once I hear anything about my claim status.