Can I get TWC unemployment if I quit my job, or only if fired?

YOU CANNOT GET BENEFITS IF YOU QUIT!!!! I made this mistake last year and got DENIED. The TWC doesn't care how bad your boss is, they only care that YOU left. Don't believe anyone who tells you different. They'll say you "voluntarily left suitable employment" and deny your claim 100%. I even tried to explain how my supervisor was harassing me and they didn't care AT ALL.

The previous commenter isn't entirely correct. While it's true that quitting makes qualifying more difficult, you CAN receive unemployment in Texas if you quit with "good cause connected to the work." This includes unsafe working conditions, significant changes to job duties/pay without warning, or certain types of harassment/discrimination. You'll need to document everything carefully—dates, incidents, any complaints you filed, etc. The burden of proof will be on you to show you had no reasonable alternative but to quit. I've seen people qualify after quitting, but it's definitely harder than if you're laid off.

i quit last summer cuz my boss was crazy and i got benefits but took like 2 months of waiting

I've helped several people navigate TWC claims, and here's the accurate information: You can qualify for unemployment benefits in Texas after quitting if you establish "good cause connected with the work." This means proving that any reasonable person in your situation would have also quit. Good cause examples that TWC recognizes: - Significant reduction in hours or pay (usually 20%+) - Unsafe working conditions that your employer refuses to address - Harassment or discrimination that continues after reporting to management - Medical conditions that your employer refuses to accommodate - Being forced to commute an unreasonable distance after company relocation You MUST try to resolve the issues before quitting (documenting your attempts), and you need evidence. When filing, be very specific about these attempts in your separation explanation.

Let me share my experience from last year with the TWC. I quit my warehouse job because they kept making us work in an area with exposed electrical wires and standing water. I documented EVERYTHING - took photos, showed my complaints to management (dated emails), and even had texts from coworkers about the same issues. When I filed, TWC initially denied my claim, saying I voluntarily quit. Then I appealed and had a phone hearing where I explained everything and submitted all my evidence. The hearing officer overturned the decision and approved my benefits because I proved "good cause connected with work." The key was calling TWC to check my status and get help with the appeal. I couldn't get through for DAYS until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh My advice: document EVERYTHING, try to resolve it first, and be ready to appeal if denied.

My sister quit her job at a restaurant in Houston last Nov and got approved for benefits no problem. Her boss kept changing her pay structure and she could prove it. Depends on your situation I think!

When I worked at TWC back in 2019 (different department), the unofficial rule was that quitting usually resulted in denial UNLESS you could prove you took reasonable steps to resolve the situation first. Did you talk to your supervisor? HR? Is there a formal complaint process? Make sure you've done all that and documented it before quitting.

One more important thing to consider: if you do quit, you should file your TWC claim immediately. In your separation explanation, be extremely specific about why you had good cause to quit. Include dates, names, and detailed descriptions of incidents. Also, be prepared for your employer to contest your claim - they almost always do for voluntary quits because it can affect their unemployment tax rate. If your initial claim is denied (which happens frequently even with good cause), don't give up! Appeal within the 14-day deadline and prepare thoroughly for your hearing. Many initial denials get reversed on appeal when claimants present their evidence properly. I'd suggest reviewing the TWC's Unemployment Insurance Law Manual section about voluntary quits before you make your decision: https://www.twc.texas.gov/unemployment-benefits-law-manual-chapter-3-qualifying-requirements#3.2.0