Can I get Texas unemployment while caring for my terminally ill infant? Left job due to pregnancy complications

I'm so sorry about your son. Unfortunately, TWC unemployment is generally for people who are able and available to work but lost their job through no fault of their own. Since you voluntarily left your job (even for completely understandable reasons) and aren't currently able to accept full-time work, you probably wouldn't qualify for regular unemployment benefits. Have you looked into FMLA protection or short-term disability through your previous employer?

im so sorry ur going thru this!! my cousin had something similar. have u checked into temporary disability benefits? not the same as unemployment but might help

The previous commenter is correct. To qualify for Texas unemployment, you need to be able and available to work full-time, actively searching for work (minimum 3 work search activities per week), and have lost your job through no fault of your own. Leaving for medical/pregnancy reasons is typically considered a voluntary quit, though there are some exceptions if your employer failed to accommodate medically necessary restrictions. However, instead of TWC, I'd recommend looking into these options: 1. Contact Texas Health and Human Services about TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) 2. Check if you qualify for SSDI benefits as your child's caregiver 3. See if your county has any emergency assistance programs 4. Reach out to local non-profits that specialize in supporting families with medically complex children These might be better paths for your situation than unemployment.

This makes me SO ANGRY!!! The system is completely broken when parents of critically ill children are left without support. You shouldn't have to choose between caring for your dying child and paying bills!!! I had to fight TWC for months when I had a legitimate claim - can't imagine what you're going through. The whole unemployment system is designed to exclude people who need help the most.

Have you contacted your state representative? Sometimes they can help navigate the system or know of other resources. I went through something (not nearly as difficult as yours) and their constituent services helped me find programs I didn't know existed. Worth a shot.

Sorry about your situation with your little one, truly heartbreaking. Not exactly what you asked, but have you checked with local Ronald McDonald House or children's hospitals? They often have special grants or emergency funds for families in your exact situation. My sister accessed some help that way when my nephew was seriously ill.

I was in a somewhat similar situation last year (though not as serious - wishing your little one comfort). While trying to sort out benefits, I kept hitting dead ends with TWC and couldn't reach anyone to discuss my unique circumstances. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a TWC representative within 20 minutes after I'd been trying for weeks. There's a demo video of how it works at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. Even though I wasn't eligible for unemployment, the rep was able to point me toward other programs I actually did qualify for. Might be worth a try to get definitive answers about your options.

One more thing I forgot to mention - even though unemployment likely isn't an option, definitely look into the Family and Medical Leave Protections through the Texas Workforce Commission. There's a special unit that deals with these situations and might be able to direct you to appropriate resources. Their main line is often busy, but if you call right when they open at 8:00 AM, you might have better luck getting through to someone who can help.

I just wanted to follow up - did you have any luck with the suggestions here? The TANF option seems like it might be your best bet in the immediate term. Sending positive thoughts to you and your little one.