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Can I qualify for TWC unemployment with a month's notice before layoff?

My employer just informed me I'm being laid off effective January 1st. I'm stressed because I've been applying to jobs for the past 2 months with zero interviews. Since they gave me a month's advance notice about the layoff, will that affect my eligibility for TWC benefits? I'm worried they'll say I had enough time to find something else. Has anyone dealt with this kind of situation before? Will TWC consider me eligible even though I knew about the layoff a month in advance? Really need advice since my savings won't last long after rent.

Sophia Russo

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Yes, you'll still qualify! Advance notice of layoff doesn't disqualify you from TWC benefits. What matters is that you're being laid off through no fault of your own (reduction in force). Just make sure you apply for benefits as soon as your last day happens - not before. You'll need to continue your job search and document at least 3 work search activities per week once you're officially unemployed. Keep detailed records of all your applications, interviews, networking, etc.

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Mason Kaczka

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Thank you so much! That's a huge relief. Should I mention on my application that I knew about the layoff in advance? I'm paranoid about doing something wrong and getting denied.

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Evelyn Xu

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The previous comment is correct. I went through this same thing last year - was told in November I'd be laid off in January. Applied for TWC benefits on my first day of unemployment and was approved without any issues. The advance notice is actually helpful because you can prepare all your documentation. Make sure you have: 1) Your final paystub 2) The layoff notice/letter 3) Contact info for your employer's HR department. And start documenting your job search now - TWC will want proof of your work search activities.

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Dominic Green

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omg same thing happened to my brother they told him like 6 weeks before they let him go and he still got his benefits but took like 3 weeks to get first payment

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Hannah Flores

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Is anyone else SICK of how companies just throw people away right before the holidays?? Every December, same story. They know exactly what they're doing laying people off before Christmas. It's inhumane. OP, fight for every penny of unemployment you deserve!

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Kayla Jacobson

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This happens because many companies operate on calendar-year budgets and need to make their numbers look good for year-end reports. It's unfortunate timing but usually not personal. To the original question though - advance notice is actually helpful because you can prepare properly for your TWC application.

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William Rivera

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When I got laid off they also gave me 4 weeks notice but then I got confussed about when to apply for unempoyment. dont make my mistake - you cant apply UNTIL your actually unemployed. i applied early and it messed everything up and i had to call twc like 50 times to fix it.

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Sophia Russo

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This is really important advice! You must wait until you're actually unemployed to apply. The application will ask for your last day worked, and if you're still working, it creates problems with your claim.

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Grace Lee

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When you apply, make sure to clearly indicate the reason for separation as "Layoff" or "Reduction in Force." If you select any other reason, it could trigger unnecessary investigations that delay your benefits. Also, the TWC will contact your employer to verify the separation reason, so make sure what you say matches what your employer will tell them. Request a copy of your separation letter if you haven't already - this will be valuable documentation.

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Mason Kaczka

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Thanks for this! They said they'll provide an official separation letter on my last day. Should I wait to apply until I have that letter in hand? Or apply immediately after my last day?

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Grace Lee

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Apply immediately after your last day worked - don't wait for the letter. You can always upload the separation letter to your TWC account later. The most important thing is starting your claim promptly because benefits are not backdated if you delay filing.

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Kayla Jacobson

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After you submit your application, you'll need to request payment every two weeks. You must complete 3 work search activities per week - applications, interviews, networking events, career fairs, etc. all count. Document everything! Date, company name, position, contact info, application method. TWC can audit your work search records anytime during your benefit period.

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Dominic Green

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work search stuff is so annoying... do they actually check? my cousin said nobody ever asked him for his list

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Kayla Jacobson

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Yes, they absolutely do check! TWC conducts random audits, and if you're selected and can't provide documentation, you could be disqualified and even have to pay back benefits. It's not worth the risk. Just keep a simple spreadsheet or document with your work search activities.

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Mia Roberts

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When I got laid off back in May, trying to get through to TWC was a NIGHTMARE. I needed to ask a question about my work search requirements and spent 3 weeks trying to get someone on the phone. Busy signals, disconnects, hold for hours then cut off... I was about to lose my mind! Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got a callback from TWC in under an hour. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. Seriously saved my sanity during an already stressful time.

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Mason Kaczka

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Thanks for the tip! I'm worried about getting stuck in phone limbo too. Did you have any issues with your claim being delayed because of the advance layoff notice?

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Mia Roberts

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No problems at all with the advance notice. My situation was actually similar - I had about 3 weeks' notice before my actual layoff date. The TWC agent I spoke with (after using Claimyr) confirmed that advance notice is completely normal and doesn't affect eligibility at all.

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William Rivera

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make sure ur applying to jobs now!! dont wait til ur last day. the more applications u send the better chance u have of not needing unemploymnet at all. also the job search requirment is no joke - my friend got audited and had to pay back $4000 because she didnt keep good records!!!!

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Mason Kaczka

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I've been applying like crazy but the job market is really tough right now. Been submitting about 10 applications a week for 2 months with only one screening call that went nowhere. At least I'll have good documentation for the work search requirement!

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