Can TWC approve unemployment if I'm on 'inactive status' but not officially laid off?

ur basically laid off they just dont wanna call it that. yes u can absolutely file 4 unemployment!! companies do this all the time to avoid higher unemployment tax rates. TWC calls this a 'reduction in hours' and u qualify if ur hours went down enough (which sounds like they did since u got ZERO hrs). dont wait apply now!!

This is called a 'constructive discharge' or 'partial unemployment' situation. You should definitely file a claim with TWC. When you file, select 'still employed but hours reduced' as your reason for separation. TWC considers any substantial reduction in hours as qualifying for benefits, and zero hours definitely qualifies. Make sure you accurately report that you're still technically employed but with no hours. If your employer contests your claim (they might to avoid their unemployment tax rate increasing), you'll need to provide documentation showing you previously had regular hours that were cut through no fault of your own. Your employer may be using this 'inactive status' terminology to try to prevent you from claiming benefits, but TWC looks at the practical reality - if you're not getting hours and not getting paid, you're effectively unemployed.

I went thru this exact situation last yr!!! My retail job put me on "standby status" with ZERO hours for 2 months. I filed for unemployment and checked the box for "still employed but hours reduced" and explained the situation. TWC approved me within 10 days! Just make sure when you do your payment requests every 2 weeks, you answer that you're able and available to work. You also need to do your work search activities (at least 3 per week) even though your employer says they might call you back. Don't wait for them - they're just keeping you hanging so they don't have to pay severance or deal with higher unemployment taxes.

My employer did try to contest it initially! They sent something to TWC saying I was still employed and "could be called back anytime" but TWC ruled in my favor because I hadn't had any hours in over 3 weeks. The TWC rep told me this happens ALL THE TIME and they consider it a type of layoff even if the employer uses different language. Just be 100% honest on your application about still technically being employed but having zero hours. If TWC needs to investigate, they'll contact both you and the employer.

If you need to talk to someone at TWC about this specific situation, good luck getting through on their phone lines. I was in a similar position last year and it took me 3 weeks of constant calling to finally speak with someone. I eventually used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to TWC in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. It was super helpful for getting clarification on my "not officially laid off but no hours" situation, and the TWC agent was able to add notes to my file explaining my circumstance.

Yes, it's legitimate. I was skeptical too but it worked for me when I couldn't get through for weeks. They basically keep dialing for you using their system and then call you when they get a connection. Saved me so much frustration when I was dealing with my "not officially terminated but no hours" situation.

BE CAREFUL!! my cousin tried to file when her hours got cut and TWC made her pay everything back later!!! they said she was still employed so she shouldn't have been collecting!!! not saying don't try but just be super careful how you word everything!!

UI claim specialist here. This 'inactive status' situation is extremely common, especially in industries like warehousing, retail, and hospitality. You qualify for benefits under TWC rules as long as: 1) Your reduction in hours was not your fault (which appears to be the case) 2) You're available to work (make sure you indicate this) 3) You're actively seeking work (minimum 3 work search activities per week) When you file, select 'still employed but hours reduced' and clearly explain your situation. If approved, you'll need to submit payment requests every two weeks and report any hours/wages if your employer does eventually give you some shifts. If your initial claim is denied, immediately file an appeal - you have 14 calendar days to do so. Many employers contest these claims despite them being legitimate, and appeals are often successful when the facts show zero hours for an extended period.

my company did this to me and called it 'temporarily furloughed' but it was just a way to not lay people off officially. i got unemployment no problem!! just make sure you do your work searches even though technically your still employed!