Can you get TWC benefits if forced to quit? What proof needed?

YES but you need PROOF!!! I quit my nursing assistant job last year after my boss kept scheduling me for double shifts with no notice and threatened to fire me if I refused. TWC initially DENIED my claim saying I quit voluntarily. I appealed and submitted emails showing the schedule changes, texts from my supervisor with the threats, and a doctor's note about the panic attacks I was having. It took almost 7 weeks but they reversed the decision and approved my benefits. Document EVERYTHING. Save EVERY email, text, write down dates/times of verbal conversations. If HR isn't helping, document that too. You need to prove you had "good cause" to quit - that means showing any reasonable person would have quit under those circumstances.

Texas considers quitting for "good cause connected with the work" as potentially qualifying for benefits. This typically includes situations like: - Unsafe working conditions - Significant changes to job duties or pay without notice - Discrimination or harassment - Medical reasons connected to work The burden of proof will be on you to demonstrate you made reasonable attempts to resolve the issues before quitting. Document all conversations with your supervisor and HR. Send emails summarizing verbal conversations so there's a paper trail. Consider filing a formal complaint with your company's HR department if possible. If your mental health is suffering, get documentation from a healthcare provider connecting your symptoms to workplace conditions. Be prepared that TWC may initially deny your claim and you'll need to appeal. The appeal process gives you an opportunity to present your evidence.

I quit my job at an accounting firm in 2024 because they suddenly wanted me to come back to the office 5 days a week when I was hired remote. TWC denied my claim saying the change in work conditions wasn't significant enough even though my commute would have been 90 minutes each way. I appealed with all my original job offer documentation showing remote work was part of my compensation package, but still lost. Sometimes what seems like a good reason to us isn't enough for TWC. Just be prepared for that possibility.

I got approved after quitting my restaurant job where the owner was making us work off the clock and threatening to fire anyone who reported tips correctly. The key thing that helped me win was I had TEXT MESSAGES where he literally said "if you report all your tips I'll have to fire you" and I had pay stubs showing I was working 50+ hours but only getting paid for 40. The TWC rep told me they deny like 80% of claims from people who quit, but if you have SOLID PROOF they will approve you. Think like a lawyer - what evidence would convince a neutral person that your situation is impossible? Also, have you tried calling TWC to ask about your specific situation? Good luck getting through though - the phone lines are always jammed. I finally got through using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they got me on the phone with a TWC agent in like 30 minutes when I'd been trying for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh

The technical term TWC uses is "good cause connected with the work" for quitting situations. For your toxic work environment case, you'll need to satisfy all three elements: 1. The work situation must be truly intolerable (not just unpleasant) 2. The problem must be caused by the employer 3. You must have made reasonable attempts to resolve the situation before quitting For documentation, collect: - Written evidence of the impossible quotas (emails, performance metrics showing discrepancy) - Documentation of inappropriate comments (emails, texts, witnesses) - Evidence you tried to resolve it (emails to HR/management, formal complaints) - Medical documentation if you've sought treatment for work-related stress If you quit and apply for benefits, TWC will initially review your application. If denied, you'll receive a Determination letter explaining why. You then have 14 calendar days to appeal. The appeal hearing is typically conducted by phone with a Hearing Officer who will take testimony from both you and your employer.

maybe u should just get a new job before quitting?? thats what my brother did when his boss was a jerk. unemployment doesnt pay much anyway and sometimes they deny people for no reason

One important point not mentioned yet: if you do decide to quit, be very careful how you word your resignation. Avoid saying things like "I quit" or "I'm resigning" without context. Instead, document that you're being forced to leave due to [specific work conditions]. Something like: "Due to the ongoing [harassment/unsafe conditions/etc.] that remains unresolved despite my attempts to address it through proper channels, I am being forced to end my employment effective [date]." This language helps establish that while you technically resigned, you were effectively forced out - what's sometimes called a "constructive discharge." This can be important during the TWC determination process. Also, be prepared for your employer to fight your unemployment claim. They have a financial incentive to do so as approved claims can increase their unemployment tax rate.

i got denied when i quit my job at the mall even tho my manager was totally crazy and yelled at me infront of customers. twc said i should have just reported her to corporate but corporate never answers their phones lol. the whole system is rigged

In follow-up to your question about the appeal hearing process: Appeal hearings are typically conducted by phone with a Hearing Officer (sometimes called an Administrative Law Judge). Both you and your former employer will receive notice about the hearing date and time. During the hearing: - You'll be sworn in - The Hearing Officer explains the process and issues being decided - Both sides present testimony and evidence - You can question your employer and vice versa - The Hearing Officer asks clarifying questions Advice for the hearing: - Organize your evidence in chronological order - Prepare a brief outline of key points - Speak clearly and stick to relevant facts - Have your documentation readily available - Stay professional even if your employer makes false statements The decision typically comes by mail within 1-2 weeks after the hearing. If you lose the appeal, you can request a re-appeal to the TWC Commission, though the bar for overturning the Hearing Officer's decision is high.