Do you automatically win TWC appeal if employer no-shows?

While it definitely helps your case if the employer doesn't show, it's not an automatic win. The Hearing Officer still reviews all evidence submitted before the hearing, including anything your employer may have sent in advance. However, if they're not there to challenge your testimony or cross-examine you, your version of events usually carries more weight. As for updates, don't expect anything immediate. The Hearing Officer typically issues a written decision within 7-14 days after the hearing. You'll receive it by mail first, and then the online system will update. Make sure you still request payment during this waiting period if you're eligible.

my boss didnt show up to mine last year and i still lost lol. depends on the hearing officer i guess

The system can take FOREVER to update!!! I had my appeal hearing 3 weeks ago and just got the determination letter yesterday. The online portal still hasn't updated though. It's ridiculous how slow everything moves with TWC. Even when you win, you still have to fight to actually get paid. Also, make sure you've practiced what you're going to say. The hearing officers can be really intimidating and they interrupt you a lot. Have your points organized and speak clearly. Good luck!

I'm an unemployment advocate who's helped with many TWC appeals. Here's what you need to know: 1. No-shows by employers do NOT guarantee victory, but they significantly improve your odds. The Hearing Officer must still determine if your separation qualifies you for benefits based on evidence and testimony. 2. Have all your documentation organized and numbered. When referencing a document, clearly state which exhibit number you're referring to. 3. The hearing officer typically makes a decision within 1-2 weeks, but the written determination might take 2-3 weeks to arrive by mail. 4. The online system usually updates 3-5 business days AFTER the written determination is issued. 5. Continue requesting payments every two weeks during this process. Best of luck with your hearing!

If you need to reach TWC before your hearing to confirm they have all your documentation, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation and needed to make sure TWC had received everything. Spent days trying to get through on my own with no luck. Claimyr connected me to a TWC agent in about 25 minutes. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh It was worth it to have peace of mind that all my evidence was properly filed before my hearing date.

I had a hearing last month where my employer didn't show up. The hearing officer still asked me TONS of questions and I had to defend myself anyway. Got approved though! System updated exactly 9 days later. The determination letter came in the mail first, then the online system changed to "eligible" a few days after that. Don't stress if it takes time – that's normal.

My friend works at TWC (not in appeals tho) and she says they're SUPER behind on everything right now. Even if you win your appeal, expect it to take at least 2-3 weeks before you see any movement on your claim. And yeah, no-show from employer helps but doesn't mean automatic win.

One more important tip: At the start of the hearing, when they ask if you have any additional evidence to submit, speak up if you do! Once the hearing starts, it's very difficult to get new evidence considered. Also, it's completely normal to be nervous, but try to stick to facts rather than emotions. Hearing officers are looking for clear timelines and specific incidents, not general complaints about your employer. The system usually updates within 7-14 days after a decision is made, but it can occasionally be faster or slower depending on current TWC workload.

I went through a similar situation about 6 months ago. My employer didn't show up to the hearing, but like others have mentioned, it's definitely not an automatic win. The hearing officer still grilled me for about 45 minutes and went through all the evidence line by line. Here's what helped me: I brought THREE copies of everything - one for me, one for the hearing officer, and one extra just in case. When they asked about specific incidents, I could quickly reference the exact documents and page numbers. Also, practice saying your story out loud beforehand. I was so nervous I kept stumbling over dates and details. My determination took exactly 11 days to come through, and the online system updated 4 days after I got the letter in the mail. During that waiting period, I made sure to keep requesting payments every two weeks like clockwork - don't skip this step even if your claim shows "under review" or whatever. You've got documentation on your side, which is huge. Stay calm, stick to the facts, and you should be fine. Good luck Thursday!

As someone who's been through multiple TWC appeals (unfortunately), I can confirm what others are saying - employer no-shows definitely help but aren't automatic wins. I've seen it go both ways. One thing I don't see mentioned yet: if your employer submitted a written statement or evidence when they initially contested your claim, the hearing officer will still have that even if they don't show up. So be prepared to address whatever they originally said about your termination. Also, about the timeline - in my experience, the written determination usually comes 7-10 business days after the hearing, but the online system can be wonky. Sometimes it updates before you get the letter, sometimes weeks after. I'd recommend checking both regularly but don't panic if they don't match up immediately. Since you mentioned you have documentation proving your case, make sure you can clearly explain how each piece of evidence contradicts their claim that you violated policy. The hearing officer will want to see that connection spelled out, not just assume it's obvious. You've got this! Two months without benefits is rough, but having solid documentation puts you in a much better position than a lot of people who go into these hearings.

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago! My employer was a no-show, but I still had to present my full case. The hearing officer asked me detailed questions about every aspect of my termination for over an hour. What really saved me was having everything organized with tabs and reference numbers. When the hearing officer asked "Can you tell me about the incident on March 15th that your employer mentioned in their initial response?", I could immediately flip to the right document and give specific details. One thing that caught me off guard - even though my employer didn't show up, they had submitted a pretty detailed written response when they first contested my claim. The hearing officer had all of that in front of them and asked me to respond to each point they had made. So definitely review whatever your employer initially submitted when they protested your benefits. My determination letter arrived exactly 12 days after the hearing, and the online system updated about a week after that. The waiting is brutal, but keep requesting payments during that time no matter what. I made the mistake of stopping requests for a few weeks thinking it didn't matter, and it caused delays even after I won. You sound well-prepared with your documentation - that's honestly the most important thing. Stay confident and stick to the facts!