Fired after 5 years for misunderstanding phone payment process - TWC eligibility?

Yes, you should definitely apply for benefits. The key with TWC is that misconduct has to be intentional or show a significant disregard for your employer's interests. Simple mistakes, misunderstandings, or poor performance usually don't count as misconduct under Texas unemployment rules. When you file, be very clear that this was a misunderstanding of a new procedure, not intentional misconduct. Your 5-year work history with them will help your case too. The worst thing that happens is they deny you and you can appeal. Don't wait to file - do it today if possible!

same thing happnd to me last year!! they fired me for 'performance issues' but TWC still gave me benefits. just be honest when u file

Your employer will 100% fight this claim!!! They ALWAYS do to keep their unemployment tax rates low. Be prepared for them to say you committed misconduct and have ALL your documentation ready. Save any emails about the new procedure, any training materials, EVERYTHING!!! The TWC appeal process is a nightmare and you'll need proof it was just a mistake. I got fired from my call center job after 3 years for something similar and they fought my claim HARD with lies about my performance. TWC initially denied me but I won on appeal because I had documentation.

Here's what you need to know about misconduct in Texas unemployment cases: 1. Simple mistakes or misunderstandings are NOT misconduct under TWC rules 2. For misconduct, there needs to be willful disregard for employer interests 3. The burden of proof is on the employer to prove misconduct 4. Your 5-year work history suggests this was not a pattern of behavior When you apply, state factually what happened: "I misunderstood a new payment verification procedure that was recently implemented. After making the same error on three calls, I was terminated. This was an honest misunderstanding, not intentional misconduct." If denied, appeal immediately - you have 14 calendar days from the determination letter. Many initial denials are overturned on appeal when claimants explain their side.

good luck getting through to TWC to file your claim lol. took me THREE WEEKS of constant calling before I could talk to anyone when I got laid off in January. their phone lines are a joke

Make sure you apply immediately and start doing your 3 work search activities every week, even before you're approved! So many people wait until they're approved to start job searching, but TWC requires those activities from the week you apply, not the week you're approved. I learned that the hard way and lost out on 2 weeks of benefits last year.

One more thing - when you have your phone interview (and you WILL have one since this is a termination), don't get emotional or badmouth your employer. Stick to facts only! I made that mistake and it hurt my case initially. Just calmly explain the misunderstanding and that you had no intention of violating policy.

Update on your question about documentation: Even without written documentation, you can still make a strong case. Focus on: 1. The recency of the procedure change 2. How the training was conducted 3. Whether others also misunderstood the new procedure 4. Your overall performance history before this incident During your interview, clearly articulate that you were making a good-faith effort to follow procedures but misunderstood some aspect of the new process. The fact that you made the same specific mistake consistently actually helps your case - it shows a genuine misunderstanding rather than negligence. Regarding the phone interview timeline: Currently TWC is scheduling these about 2-3 weeks after initial claims are filed for separation issues. Continue requesting payment every two weeks even while waiting for the determination.