Forgot to report severance pay on TWC payment request - will this cause problems?

Don't panic! This is a common mistake and you're doing the right thing by calling TWC to correct it. When you call, tell them it was an honest error and you want to report the severance payment. They'll likely adjust your benefits for the affected payment period. Severance pay is considered disqualifying income, meaning it reduces or eliminates benefits for the period it's paid, depending on the amount. Since you're planning to self-report before they catch it, they'll likely just recalculate without penalties. Make sure you have documentation of your severance amount ready when you call. You might need to pay back some money if the severance would have reduced your eligible amount for that period.

OMG I did the EXACT same thing last year!!! I got a $3,000 severance and completely blanked on reporting it. I was so worried!

They ended up sending me an overpayment notice about 3 weeks later. I had to pay back what I got for that period. But since I called them right away when I realized (like you're planning to), they didn't charge me any penalties or interest. Just had to return the money I shouldn't have gotten that week.

The previous responses are partially correct, but let me clarify how TWC handles severance pay specifically: 1. Severance pay is considered disqualifying income for the period it's allocated to 2. If it's a lump sum, TWC typically allocates it based on your previous weekly salary 3. For example, if you earned $1,000/week and got $5,800 severance, they'd consider you ineligible for about 5-6 weeks of benefits Since you've already received one payment and are on your second request, you need to call TWC and explain the situation. They'll recalculate your benefit eligibility period and likely issue an overpayment notice for any weeks you weren't eligible due to the severance allocation. Be prepared with: - Exact severance amount - Date received - Your previous weekly salary - Any documentation showing the severance payment Honestly reporting the mistake promptly will help avoid fraud allegations. This happens frequently, and TWC has processes to handle it.

my cousin had this happen and they made him pay back evrything plus a penelty lol good luck

I've been helping people with TWC issues for years, and forgotten severance reporting is actually pretty common. Here's what will likely happen: 1. When you call tomorrow, you'll probably get endless busy signals and frustration trying to reach someone 2. Once you do reach a person, they'll create an 'issue' on your claim for the unreported income 3. Your payments may be temporarily paused until they resolve the issue 4. They'll send you a determination letter explaining how your severance affects your benefits 5. You'll likely need to repay any benefits you weren't eligible for during the severance allocation period If you're struggling to get through to TWC (which is almost guaranteed), I'd recommend using Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to an actual TWC agent without spending hours hitting redial. I used it when my claim had issues and got through in about 20 minutes instead of days of trying. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or watch their demo at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh - it saved me so much frustration.

Am I the only one confused about why severance even counts against unemployment? I mean, you LOST YOUR JOB! The severance is supposed to help you while you look for work, not make you ineligible for benefits you paid into while working! The whole system is ridiculous.

Update: I finally got through to TWC after trying all morning! The agent was actually really nice about it. She said my severance will be allocated over about 7 weeks based on my previous salary, so I won't be eligible for benefits during that time. But here's the good news - since I reported it myself before they caught it, they're not considering it fraud or applying any penalties. I will have to pay back the first payment I already received though. They're sending me a determination letter with all the details. Thanks everyone for your help and keeping me from panicking too much!

Did they tell you how to pay back the money? Do u have to write a check or can you do it online?