Found a job during my TWC appeal process - Will this affect my backpay?
I'm in the middle of a TWC appeal for wrongful termination from my delivery job (they claimed I didn't follow delivery protocols but I have proof I did). Yesterday I got hired at a new warehouse position starting next Monday! While I'm relieved to be working again, I'm confused about what happens with my appeal now. Do I need to withdraw it? Will I still get backpay for the 6 weeks I've been unemployed if I win the appeal? Do I need to report this new job to TWC before my appeal hearing? The hearing is scheduled for May 12th, but I start work on May 2nd. I've tried calling TWC about 30 times but can't get through to anyone who can answer my questions!
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
Congrats on the new job! You absolutely should NOT withdraw your appeal. If you win, you're still entitled to benefits for the weeks you were unemployed between jobs. You do need to report your new employment when you request payment for your final week of unemployment. Just answer honestly that you've found work and report your start date. The system will automatically stop future payments, but this won't affect your appeal for past weeks.
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Sydney Torres
•Thanks for the info! So when I do my payment request this Sunday, I should report that I found work even though I don't actually start until the following Monday? And the appeal will continue automatically?
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Caleb Bell
same thing happened to me last year! dont worry about it, the appeal is for the weeks you WERE unemployed, not future weeks. you'll be fine just make sure you report the new job on your next payment request thing
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Sydney Torres
•That's a relief to hear! Did you end up getting backpay for all the weeks you were appealing?
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Danielle Campbell
I'm in a similar situation but my employer is contesting EVERYTHING. They're saying I was fired for misconduct when I was actually laid off. My appeal hearing is next week but I'm so stressed I can barely function. Did you have to get a lawyer? I've been trying to get through to TWC for DAYS to ask questions about my hearing and I keep getting disconnected!!
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•You don't necessarily need a lawyer for a TWC appeal hearing, but you should gather all documentation showing you were laid off rather than fired for misconduct. Email communications, performance reviews, witness statements - anything that supports your case. And definitely keep trying to reach TWC with your specific questions.
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Rhett Bowman
When you go to your appeal hearing, make sure to still mention you found a job. The hearing officer will know what to do. Don't forget to bring all ur evidence for the wrongful termination too, like any texts or emails that show u followed the protocols.
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Sydney Torres
•I've got screenshots of all my delivery confirmations and the company policy that shows I followed procedure. I'm just worried they'll say I don't need benefits anymore since I found work.
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Abigail Patel
TWC system is so frustrating! When I had an appeal last year, I couldn't get anyone on the phone for weeks. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. The agent explained that finding a job doesn't invalidate your appeal for past weeks - those are benefits you were eligible for during your unemployment period.
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Caleb Bell
•oh wow never heard of this before! does it actually work? i always just give up after like 2 hours of calling
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Abigail Patel
•Yes, it actually works. I was skeptical too, but after spending days trying to get through myself, it was worth it. The TWC agent I spoke with cleared up all my questions about the appeal process.
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Daniel White
To properly handle this situation: 1. Continue with your appeal - it covers the period you were unemployed 2. When you request payment for your final unemployed week, report your new employment accurately 3. Report your start date and expected earnings 4. Attend your appeal hearing as scheduled 5. Present all evidence of wrongful termination Finding employment doesn't disqualify you from receiving benefits for weeks you were legitimately unemployed and eligible. TWC will process backpay for those weeks if your appeal is successful, regardless of your current employment status.
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Sydney Torres
•Thank you for laying it out so clearly! I feel much better about handling this now. Hoping the appeal goes in my favor for those 6 weeks of benefits.
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Nolan Carter
Be VERY careful about reporting your new job!! My brother found work during his appeal last year and when he reported it, TWC somehow messed up his whole claim and he had to start the appeal process all over again!!! The system is BROKEN and the people who work there have NO IDEA what they're doing half the time. Document EVERYTHING and take screenshots of all your payment requests!!!
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•While it's good to document everything, most people don't experience that kind of issue. The TWC system is designed to handle employment changes. Your brother's case sounds like an unusual exception, not the norm. The right approach is still to report new employment accurately.
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Nolan Carter
•You obviously haven't dealt with TWC much!!! I've seen DOZENS of people in Facebook groups with similar stories. They're completely incompetent!
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Caleb Bell
btw make sure u do ur work search requirements until ur actual start date! dont stop too early or they might deny ur last week
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Sydney Torres
•That's a good reminder! I'll keep doing my 3 work searches per week until I actually start the job.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
One more important thing - make sure to print out your complete work search log and bring it to your appeal hearing. The hearing officer will want to verify that you met all requirements during the weeks you're claiming, and having documentation ready shows you're prepared and followed the rules.
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Sydney Torres
•Thanks for the tip! I've been keeping detailed records of all my applications and interviews since this whole unemployment situation started. Glad to know it'll be useful for the hearing.
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