How to know if TWC denied your unemployment claim - understanding rejection notices

That letter you received IS your determination notice. TWC doesn't typically mark your online account with a big

Thanks for clarifying. Yes, now that I'm looking at the letter again, it does mention something about

Check if there's a determination number or code on that letter you got. Thats how TWC tracks specific decisions about ur claim. If it mentions base period wages, that means u didnt work enough quarters to qualify for regular UI. The pending status online sometimes doesnt update for weeks even after theyve made a decision. Did you try calling the TWC Tele-Serv number at 800-558-8321? Sometimes the automated system has more updated info than the website.

There is a code at the top - it says \

the online status can be SUPER confusing 🙄 i was denied and mine stil said 'pending' for like 3 weeks after! the letters are the only official thing. if it says you dont have enough wages then ya your denied. u need to have worked for atleast 2 quarters in your base period which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calander quarters b4 u apply.

Ugh that's what I was afraid of 😞 So I basically applied too soon after starting work? I should have waited until I had more quarters of work history? This whole system is so confusing.

I've been through this exact situation. The determination letter is definitely telling you that your claim was denied due to insufficient wages in your base period. When you only worked 4 months, you likely didn't have enough wages spread across enough quarters to qualify. \n\nHere's what you need to know:\n\n1. The online status often stays as \

Thanks for breaking it down so clearly. Honestly, that job was my first one after finishing school, so there wouldn't be any other employment they missed. I guess I'll have to look into other assistance options for now.

mine said pendiing 2 but i had 2 call to find out what was going on. try the 800 number but its always busy busy busy never get thru. I heard about this service called Claimyr that can help u get through to TWC without waiting on hold for hours. worked for me when i was in the same boat! check out their demo at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh or go to claimyr.com - saved me days of busy signals! they got me through in like 20 min

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll check it out. At this point I'll try anything because I really need to understand my options if I've been denied.

Hey, just to add another perspective - I didn't qualify for regular unemployment because I didn't have enough work history either. BUT you might want to see if you qualify for DUA (Disaster Unemployment Assistance) if your job loss was related to a declared disaster, or check if there are any special pandemic programs still available (though most have ended). \n\nAlso, the TWC determination letter should include instructions about reapplying later when you have enough wages in your base period. Sometimes just waiting a quarter and reapplying can make a difference if you're on the borderline.

DUA only happens when theres like a hurricane or something and the governor declares a disaster, its not for regular layoffs just fyi. and all the pandemic stuff ended ages ago. but the reapplying part is good advice!!

The TWC system is THE WORST!!! I got denied twice before finally getting approved on my third try. Their online system is ancient and confusing. Meanwhile bills are piling up and they just send these vague letters that make no sense!! My advice - APPEAL ANYWAY even if you think you won't win. Some people get approved on appeal because a different examiner looks at your case. The whole system is so broken that sometimes you win just by being persistent.

While I understand your frustration with the system, appealing without valid grounds can actually delay getting other types of assistance or being able to file a new claim when they do have enough quarters. Appeals should be based on factual errors, not just as a strategy to get a different examiner. That advice could potentially harm people in certain situations.

Thank you everyone for your helpful responses. I've decided not to appeal since I clearly don't have enough work history. I'm going to: \n1. Try using Claimyr to reach TWC to confirm what my options are \n2. Check if there's a date when I could reapply after I'd have enough quarters in my base period \n3. Look into other assistance programs in the meantime \n\nThis has been super confusing but I appreciate all the explanations!

Good plan! One last thing - make sure to check with TWC about exactly when you can reapply. Generally, you need to have earned wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period, and your total base period wages need to be at least 37 times your weekly benefit amount. Since base periods shift each quarter, you may become eligible sooner than you think. Best of luck to you!