If you get fired can you file for unemployment in Texas TWC?

That's a relief to hear honestly. So TWC actually investigates the reason? I assumed it was automatic disqualification the moment they write 'terminated' on the paperwork.

TWC definitely looks at the full picture. Your employer is going to get a notice asking them to explain the reason for separation, and you'll get a chance to tell your side too. The decision comes after they hear from both.

How long does that back-and-forth process take? My rent is due in three weeks and I'm watching the clock.

Usually about four weeks from when you file before you hear anything. The first payment, if approved, is also around that four-week mark. File your payment requests on schedule in UBS in the meantime - don't wait for the determination to start requesting.

Five weeks is terrifying to think about. Did the agent say anything about what happens if the employer contests it?

She said the determination would lay out the finding and that I'd have 14 days from the mailing date if I wanted to appeal. Seemed pretty straightforward once I actually got someone on the line.

My claim sat in that same limbo. Getting an actual human to explain what's happening makes such a difference vs. refreshing UBS every hour.

Adjudication - is that the same thing as an appeal? I keep seeing both words and I'm not sure which one I'm dealing with.

Different things. Adjudication is what happens before any decision is made - TWC is just gathering information and reviewing your case. An appeal is what you do AFTER you get a determination letter and you disagree with it. You're in the adjudication phase right now, not appeals.

This confused me too when I first filed. Adjudication = still deciding. Appeal = you already got a decision and you're fighting it. Two totally separate steps.

I didn't even think about collecting that stuff before I left. I do have texts from my supervisor about the new schedule and I think I can get my old review scores from HR if I request them.

Request those records in writing so there's a paper trail. Email HR directly and keep the email. If this ends up at a hearing, documented evidence matters a lot more than just saying what happened.

This is solid advice. I had a termination case go to a hearing and the written documentation I had made the difference. Keep everything.

Two times and approved both times? That actually helps me feel like filing wasn't pointless.

yeah both times. just make sure you keep doing your payment requests every two weeks no matter what. i almost missed one waiting for my determination and you can't skip them even while stuff is pending

Wait I didn't know about the work search thing. I've been registered on WorkInTexas.com since I filed but I didn't realize I had to log activities every week already.

Yep, the requirement starts right away. Keep a log of everywhere you apply, every career fair, every networking contact. TWC can ask to see that log at any point.

The letter they mail you will say exactly how many activities your county requires. Mine said three a week. Don't guess - wait for that letter and then hit the number every week.

Mine hasn't arrived yet but I'll start logging everything today just to be safe.

Two and a half months - did you have to appeal or did it eventually just get resolved?

I had to appeal. Got disqualified initially, filed my appeal within the 14 days, went through the phone hearing, and won. The whole thing is exhausting but worth fighting.

The appeal process is real and people do win. The phone hearing is less intimidating than it sounds. You just explain your situation to a Hearing Officer and answer questions.

This should be pinned - wait no I know that's a cliche. But seriously this is the clearest summary in the thread.

The other thing worth knowing is that even if you get disqualified, you have 14 days from the date on the determination letter to appeal. That clock starts from when it was mailed, not when you receive it, so open your mail fast.

That's a critical detail. The mailing date not the receipt date. I'll watch for that.

Knowing that appeals actually work and aren't just bureaucratic runaround helps. I'll keep that option in mind if my determination comes back wrong.

Make sure he keeps filing his payment requests the whole time an appeal is in progress. That tripped my brother in law up at first - he thought he had to wait for the appeal outcome before requesting. You don't. If you stop requesting during an appeal you won't get paid for those weeks even if you win.

Actually it's closer to the reverse of what you're thinking. A layoff - like your position gets eliminated, the company downsizes, the location closes - that's generally a clear path to benefits because it's not about anything you did. Being fired for misconduct is what creates problems. Both situations can qualify; the reason matters more than the label.

oh wow i had it completely backwards this whole time. glad i asked

Super common mix-up. The key question TWC always asks is basically: did this happen because of something the worker did wrong on purpose, or because of circumstances? Layoffs almost always fall in the second bucket.

Employment dates entered wrong - that could have been a nightmare. Good thing that got caught before the determination came out.

Exactly. Would have caused an overpayment issue down the line or possibly a denial. The agent caught it fast once I actually got someone to look at my account.

Yep. And employers don't always tell the truth on those separation notices either. TWC takes your statement too, not just the employer's. So give your full honest account of what happened.

Exactly - and be specific. Vague answers on your side while the employer gives specific details can hurt you. Tell the whole story with dates, names, and what actually happened.

I've been making notes about the timeline of events since the schedule change. That specificity advice is exactly what I needed to hear.

Report all income you receive in the week you receive it, not the week it was earned. That includes any final checks. When you first apply you should also tell TWC about any severance if there is any - there's a question about other income on each payment request form too.

TWC mails a decision on severance so I shouldn't assume it affects or doesn't affect my benefits - just report it and wait for their ruling?

That's exactly right. Report it, let them decide, don't try to guess the outcome yourself.

Okay so the application and the payment request are two separate things. I see payment request in my UBS account - does that look different from the application page?

Yes, it's a separate section in UBS. After you apply you'll get a mailed notice with your payment request filing date. Don't wait for it though - check UBS and your Tele-Serv options once that date arrives.

Tele-Serv Option 1 is payment requests, quick and easy if you don't want to log into UBS every time.

I hadn't even thought about county affecting the work search number. Good to know that's based on where you live.

Right. And if you move again you should let TWC know because it could change your required number.

The waiting week thing is confusing me. So there's a week I'll never see payment for?

Not never - it's held, not gone. If you exhaust your benefits or go back to full-time work you can get it then. If you go back to work, you have to request it specifically in UBS under the waiting week option or through Tele-Serv.

Someone told me in my thread that the waiting week was just lost forever and that stressed me out until someone corrected it. It's not lost, just held until one of those two conditions happens.

The 'costs you nothing to file' point is underrated. Worst case you get denied and then you know. Best case you get benefits you needed.

And even a denial isn't the end. You have 14 days from the mailing date on the determination to appeal in writing - through UBS, at a Workforce Solutions office, or by mail or fax.

I'm going to file my first payment request this week and just stay on top of it while I wait. Thank you everyone in this thread - you've genuinely cleared up a lot of the confusion I had going in.