TWC appeal hearing - how long before they make a decision?

My appeal decision took almost exactly 10 calendar days to arrive in the mail. However, it was already viewable in my TWC account under the 'Determination Letters' section about 7 days after the hearing. You might want to check there before the physical mail arrives. They typically make a decision within 7-10 business days, but it can sometimes take the full 14 calendar days they mention, especially if your case was complicated or they're backlogged.

Thanks! I've been checking my TWC account daily but nothing has shown up yet in the Determination Letters section. I'll keep an eye on it. My case did involve some contradicting evidence from my employer, so maybe that's causing a delay.

mine took like 3 weeks lol but that was during covid so probably different now

3 weeks?! That's so long. I hope it doesn't take that long now. Did you at least win your appeal?

yea i won but it was super stressful waiting. just keep checking ur account every morning

Just got through my appeal process last month. Got my decision in 8 days exactly. Good luck!

The system is COMPLETELY BROKEN! I waited 18 days for my appeal decision and when I finally got it they DENIED me based on some technicality that was NEVER brought up during the hearing!!! Now I have to file a second appeal to the Commission which takes EVEN LONGER!!! Don't get your hopes up that they'll make a fair decision anytime soon!!! 😡😡😡

I'm sorry that happened to you. The second level appeal (Appeal to Commission) can indeed take longer, typically 4-6 weeks. However, most first-level appeal decisions do come within the 14-day timeframe. Each case is different, and the hearing officers generally stick to the evidence presented during the hearing.

My sister just went through this whole process and she said something about how they counted the days. I think it's 14 business days not regular days, so that's almost 3 weeks in real time. She was so stressed waiting too so I get it!

To clarify, TWC typically refers to calendar days, not business days, in their communications about determination letters. So

I found myself in this exact situation back in January. After my appeal hearing, I was checking my mailbox obsessively every day. The hearing officer told me 14 days, but my determination letter showed up on day 12. \n\nWhat really helped me during this stressful waiting period was using Claimyr to reach an actual TWC agent by phone. I was able to confirm that my decision was being processed and hadn't fallen through the cracks. Saved me so much anxiety! Their video demo explains it better than I can: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh and their website is claimyr.com if you want to try it. Definitely beats calling TWC directly and getting busy signals for days.

Thanks for the tip! I've been trying to call TWC but keep getting disconnected. I'll check out that service. Did they tell you anything specific about your appeal over the phone or just confirm it was being processed?

They couldn't tell me the actual decision (since that's confidential until it's issued), but they confirmed it was in the final review stage and hadn't been forgotten. That alone helped my anxiety a ton. The TWC agent I spoke to was also able to verify that my contact information was correct so I wouldn't miss the decision letter.

I went through 2 appeal hearings last year (had to appeal twice because my employer kept fighting it). First decision took 9 days, second one took 11 days. But what nobody tells you is that you should keep submitting your payment requests during this waiting period! Don't stop requesting payments just because you're waiting for an appeal decision. If you win, they'll pay you for those weeks retroactively, but only if you submitted the requests on time.

That's really good advice - thank you! I have been continuing my payment requests and work search activities, but I was starting to wonder if it was pointless. Good to know I should keep doing it.

Just be patient. It'll come when it comes and stressing won't change anything.

have u tried calling the appeal department directly? they have a different number than regular twc

No, I didn't realize there was a separate number for appeals. Do you happen to have it?

The Appeals Department can be reached at 800-939-6631, but they often have the same connection issues as the main TWC line. Your best bet is to call early in the morning right when they open at 8:00am.

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know that my determination letter finally showed up in my TWC account this morning - took exactly 12 days from the hearing date. I WON MY APPEAL!!! The hearing officer agreed that I was terminated without misconduct. Such a relief! Now I'm just waiting for the back payments to process. Thanks to everyone for the advice and support during the wait!

Congratulations! That's wonderful news. The back payments should process within 3-5 business days. Make sure to continue submitting your payment requests and work search activities as normal.

Awesome! Congrats! Told you it would work out!

Great news! So happy for you. The stress of these appeals is just awful, isn't it? Enjoy the relief!