TWC appeal hearing process - will my employer be on the phone call?
I got my determination letter last week saying I was disqualified for benefits because my employer claimed I quit without good cause (which isn't true at all - I was basically forced to resign). I immediately filed an appeal through the TWC portal and just got my hearing date scheduled for next month. The notice says it's going to be a telephone hearing, but I'm getting really nervous about how this will actually work. Will my former employer be on the same phone call? Do I have to directly argue with them? This is my first time dealing with an unemployment appeal and I'm not sure what to expect or how to prepare. Anyone been through this process recently?
18 comments
Lucy Lam
Yes, typically both you and your employer will be on the same conference call during the appeal hearing. The hearing officer will lead the call, ask questions, and allow both sides to present their case. It's formal but not like a courtroom - more structured than a regular conversation though. You should prepare by: 1. Gathering any documentation that proves you didn't quit (emails, texts, performance reviews) 2. Writing down key dates and events in order 3. Making a list of points you want to make 4. Having a clear explanation of why you were forced to resign The hearing notice should include instructions on submitting evidence beforehand. Make sure you follow those exactly - there are strict deadlines.
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LordCommander
•Thank you for this! The notice said I could submit evidence up to 5 days before the hearing. Should I send everything I have or just the most important stuff? And what if my ex-manager lies during the call? Can I interrupt them?
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Aidan Hudson
They'll DEFINITELY be on the call lol i had my heating last year and my boss was there with their HR person AND a lawyer!! it was scary but the twc judge person kept everyone in line
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Zoe Wang
•omg this happened to me too! They brought their whole team and I was alone just freaking out. But honestly the hearing officer was pretty fair and gave me time to talk too. OP just make sure you practice what youre going to say beforehand!!!
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Connor Richards
I went through a TWC appeal hearing in February. Yes, your employer will be on the call, but the Appeal Hearing Officer controls the entire process. They'll explain the procedures at the start and will not allow interruptions - you'll each get your turn to speak and present evidence. Some important things to know: • The call typically lasts 30-45 minutes • Employer usually testifies first, then you • You'll be sworn in (it's under oath) • You can question the employer after they testify • They can question you after your testimony • The hearing officer will ask clarifying questions throughout • You should have all your evidence ready and numbered • Speak clearly and directly to the points in dispute • Stay calm and professional even if they say things you disagree with I was super nervous but found it more organized than I expected. The hearing officer's job is to get facts, not to intimidate anyone.
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LordCommander
•This is super helpful! What kinds of questions did your employer ask you during your hearing? I'm worried about being caught off guard.
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Grace Durand
my cousin had to do this and said it was actually better having the boss on the call cuz he contradicted himself and the twc person caught it lol. just be honest and have your dates straight!
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Steven Adams
I've been trying to contact TWC for days about my upcoming appeal hearing because I have questions similar to yours, but I keep getting busy signals or disconnected. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) yesterday and got through to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes instead of calling for hours. They explained the whole appeal process to me and it was definitely worth it. Check out their video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh But to answer your question - yes, your employer will be on the call. The hearing officer runs everything and makes sure it's fair. My hearing is next week, and the agent told me to prepare a short, clear statement about why I was let go and have any evidence ready to reference during the call.
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Alice Fleming
•does that service really work? ive been trying to reach TWC about my appeal for 2 weeks now!!
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Steven Adams
•It worked for me after I spent 3 days trying to get through on my own. The TWC agent I spoke with answered all my questions about the hearing process and even helped me understand what evidence I should submit before my hearing.
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Zoe Wang
MAKE SURE YOU ACTUALLY ATTEND THE CALL!!! My sister missed her appeal call cause she thought it was at 2pm but it was actually at 9am and she automatically lost her appeal. Triple check the time and be ready 15 minutes early!!! The TWC doesn't mess around with the schedule.
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Lucy Lam
To answer your follow-up question about evidence - quality over quantity is usually best. Submit the documents that directly support your case that you were forced to resign. The most effective evidence typically includes: • Written communications showing pressure to resign • Documentation of any hostile work environment • Performance reviews (if they were positive) • Company policies that were violated • Witness statements if applicable As for your other question about interruptions - no, don't interrupt. The hearing officer will give you time to respond and correct any false statements. Write down points you disagree with while the employer is speaking, then address them when it's your turn. Interrupting can make you appear unprofessional and hurt your case.
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LordCommander
•Thank you! I have some emails where my boss basically threatened me with a bad reference if I didn't resign, so I'll definitely include those. I appreciate all this advice - I've been so stressed about this hearing.
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Connor Richards
For your question about what they asked me - they mostly focused on the specific reason for separation. In my case, they asked about: 1. The final incident that led to my departure 2. Whether I received warnings 3. If I followed company procedures 4. Specific dates and times 5. Who was present during key conversations The key is they'll try to establish whether you truly had no reasonable alternative but to leave. Those emails you mentioned showing pressure to resign will be very important - make sure the hearing officer receives copies before the hearing. Based on what you've described, focus on clearly explaining why you felt forced to resign - what specifically made continuing employment impossible or unreasonable. That's the standard TWC uses for these cases.
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Hassan Khoury
i dont get why people make such a big deal about these hearings... i just told my side of the story when they asked and won my appeal. didnt need any fancy evidence or anything just be honest lol
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Connor Richards
•Each case is different. For simple disputes, your approach might work fine. But when the facts are contested or in complicated situations like constructive discharge (being forced to resign), having supporting evidence significantly improves chances of winning. The burden of proof is on the claimant in many cases.
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Zoe Wang
i was SOOO nervous for my appeal hearing i literally threw up that morning. but honestly it wasn't as bad as i thought. the hearing officer was professional and didn't let my old boss ramble on with lies. just be prepared to explain EXACTLY why you had no choice but to resign. they're looking for specific reasons that would make any reasonable person quit.
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LordCommander
Thank you all for the advice! I feel much better prepared now. I'm going to organize my evidence this weekend and practice explaining what happened. Those emails should help prove my case. I'll update after my hearing next month to let everyone know how it went.
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