TWC appeal processing time - 4+ months and still waiting with 'active' status

I went through an appeal back in December 2024 and it took almost exactly 14 weeks from filing to hearing date. The 8-12 week estimate hasn't been accurate since before the pandemic - they're still working through a massive backlog. Your 'active' status is actually good news - it means your appeal is in the queue and hasn't been dismissed for procedural reasons.\n\nA few things you can try:\n1. Submit a status inquiry through your TWC portal (sometimes this bumps you up in priority)\n2. Contact your state representative's office - they often have direct lines to TWC\n3. Make sure you've completed all documentation they requested\n4. Double-check that you're checking both your online portal AND your mail for correspondence

Thanks for the info! I didn't know about contacting my state rep - that's a good idea. I've been checking both mail and portal religiously. Everything on my end is complete... just endless waiting. I'll try the status inquiry right now.

MY APPEAL TOO!!!! It's been 5 months for me!!!! This system is BROKEN and nobody cares about us. I've called literally 47 times (I've been keeping track) and either get disconnected or told 'just keep waiting.' How are we supposed to pay bills? They denied me for a TYPO on my application and now I'm suffering for half a year waiting for someone to fix it. Absolutely insane. The worst part is I can't even get a straight answer if I will eventually get backpay for all these months if I win the appeal.

same here been waiting since january and now its almost july! so frustrating. i think the backpay thing depends on why u were denied in first place. my neighbor won his appeal last month and did get all his backpay at once.

My sister went through this last year. She waiting almost 20 weeks! But she did eventually get her hearing and won. They actually paid all her back benefits in one lump sum about 10 days after the decision. It was stressful but worked out in the end. Hang in there!

I've heard from a friend who works at the local workforce center that appeals for misconduct cases are taking the longest right now - sometimes 16-20 weeks as you mentioned. If it's just a paperwork issue or eligibility question, those are moving a bit faster (10-14 weeks). OP - what type of appeal did you file? That might give you a better idea of your timeline.

Mine is for misconduct that wasn't actually misconduct - I was terminated after missing work due to documented medical issues, but my employer is claiming I just didn't show up. So I guess I'm in for the long haul based on what you're all saying... 😞

That's a tricky situation, but you should have a strong case if you have medical documentation. When you eventually get your hearing date, make sure you have all your documentation organized and ready. The hearing officers are actually pretty fair in my experience, but they rely heavily on documentation rather than just verbal statements.\n\nOne tip: while you're waiting, continue to request payment every two weeks even though you'll be denied. This creates a record in the system that you're still actively seeking benefits, and if you win your appeal, you'll get retroactive payments for those weeks. Make sure you're meeting the work search requirements too - 3 work search activities per week - and documenting them.

That's super helpful, thank you! I've been requesting payment but wasn't sure if I should keep doing it since they just keep getting denied. I'll definitely continue.

I had similar issue few months ago. Couldn't get through on phone AT ALL for weeks. My cousin told me about this service called Claimyr that got me through to TWC in like 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days. They basically call TWC for you and connect you when they get through. Costs money but worth it when desperate. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or check their demo video https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh

i heard about that service but does it actually work? seems kinda sketchy to pay just to talk to unemployment

It worked for me. I spent like 3 weeks trying to get through myself and was going crazy. The person I talked to at TWC actually gave me some info about my appeal and told me approximately when I'd get my hearing date. Totally worth it for the peace of mind alone.

I just remembered something else from when my sister was waiting for her appeal - she said the TWC website doesn't always update the status correctly. Her portal showed 'active' the whole time, then one day she got a letter in the mail with her hearing date. The online status never changed until after the hearing. So make sure you're checking your actual mail!

That's good to know, thank you! I've been checking my mail every day but I'll make extra sure I don't miss anything. It's just so frustrating being in limbo for so long.

As frustrating as the wait is, there's one silver lining: if you win your appeal, the backpay comes all at once, which can be a substantial amount. I know that doesn't help with immediate bills, but it's something to keep in mind.\n\nEven though the system is backed up, TWC is actually required by federal standards to process a certain percentage of appeals within 30-45 days. They don't meet those standards right now (not even close), but it does mean they're under pressure to work through the backlog.\n\nIf your situation is truly dire (eviction notice, utilities being shut off, etc.), you can try requesting an expedited hearing due to financial hardship. This doesn't always work, but I've seen it succeed for some people.

Where do you request an expedited hearing??? Nobody told me this was even possible and I'm facing eviction next month!!!

You need to call TWC and specifically request to speak with an Appeal Supervisor (not just any representative). Explain your hardship situation and ask for the appeal to be expedited. You'll likely need to provide documentation of the hardship (eviction notice, utility shutoff, medical bills, etc.). It's not guaranteed, but worth trying if you're in a desperate situation.

i know someone who waited 6 months last year for appeal hearing!! system is totally broken now. my appeal has been

6 MONTHS?! That's insane... I can't believe this is legal. Thanks for the support though, helps to know I'm not alone in this mess.

One important thing to remember while waiting: keep detailed records of all your interactions with TWC. Write down dates/times of calls, names of representatives you speak with, and summaries of what was discussed. Also save screenshots of your portal status periodically.\n\nThese records can be invaluable during your appeal hearing, especially if part of your case involves TWC's handling of your claim. Appeal officers do take administrative issues into consideration.\n\nAlso, though it sounds like you've been trying, continue attempting to contact TWC at least once every 1-2 weeks. Sometimes persistence pays off, and you might eventually connect with a representative who can provide more helpful information or escalate your case. Best times to call are Tuesday-Thursday, first thing in the morning (7:00-7:30am) or right after lunch (1:00-1:30pm).

This is really helpful. I've been calling randomly whenever I have time, but I'll try those specific windows. I haven't been documenting everything but I'll start doing that right away. Thank you!

I've been helping several clients with TWC appeals this year, and misconduct appeals are definitely taking the longest right now. For what it's worth, medical-related separation issues often end favorably for the claimant if you have proper documentation. Make sure you have:\n\n1. Medical records showing your condition during the relevant time period\n2. Any communication with your employer about your medical situation\n3. Attendance records if you have access to them\n4. Any workplace accommodation requests you made\n\nFor the actual hearing (when you finally get it), prepare a clear timeline of events and practice explaining your situation concisely. The hearing officers typically allocate 30-45 minutes and appreciate organized presentations.

This is spot on. My appeal was for something similar and having all my doctor's notes and emails to my boss about my medical situation made a huge difference. The hearing officer actually commented on how organized my documentation was.

I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now! Filed my appeal in late March for a misconduct dismissal that was really just attendance issues due to chronic health problems. It's now been about 16 weeks and still showing "active" status with no hearing date in sight. What's been most frustrating is the complete lack of communication. I understand they're backed up, but even a rough timeline would help so much with planning. I've been doing the weekly payment requests like others mentioned, and thankfully I've been documenting everything from day one. For anyone else in this boat - I found that emailing my state senator's office actually got me a response within a week. They couldn't speed up the process, but they were able to confirm my appeal was properly filed and in the queue. Sometimes just knowing you haven't fallen through the cracks helps with the anxiety. Hang in there everyone - from what I'm reading here, it sounds like most people do eventually get their hearings and many win their appeals if they have good documentation. The system is broken but not hopeless.

I'm in a similar boat - filed my appeal in early March and it's now been about 18 weeks with no hearing date. The "active" status feels like being stuck in purgatory. What's helped me cope is treating this like a marathon, not a sprint. A few things I've learned while waiting: - Document EVERYTHING, including screenshots of your portal status with timestamps - Keep requesting weekly payments even though they get denied - this creates the paper trail for backpay - Try calling right at 7am on Tuesdays - I've had better luck getting through then - Consider reaching out to your local workforce development board - they sometimes have direct contacts at TWC The financial stress is real, but from what I'm seeing in this thread, most people with legitimate cases are eventually getting their hearings and winning their appeals. The backpay lump sum, while delayed, does seem to come through for successful appeals. Stay strong everyone - this system is broken but we're not powerless. Keep fighting for what you're owed.

Reading through everyone's experiences here is both heartbreaking and reassuring - heartbreaking because so many of us are stuck in this same impossible situation, but reassuring to know I'm not alone or crazy for feeling frustrated. I'm at 19 weeks now for a misconduct appeal (also medical-related attendance issues). Like others have mentioned, the complete lack of communication is the worst part. I've started calling it "bureaucratic gaslighting" - they tell you 8-12 weeks, then when you hit week 16+ they act like that's totally normal. A few things I've learned that might help others: - File a complaint with the Texas State Auditor's office about processing delays - it creates an official record and they do track these issues - If you have a union, reach out to them - even if your case isn't union-related, they often have contacts at TWC - Consider filing for emergency assistance through local nonprofits while waiting - many have funds specifically for people stuck in unemployment appeals The system is absolutely broken, but seeing people like Joy's sister and others eventually get their hearings and backpay gives me hope. We shouldn't have to wait 4-6+ months for basic due process, but at least we're not forgotten. Hang in there everyone - document everything, keep fighting, and remember this delay doesn't reflect the merit of your case. ✊

I'm at 17 weeks now for my appeal (filed in March for misconduct that was really just medical absences) and this thread has been incredibly helpful and validating. The "bureaucratic gaslighting" comment really resonates - I keep second-guessing myself about whether this timeline is actually normal. A couple additional tips from my experience: - I started keeping a simple spreadsheet tracking my call attempts, portal status checks, and any correspondence. It's weirdly therapeutic and will be useful documentation later. - My local legal aid society offers free consultations for unemployment appeals. Even though I couldn't afford their full services, the 30-minute consult helped me understand what to expect and how to organize my medical documentation. - For those facing immediate financial hardship - many utility companies have unemployment assistance programs. I was able to get my electric bill deferred for 3 months by showing my pending appeal status. Reading about everyone's eventual success stories gives me hope. The system is absolutely broken and the emotional toll of this limbo is real, but we're not powerless. Keep documenting, keep fighting, and remember - this delay says nothing about the validity of your case, just the dysfunction of the system. Solidarity to everyone still waiting. We shouldn't have to endure this, but at least we don't have to endure it alone. ✊

I'm at 15 weeks waiting for my appeal hearing and this thread is exactly what I needed to find today. Like so many others here, I was terminated for attendance issues related to a chronic medical condition, and the "misconduct" label feels so unfair when you have documented health problems. What's been driving me crazy is the complete information vacuum. I call every week and get the same scripted "it's in process, keep waiting" response. The lack of even a rough timeline makes it impossible to plan anything or manage the anxiety. A few things that have helped me while waiting: - I started doing volunteer work to keep busy and maintain some structure - it also counts toward work search requirements - My doctor wrote a detailed letter explaining my condition and how it affected my attendance, which should be helpful for the hearing - I found a local food bank that doesn't ask too many questions, which has helped stretch my savings Reading about everyone eventually getting their hearings and the success stories with backpay gives me hope. The system is clearly broken when we're all waiting 4-6+ months for something that should take 8-12 weeks, but at least we're not giving up. To those who are even further along in the process - thank you for sharing your experiences and tips. This community support means everything when you feel forgotten by the system. We'll get through this! 🙏

I'm at 12 weeks now waiting for my misconduct appeal hearing, and finding this thread has been such a relief. Like many of you, I was terminated for attendance issues due to a documented chronic illness, and the "misconduct" classification feels completely unjust. The information sharing here has been invaluable. I had no idea about contacting state representatives, the Texas State Auditor complaint option, or that utility companies have unemployment assistance programs. I'm definitely pursuing several of these suggestions this week. What's been helping me cope while waiting: - I started a simple journal tracking my daily mood and activities - helps me see that I'm not just "wasting time" even though it feels that way - Reached out to my doctor for a comprehensive letter detailing my condition and treatment timeline - Found a local unemployment support group that meets weekly (mostly virtual) - just knowing others are going through similar struggles helps The emotional toll of this limbo is real. Some days I feel confident about my case, other days I spiral thinking the long wait means something is wrong. Reading everyone's eventual success stories here reminds me that the delay is about system dysfunction, not case merit. For those just starting this process - document EVERYTHING from day one, and mentally prepare for this to take 4-6 months rather than the stated 8-12 weeks. The wait is brutal but we're not alone in this fight. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and strategies. This community support means everything when you feel invisible to the system. Stay strong everyone! 🙏

I'm at 11 weeks now for my misconduct appeal (also medical-related attendance) and this thread has been a lifesaver. The complete lack of communication from TWC is maddening - I keep checking my portal obsessively hoping something will change. A few things I've learned while waiting: - Set up text alerts for your unemployment payments AND mail delivery so you don't miss anything - I called the Appeals Department directly (different from regular TWC customer service) and got slightly more specific info about my case status - Started applying to jobs more systematically since the work search requirements are strict if you do win your appeal The mental health impact of this limbo is no joke. Some days I'm optimistic, other days I'm convinced my case fell through the cracks. Reading everyone's experiences here - especially the success stories with backpay - helps keep me going. @Atticus Domingo - thanks for starting this thread. It's clear we're all dealing with the same broken system, but at least we don't have to feel crazy and alone about it. The solidarity here means everything when the official channels give you nothing but "keep waiting." To everyone still fighting - document everything, use the resources people have shared here, and remember this delay says nothing about your case merit. We shouldn't have to endure this, but we're stronger together! 💪

I'm about 14 weeks into my appeal process and this thread has been incredibly validating. Like so many others here, I'm dealing with a misconduct classification for what was really medical-related attendance issues. The complete communication blackout from TWC is the most frustrating part - you start questioning if your case even exists in their system. What's helped me while waiting: - I created a "TWC folder" with printed copies of everything - portal screenshots, emails, medical records, etc. Having it all organized physically gives me some sense of control - Started calling the main TWC line at exactly 7:00am on Tuesdays like someone mentioned - I've had better luck getting through to actual humans - Applied for energy assistance through LIHEAP while waiting - qualified based on my pending appeal status The emotional rollercoaster is real. Some weeks I'm confident about my documentation and case strength, other weeks I spiral thinking the long delay means something's wrong. Reading everyone's success stories here reminds me this is system dysfunction, not case merit. To those just starting this process - mentally prepare for 4-6+ months, not the stated 8-12 weeks. Document absolutely everything from day one. And find this community early - the official channels will leave you feeling gaslit and forgotten. Thank you @Atticus Domingo for starting this conversation and to everyone sharing their experiences and strategies. We shouldn't have to endure this broken system, but at least we're not enduring it alone. Stay strong! ✊