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.