TWC benefits for reduced hours? Denied regular UI with only 9 hours weekly now

Yes, you CAN qualify for partial unemployment benefits if your hours were cut significantly! This is a common misunderstanding. In Texas, if your hours were reduced through no fault of your own AND your current weekly earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount would be, you can definitely get partial benefits. The key is how you're reporting your current work situation on your application. Make sure you're selecting 'still employed but hours reduced' rather than just 'employed part-time' when filing. Also, be very clear about what your previous full-time hours were versus now. I recommend filing an appeal on that determination letter within the 14-day deadline. In your appeal, specifically state that your hours were reduced from [previous hours] to only 9 hours weekly, representing an 80% reduction in income. TWC has specific provisions for exactly this situation.

This happend to me last year! TWC is so confusing about this. You need to appeal and be VERY clear about your hours being CUT not that you're just working part time. There's a BIG difference in how they handle it. Part time = no benefits. Hours CUT = partial benefits!!! Also make sure you're putting your PREVIOUS full time wage info correctly. My friend got denied too because she didn't make it clear her hours were cut and they thought she was just a regular part timer.

I think what matters is if you earn less than what your weekly benefit amount would be. Like if you would get $300/week in unemployment but your 9 hours only pays you $120, then you should get the difference (minus a little bit they take off). Thats how it worked for me anyway.

You're definitely eligible for partial unemployment benefits in your situation. The key factors the TWC looks at are: 1) Your hours were reduced through no fault of your own 2) Your current weekly earnings are less than your potential benefit amount A few important things to know: - You need to file an appeal within 14 days of the determination letter date - In the appeal, specifically explain that your hours were involuntarily reduced from full-time plus overtime to only 9 hours - Make sure they understand this isn't a regular part-time job - it's a dramatic reduction When you submit weekly payment requests (after appealing), you'll report your part-time wages, and TWC will adjust your benefit amount accordingly. They use a formula that allows you to earn a certain amount before reducing your benefits. If you're having trouble getting through to TWC to discuss your appeal, I recently used a service called Claimyr that got me connected to a TWC agent within 20 minutes instead of spending days calling. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. Totally worth it for getting this situation resolved quickly.

what about DUA (disaster unemployment)? you mentioned that in your post but didnt explain. are you in an area with a disaster declaration? DUA has different rules than regular unemployment sometimes.

TWC is such a nightmare to deal with!!! I went through almost the exact same thing in December when my retail job cut me from 38 hours to just 12 after the holiday rush. They denied me AT FIRST but then I appealed and explained that my hours were CUT not that I was just some random part-timer. Make sure you use those exact words - HOURS WERE CUT. And yes you only have 14 days to appeal from the date on that determination letter so do it RIGHT NOW. Don't wait. Their online appeal system worked for me but I also had to call like 50 times before I got through to someone who could actually help me understand what was happening. BTW you'll still need to do the 3 work searches weekly even with partial benefits. Such a pain when you're already working!

wait do u still work at the same place that cut ur hours or did u get a different part time job? cuz that might matter for how twc sees it

One more important thing: When you appeal, mention that you're suffering 'partial unemployment' as defined by TWC rules. That's the official term they use for reduced hours situations. According to TWC guidelines, if you're earning less than 125% of your weekly benefit amount, you can receive partial benefits. Also, save any documentation showing your previous work schedule compared to your current one. This will be valuable evidence for your appeal. Email communications about the reduction, old vs. new schedules, and pay stubs showing the difference can all help your case. Once approved, you'll need to report your earnings each time you request payment. TWC will calculate your partial benefit amount using their formula. Good luck with your appeal!