TWC claim timing - Do they use call date or last work day? Filed 7/21, last worked 7/17

They'll use your actual last day worked (7/17) as the start of your claim, not the day you filed. The filing date just puts you in the system. For approval timeline, mine took about 2-3 weeks to get a decision, but I've heard some people waiting longer. If you need to reach TWC, try Claimyr.com - it helped me get through to an agent in about 15 minutes when I was in a similar situation. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh that shows how it works. It's way better than trying to call directly and getting busy signals for days.

ya they go by ur last day working, thats what they told me when i filed last month. took them almost 4 weeks to approve mine tho, dont panic yet

The TWC uses your last day of work (7/17) as the effective date of your claim, NOT the date you applied. This is important because your base period for benefits calculation is determined from this date. Once approved, your benefits will be retroactive to the week following your last day worked, minus the waiting week. As for timing, the TWC website states that most determinations happen within 21 days, but in reality, it varies significantly. Current processing times are running between 2-4 weeks due to seasonal claim volume increases. The 'under review' status simply means your claim is in the standard processing queue. If your former employer doesn't contest the separation reason, approval will be faster. Make sure you're completing your bi-weekly payment requests on time regardless of your claim status. When approved, you'll receive a Determination Letter by mail and any eligible back payments will be processed.

Happened to my cousin last year and he said it depends on if your employer disputes it or not. If they say you quit instead of being laid off it can take WAY longer.

The TWC system is completely BROKEN!! I filed in June and waited FIVE WEEKS just to get denied for some paperwork technicality. Then had to appeal and wait ANOTHER month!!! They don't care if you can't pay your bills or end up homeless. Call them EVERY DAY until someone helps you!!! I finally got through after 37 calls in one day!!!

To directly answer your questions: 1. TWC uses your last day of work (7/17) as the effective date of your claim, not your filing date. 2. The standard processing time is approximately 21 days, but current volumes are causing some delays. 3. Your claim will be backdated to your last day of work automatically. 4. The first payable week is the week after your last day worked, but Texas has a "waiting week" (essentially a deductible week) that is not paid until you've received at least 3 times your weekly benefit amount and either returned to work or exhausted your benefits. If you're approaching 3 weeks without a determination, I'd recommend contacting TWC directly. Be sure you're completing your bi-weekly payment requests regardless of your claim status - this is required to maintain eligibility even before approval.

I just went through this last month! They definitely use your last day worked. My approval took 18 days exactly. I was checking the portal like a crazy person every day lol. Make sure you're doing your payment requests every two weeks even while waiting for approval. And triple check your work search activities - that's what tripped me up at first.

my neighbor works for TWC he says summer is their busiest time everthing takes longer right now

One thing to note: if you're approaching your rent due date and still haven't received a determination, you might want to contact your landlord proactively. Many landlords have procedures for temporary hardship situations if you communicate early. You could provide documentation of your TWC claim filing as evidence that you're actively addressing the situation. Just having that conversation can sometimes buy you some flexibility until your benefits are approved.

Hey there! I went through something similar about 6 months ago when I got laid off from my marketing job. Just wanted to add that if you're really stressed about the timeline, you might want to look into local food banks or emergency assistance programs while you wait. Many churches and community centers have programs specifically for people waiting on unemployment benefits. Also, if you have any freelance skills (writing, design, tutoring, etc.), consider picking up some quick gig work to bridge the gap. I did some freelance social media work on Upwork while waiting for my TWC approval and it helped with groceries at least. The waiting period is brutal but you'll get through it!

I'm in a similar boat - filed my claim two weeks ago after getting laid off from my retail job and still waiting for approval. The uncertainty is definitely stressful! One thing I've learned from reading through all these responses is to make sure you're documenting everything. I've been taking screenshots of my claim status each time I check, keeping records of all my job applications, and saving any emails from TWC. Also, if it helps with the timeline anxiety, I found that calling the TWC customer service line first thing in the morning (like right at 8am) seems to have shorter wait times than later in the day. Haven't gotten through yet myself, but a coworker mentioned that timing helped her. Hang in there - sounds like most people do eventually get approved, it's just the waiting that's rough!

I'm going through the exact same situation right now! Filed my claim on July 23rd after being laid off from my customer service job on July 19th. It's been 8 days and I'm also seeing "under review" status. Reading through everyone's responses here is actually really helpful - I didn't realize they backdate to your last work day or about the waiting week requirement. I've been doing the bi-weekly payment requests like you, but I was worried I was doing something wrong since nothing's approved yet. The rent stress is so real though! I ended up reaching out to my landlord yesterday after reading @Aria Washington's suggestion and she was actually really understanding. Gave me a 10-day extension as long as I provide documentation when my benefits get approved. Sometimes people surprise you! Hopefully we both hear something soon. At least we know we're not alone in this waiting game.

I'm new to this whole unemployment process and just filed my claim yesterday after being let go from my teaching assistant job. Reading through all these responses is both helpful and nerve-wracking! It sounds like I should prepare for at least a 2-3 week wait, which is honestly terrifying since I was living paycheck to paycheck already. The tip about contacting your landlord early really resonates - I think I'll do that this week rather than waiting until rent is actually due. One question though - I see people mentioning work search requirements of 3 activities per week. Do those start immediately while your claim is under review, or only after you're approved? I want to make sure I'm doing everything correctly from the beginning. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it really helps to know what to expect!