TWC demanding repayment after I quit daycare job due to documented child abuse - can I appeal?

Yes, you definitely have grounds to appeal this determination! I went through something similar (not daycare related but workplace safety issues). Based on TWC's own rules, leaving a job due to dangerous/illegal working conditions can absolutely qualify as "good cause connected with work" when properly documented. Here's what you need to do: 1. File your appeal IMMEDIATELY - you only have 14 calendar days from the date on the determination letter 2. In your appeal, specifically state you had "good cause connected with work" to leave 3. Compile ALL documentation chronologically: - Texts/emails to management about concerns - Photos of unsafe conditions - Copy of your formal complaint to licensing - The state investigation results - Any medical documentation for your daughter if relevant - Resignation letter stating why you left When you have your appeal hearing (likely by phone), be prepared to explain clearly and calmly why these conditions made continued employment unreasonable. The fact that a state agency found violations strongly supports your case. Don't panic yet - this is exactly why the appeal process exists!

wow they always try to take money back no matter what!! my brother had to quit his job bcuz the warehouse was literally falling apart and TWC tried to make him pay back like $2000 but he appealed and won eventually. its all about the documentation you have. good luck!!

This EXACT THING happened to me!!!! I quit working at a nursing home after witnessing elder abuse and reporting it multiple times with no action. TWC wanted me to repay nearly $3,300 but I appealed and WON. The key was having all those reports and emails showing I tried to fix things before quitting. One tip - when you have your appeal hearing, stick to FACTS not emotions. I messed up initially by getting too upset during my hearing and the judge (hearing officer) kept having to redirect me. Just calmly explain each incident, what you did to report it, and why it made continuing work unreasonable. BTW - while you're waiting for the appeal, you might want to keep requesting payments if you're still unemployed. If you win your appeal, you'll get all those weeks paid. If you lose... well, you'll owe that money anyway, but at least you didn't miss out on potential benefits if you win.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but TWC is EXTREMELY strict about voluntary quits. The fact that you have documentation will definitely help, but in my experience working with unemployment cases, you need to show that: 1. You made reasonable efforts to keep your job (reporting to supervisors/management) 2. You gave the employer reasonable time to address the issues 3. The conditions were so severe that any reasonable person would quit The third point is where things get tricky. Was your daughter directly affected by the unsafe conditions? Were you personally in danger? These factors strengthen your case. Regardless, definitely appeal, but also prepare yourself mentally for possibly having to repay. The good news is that if you do have to repay, TWC will work with you on a payment plan. Have you tried calling TWC directly to discuss your situation? It can take hundreds of attempts to get through on their phone lines, but speaking with an actual agent might help.

wait so u were getting unemployment while working? isnt that fraud?

Why did you wait 2 months to quit though? That might be a problem in your appeal. The TWC hearing officer could argue that if conditions were truly unbearable, you would have quit immediately. Just something to prepare for when you have your hearing. My sister had a similar issue (quit due to safety concerns) and lost her initial appeal but won on her appeal to the Commission level because she had OSHA documentation. The state licensing violations will be your strongest evidence.

Did anyone else read that new Austin daycare exposé article last week?? The conditions in some of these places are HORRIBLE and the state does almost nothing!! OP I totally believe your story and hope TWC does too!!

Just wanted to add - make sure you request a telephonic hearing if possible. It's usually less stressful than appearing in person, and you can have all your documentation spread out in front of you during the call. When TWC schedules your hearing, they'll send instructions about how to submit evidence beforehand - follow those instructions EXACTLY and submit everything at least 3 business days before your hearing date. Also, after submitting your appeal, keep an eye on your mail. TWC will send a hearing notice with the date/time, usually 2-3 weeks after you file your appeal. If you miss your hearing, it's extremely difficult to get it rescheduled.