TWC denied me for 'quitting' during hurricane but I was actually fired - can I call instead of appealing?

You definitely need to appeal this right away, but you should also try calling TWC to explain the situation. In my experience, most determination issues like this can't be fixed with just a phone call - the appeal is usually necessary to get it formally reviewed. Make sure you gather ALL your evidence - texts with your supervisor, photos of the hurricane damage, medical documentation, and any company policies about absences or emergencies. You have 14 calendar days from the date on your determination letter to file the appeal, so don't miss that deadline while trying to resolve it by phone.

You're in a tough spot, but I've dealt with something similar. You need to do BOTH - file the appeal AND call TWC. Here's what I recommend: 1. File the appeal immediately (if you haven't already) 2. Call TWC first thing tomorrow morning to explain the situation 3. Ask to speak with a claims examiner specifically about your "separation issue" 4. Emphasize that you have documentation proving you didn't quit 5. Request an expedited review based on financial hardship You'll need to be persistent. I was able to get my issue resolved in about 2 weeks instead of 6+ by constantly following up. The key is getting to an actual claims examiner who can review your case, not just a general customer service rep.

TWC is SO FRUSTRATING when it comes to these separation issues!!! I went through almost the exact same thing last year except it was a medical emergency not a hurricane. They automatically sided with my employer who claimed I "abandoned my job" even though I had doctor's notes!!! The TRUTH is that TWC almost always sides with employers on the first determination and expects you to appeal if it's wrong. It's their way of filtering out people who don't have legitimate cases. The appeal process is actually pretty quick now compared to how it used to be - mine only took about 3.5 weeks from filing to hearing. But GOOD LUCK getting anyone on the phone at TWC to fix this beforehand. I tried for DAYS!!!!!

im in the middle of an appeal right now for something similar. they said i quit but i was fired for missing work when my car broke down. my hearing is next week and its been about 5 weeks since i filed the appeal. the lady at the workforce center told me theres no way to speed it up you just have to wait for the hearing. good luck

I experienced almost the identical situation during a medical emergency (not hurricane related). Here's the reality: you 100% need to file an appeal AND continue making your payment requests every two weeks. BUT - you don't have to just sit and wait! I spent 3 days trying to get through on the TWC phone lines with no luck. Then I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes. The agent couldn't override the determination, but they did expedite my appeal hearing because of my financial hardship. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh My appeal hearing got scheduled within 2 weeks instead of the typical 6-8. I won my appeal and got all my back benefits. The key is documenting EVERYTHING - I had medical records, texts with my boss, and a timeline of events. The hearing officer was very fair.

Yall are missing the point. They HAVE TO do an appeal for separation issues (quit/fired) because its legal process. A phone call can maybe help get it scheduled faster but they cant just change the determination without the whole appeal thing. It sucks but thats how it works

Since you have clear documentation about both the hurricane and your medical emergency, you're in a strong position for your appeal. Texas law recognizes both natural disasters and medical emergencies as potential good cause for leaving employment when proper notification was provided to the employer. Make sure your appeal specifically addresses: 1. The hurricane as a natural disaster that prevented you from physically getting to work 2. Your medical condition that made it unsafe/impossible to work 3. Your communication with your employer during this time 4. Why their claim of "job abandonment" is factually incorrect In the meantime, apply for any emergency assistance programs in your area - many counties have short-term crisis funds, especially for hurricane-affected residents. Also check with Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for their disaster assistance programs.

wat about disaster unemployment assistance? thats different from regular benefits i think

Update: I took everyone's advice and filed my appeal online yesterday. I also managed to get through to TWC this morning after using Claimyr (thanks for that tip!). The agent was actually really helpful - she said she couldn't reverse the determination, but after reviewing my documents, she put in a request to expedite my appeal hearing based on financial hardship and the strong documentation I have. She said I should get a hearing date within 2 weeks instead of the usual timeframe. She also suggested I look into hurricane relief assistance through FEMA since our county was declared a disaster area. I'm going to check that out today. Thank you all for the advice - I'll update once I get my hearing date!