TWC denied my claim because I reported 2 work searches instead of 3 - can I appeal this?

Yes, you should definitely appeal this! I successfully appealed a similar situation last month. You need to file the appeal immediately since there's a 14-day deadline from the date on your determination letter. In your appeal explanation, be honest about the mistake and emphasize that you misunderstood the requirements based on your previous unemployment experience. If you have documentation of the 2 work searches you did complete, include copies with your appeal. The TWC can be understanding with honest mistakes, especially if this is your first issue.

same thing happened to my cousin last month. they totally denied him too. its ridiculous how they expect us to keep up with changing rules when were just trying to survive!! good luck

I recommend appealing immediately and continuing to request payments while your appeal is pending. Make sure you do 3 work search activities for each week going forward. In your appeal letter, explain that you made an honest mistake based on previous requirements and that you're now aware of the current 3-activity minimum. Include any documentation of the 2 activities you did complete to show good faith effort. The TWC does sometimes waive penalties for first-time mistakes, especially if you've been compliant otherwise. Be sure to check your determination letter carefully for the exact reason code - sometimes they list these as "failure to seek work" or "insufficient work search" which can affect your appeal strategy.

Honestly, you should try calling them before filing an appeal. Sometimes they can resolve these issues over the phone if you get through to the right person. But that's the challenge - getting through at all! After trying for days with busy signals and disconnects, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to a TWC agent within about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh I explained my situation (different from yours, but also a small mistake), and the agent was able to help resolve it without going through the formal appeal process. Might be worth trying before you go through the whole appeal paperwork.

i would just reapply for benefits instead of appealing. sometimes thats faster. i had a friend who got denied for missing work searches and he just started a new claim instead of appealing the old one

Update: I called TWC this morning (had to try about 20 times before getting through) and spoke with an agent. She confirmed I need to file a formal appeal because they can't override the work search denial over the phone. She did say to emphasize in my appeal that it was an honest misunderstanding based on previous requirements and that I had completed 2 activities in good faith. I'm submitting my appeal today and will keep requesting payments with 3 work searches going forward. Fingers crossed!

wait im confused...i thought we need 5 work searches a week? thats what my paperwork says...now im worried ive been doing too many lol

When I had this exact problem last year, my appeal got DENIED even though it was my first mistake ever! Then I had to request a hearing which took ANOTHER 6 weeks to schedule! The entire time I wasn't getting paid even though I kept filing my requests. The system is designed to make you give up. Sorry to be negative but prepare yourself for a long fight.

Quick tip that helped me during my appeal: If you have any emails or screenshots showing you were confused about the work search requirements or showing you looking up the old requirements, include those with your appeal. Anything that demonstrates you were making a good faith effort to comply but were genuinely confused about the current requirements can help your case.

Final advice about your appeal: Make sure to keep requesting payments every two weeks even while your appeal is pending. Complete and document all 3 work search activities for each week. If your appeal is approved, TWC will release any payments that were held during the appeal process. But if you don't continue requesting payments during this time, you can't receive those benefits retroactively even if you win your appeal.