TWC disqualified me after layoff - how long does 1st appeal take to get approved?

Appeals with TWC typically take 4-6 weeks right now. I went through something similar with a construction temp agency last year. For the hearing, you'll definitely want evidence that you contacted them - phone records showing the date/time of your call would be helpful. Also, write down exactly what was said in that conversation with the receptionist while it's fresh in your mind. The good news is that if you win the appeal, you'll get all the back payments for the weeks you requested payment during the appeal process. Make sure you keep requesting payments every two weeks even while disqualified!

been there done that. temp agencies ALWAYS try to say u didnt call for more work. won my appeal but took almost 2 months. make sure u request payment every 2 weeks or youll lose those weeks even if you win!!

I can provide some guidance on this process. First, TWC appeal hearings are currently being scheduled about 4-5 weeks out from the appeal filing date. Here's what you should prepare: 1. Phone records showing you called the agency (date, time, duration) 2. Names of anyone you spoke with 3. Detailed notes about what was discussed 4. Any emails or texts you sent following up 5. Copy of your layoff notice if you received one Your chances of winning depend on how well you can document your side. Temp agency cases often come down to "he said/she said" situations, but if you can prove you made the initial contact, you have a good chance. TWC hearing officers are generally fair. And yes, absolutely continue requesting payment every two weeks and completing your work search activities (minimum 3 per week). If you win, you'll get all back payments.

When I had my appeal they took FOREVER to schedule the hearing but then the decision came pretty quick after that (like 3-4 days). Make sure you login like 15 mins early to the phone hearing! I was late and almost missed mine lol. Good luck!!! 🍀

After waiting on hold with TWC for HOURS every day for almost two weeks trying to talk to someone about my appeal status, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a TWC rep in about 20 minutes! They have this system that holds your place in line so you don't have to stay on hold forever. I was super skeptical but they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh The TWC rep I spoke with actually gave me great advice about what specific evidence would help my case and marked my file with notes about my situation. Definitely worth it since I was getting absolutely nowhere trying to call on my own.

The EXACT same thing happened to me with a medical staffing agency! They laid me off from my assignment then claimed I "abandoned" the job by not calling them every day asking for work (which was NEVER explained as a requirement). I appealed and WON but it took 7 weeks total from filing the appeal to getting a decision. The most frustrating 7 weeks of my life. Here's what helped me win: 1. I had text messages proving I contacted them after being laid off 2. The agency couldn't produce any written policy showing I was required to call daily 3. I had a witness (coworker) who testified that we were all laid off at once The TWC hearing officer sided with me completely. Temp agencies pull this garbage ALL THE TIME. Don't give up!

One important thing no one's mentioned yet - if you lose the first appeal (to the Appeal Tribunal), you can file a further appeal to the Commission Appeals. That second appeal won't take as long, usually 2-3 weeks. And if you lose there, you can even take it to civil court, though that's rarely necessary. Also, while waiting, apply for SNAP benefits (food stamps) if you qualify. The income requirements are separate from unemployment, and it can help with groceries while you wait for the UI appeal to resolve.

i went thru 3 appeals with twc last year and won them all!!! the system is SO BROKEN. they kept saying i didn't do enough work searches but i did exactly 3 every week like required. each appeal took like a month. just keep documenting EVERYTHING

Has anyone tried contacting their state representative about speeding up the appeal process? My cousin did this and somehow got her appeal heard within 2 weeks!

UPDATE: I just got my appeal hearing date scheduled for March 23rd (about 5 weeks from when I filed). Thanks everyone for the advice about continuing to request payments and doing work searches while I wait. I'm gathering my phone records and asked a coworker who was laid off the same day to be a witness. Fingers crossed this works out. Still barely making ends meet but at least there's a date now.