TWC mixed income claim question - can I get benefits with both part-time job and self-employment affected by storm?

You should definitely apply! Texas considers your combined income sources when calculating benefits. Since both your part-time job AND self-employment were affected by the storm, you have a valid claim. Make sure you have documentation for both income streams - your W2 from the part-time job and Schedule C or other tax docs for your self-employment. When filling out the application, there's a section specifically for reporting multiple income sources. Don't just list the part-time job.

they gonna make u do work search even if u say ur business gonna open back up just fyi

When I filed last year (different situation, but had both W-2 and 1099 income), the system actually walked me through listing both income sources separately. The tricky part is during the weekly payment request process - you'll need to report ANY income you make from either source during each week. Also, be prepared that your benefit amount might be less than you expect. They have a formula that factors in all your income, but it doesn't always seem fair when you've had multiple sources.

I went through EXACT same thing during the hurricane last year!!! Part time at dentist office + my own small biz (i do floral arrangements). TWC was IMPOSSIBLE to reach by phone - busy signals for WEEKS!!! I almost gave up but then I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a TWC agent in like 30 mins! They basically call TWC for you and when they get through, they connect you. Saved me so much frustration! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh The agent I talked to confirmed I qualified with both income sources affected by disaster. You definitely need to TALK to someone because the online system is confusing for mixed income!!

Actually, I work in HR and deal with this stuff. There's a lot of confusion about mixed income claims. Here's what you need to know: 1. Texas UI considers ALL of your income sources when determining eligibility 2. For the part-time job, your employer will receive a notice about your claim 3. For self-employment, you need to document your income loss was directly caused by the storm (take photos of damage, keep canceled contracts, etc) 4. You WILL have work search requirements unless you get a specific disaster exemption 5. When you apply, make sure to indicate both income sources were affected by the same qualifying event (the storm) The system isn't really designed well for mixed income situations, but legally you're entitled to benefits if both income sources were affected by the same qualifying event.

TWC sucks for self employed ppl!!! I tried to get benefits during COVID when I couldnt do massage therapy & even tho they had special pandemic program they kept asking for forms I didnt have!!! Wasted 2 months before I got ANY money. And YES they made me do 5!!! work searchs every week even tho I was planning to go back to my business. System is BROKEN

Based on your situation, it sounds like you'd qualify for what TWC calls a "partial unemployment" claim initially (from losing the part-time job), potentially transitioning to a full claim depending on how your self-employment income is affected going forward. One important thing: document EVERYTHING about how the storm affected your photography business. Take photos of damaged equipment if applicable, keep emails/texts from clients cancelling due to the storm, and maintain a log of expected income lost specifically because of storm impacts. One last tip - when you call TWC (and you will need to call them for a mixed income situation), select the option for "help with an existing claim" rather than "file a new claim" - even if you haven't filed yet. The wait times are usually much shorter.

Just thought of something else - make sure you accurately report your last day of work for your part-time job. Even though you know it's ending Friday, your "last day worked" is literally the last day you physically worked. This matters for when benefits can begin.

u gonna get less $ than u think just warning u now lol

Update: I applied yesterday and listed both income sources. The online system was confusing but I managed to get through it. Now my claim status says "under review" and mentions something about determining my "base period wages" - whatever that means. Guess I'll be making some phone calls to figure out what's next. Thanks for all the advice everyone!