TWC multiple appeals process - second appeal stuck since 7/6 with no updates

Ugh second appeals take FOREVER with TWC. Mine took almost 8 weeks back in January.

8 weeks?? That's terrifying. Did you keep requesting payments during that time?

Yes, second-level appeals typically have a longer processing time than initial appeals. The Texas Workforce Commission is handling a large volume of appeals, and second-level appeals (Appeals to the Commission) are reviewed by a panel rather than a single hearing officer. \n\nHere's what you should know:\n\n1. The typical timeframe for second appeals is 6-8 weeks, though it can vary.\n2. You should continue requesting payment every two weeks during this time (very important!)\n3. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date so you don't miss any correspondence.\n4. Check your correspondence inbox on the TWC portal regularly, as that's where determination notifications will appear.\n\nYour appeal date (7/6) is still relatively recent in terms of TWC timeframes, so I wouldn't panic yet. The system will simply show \

thats not true mine took 12 weeks last summer and i never got any updates the whole time

I went through this same exact situation last year. Second appeal took 7 weeks to process, but I did get approved in the end! Don't give up. The important thing is to keep requesting payments every two weeks even during the appeal. If you win, they'll release all those back payments to you. \n\nOne thing I did that helped was printing out a copy of all my evidence and mailing it directly to the Appeals Department with my appeal ID clearly marked on everything. Sometimes their online system doesn't properly attach all documents.

That's actually really good advice about mailing the documents. I didn't think about that! Did you use the Austin office address for that? Also, did you get any kind of notification when they started reviewing your appeal, or did it just jump straight to a decision?

Second appeals are THE WORST!!! I waited 9 weeks and then they just sent a form letter denying me because they said I didn't provide enough evidence. BUT I DID!!! The system is designed to make people give up. I even had documentation from my employer that I was laid off but TWC kept saying I quit without good cause. HOW IS BEING LAID OFF THE SAME AS QUITTING???

Same thing happened to my brother! TWC is terrible with documentation. They literally lost half his paperwork and then denied him for not providing it!!!

I know everyone's frustrated with wait times, but I had success using Claimyr to actually get through to a live TWC agent when my second appeal was stuck. After waiting 5 weeks with no updates, I used their service (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to TWC in about 20 minutes instead of me calling for days. The agent was able to tell me my appeal was assigned to a reviewer but was in backlog. At least I got an update. There's a video about how it works here: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh \n\nJust knowing what was happening with my case helped my anxiety a lot. The TWC agent also gave me an estimated timeline which was way better than just staring at \

does that actually work? i never heard of that before

Yeah, it worked for me. It's basically a service that calls TWC for you and holds your place in line, then calls you when they're about to connect you to an agent. Saved me hours of listening to busy signals and getting hung up on.

Hey, just wanted to say I just went through this exact thing! Filed my second appeal in March after first one was denied bc my employer claimed misconduct (which was NOT true). My second appeal was stuck on

This gives me some hope! Congrats on getting approved! Did you have to have another phone hearing for the second appeal or was it just a document review?

I had a phone hearing for the second appeal too. Was nervous but it went better than the first one. Just make sure you have ALL your evidence ready and organized. And write down talking points so you don't forget anything important!

One more tip that might be helpful - while you're waiting, prepare a clear timeline of events with dates and details about your work separation. For my second appeal, I created a simple document with:\n\n1. Employment dates\n2. Exact reason for separation\n3. All attempts to resolve issues with employer\n4. List of all evidence submitted\n5. Why I believed the first appeal decision was incorrect\n\nWhen I finally got my hearing, having this organized made a huge difference. The commission panel seemed impressed that I was so prepared. They overturned the first appeal decision in my favor.\n\nAlso, if your financial situation is dire while waiting, you might want to look into applying for emergency assistance programs through local community organizations. Many can help with utilities and rent while you're waiting for unemployment issues to resolve.

Thank you for the detailed advice. I'll definitely put together a timeline document this weekend. I have all the information, just need to organize it better. Did you submit this timeline document before your hearing or did you just use it to help you during the hearing?

I actually did both - I submitted it about a week before the hearing through the TWC portal (uploaded as additional evidence), and then also had it in front of me during the call to keep myself on track when answering questions. The hearing officer specifically mentioned having reviewed my timeline, so I know they saw it beforehand.

anyone else notice that the TWC website always breaks when you try to check status?? it's almost like they do it on purpose to make it harder lol

omg yes!!! every sunday night when im trying to request payment the site crashes. so annoying

To directly address your question about requesting payments - yes, you absolutely should continue requesting payments every two weeks while your appeal is pending. This is extremely important because:\n\n1. If you win your appeal, TWC can only pay you for weeks that you properly requested payment, even if you were eligible.\n2. Each payment request also serves as verification that you're still seeking work.\n3. You must continue meeting work search requirements (minimum of 3 work search activities per week in Texas).\n\nEven though the payment requests will show as \

Thanks for clarifying this. I've been requesting payments but seeing them get denied was really discouraging. Good to know I should keep doing it anyway. I've definitely been keeping up with my work search activities and documenting everything.

Update: I finally got through to TWC this morning after trying for days! The agent told me my appeal is \

That's good news! Being \

I'm going through something similar right now! My second appeal has been pending since June 15th with no updates. The waiting is absolutely killing me financially. I've been following all the advice here - continuing to request payments every two weeks, keeping up with work search requirements, and I even mailed hard copies of my documents to the Austin office like someone suggested. One thing that's helped me stay sane is calling my state representative's office. They have a constituent services team that can sometimes help with state agency issues. They can't speed up the process, but they were able to confirm my appeal was actually in the system and give me a rough timeline. Might be worth trying if you're really stuck. Also, has anyone had success with the TWC ombudsman? I'm thinking about reaching out to them next if I don't hear anything by next week.

I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now! Filed my second appeal on June 28th after my first one was denied (employer claimed I was terminated for poor performance but I have emails showing it was actually a layoff due to budget cuts). It's been almost 8 weeks now and I'm losing my mind checking that stupid TWC portal every day just to see "Appeal Received" with no other updates. The financial stress is unreal - I've burned through my savings and I'm behind on rent. But reading everyone's experiences here is actually really helpful. I had no idea that 6-8 weeks was normal for second appeals, and I definitely didn't know about continuing to request payments during the appeal process. I stopped doing that after the first few got denied because I thought it was pointless! Question for those who've been through this - when TWC finally schedules your second appeal hearing, do they give you much advance notice? I'm worried I'll miss the call or email notification since their communication has been so terrible throughout this whole process. Also going to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned and definitely calling my state rep's office. At this point I'll try anything to get some kind of update on where my case stands. This whole system is designed to make people give up, but I can't afford to do that!