TWC put benefits on hold after declining WFH job due to sick child - will I lose unemployment?

As someone who's navigated the TWC system a bunch of times, you're right to be concerned, but don't panic yet. TWC evaluates "suitable work" based on several factors, and personal circumstances can absolutely be considered. Having caregiving responsibilities for a sick child is generally viewed as a legitimate reason, especially when the job requirements (constant camera monitoring) directly conflict with those responsibilities. That said, TWC will investigate this situation since you've disclosed it. They'll likely send you a questionnaire or possibly schedule a phone interview to get more details. The key is to be consistent with your explanation and to emphasize that this was a temporary situation that prevented you from accepting this specific job with its specific requirements. Documentation helps too - if you have any medical records for your child from that time period, keep them handy.

they're 100% gonna deny ur benefits. TWC doesn't care about kids being sick, i know from experience!!! i had almost EXACT same situation last year and they cut me off for 6 WEEKS saying i refused suitable work. didn't matter that my son had pneumonia and needed me. they said i should have "made arrangements" whatever TF that means when ur a single parent. FIGHT IT when they deny you!!!

You're in a tricky situation. According to TWC guidelines, refusing suitable work can definitely disqualify you from benefits. However, there are exceptions, and childcare issues can sometimes qualify. The most important factors TWC will consider: 1. Was this a temporary situation or ongoing? 2. Did you communicate clearly that you were willing to accept the position once your child recovered? 3. Was there any possibility of accommodation from the employer? Rather than changing your story now (like claiming internet issues), I'd recommend sticking with the truth but emphasizing that this was a temporary barrier and that you remain available for suitable work. Changing your reason now could look like you're being dishonest, which would make things worse. Expect your payment to stay on hold until they make a determination. If they rule against you, immediately file an appeal - you'll have 14 calendar days to do so.

Omg I went through something SO similar in January! TWC held my payment for like 10 days after I told them I turned down a job. I was honestly freaking out the whole time. For me, it was because the job was too far from my home and I couldn't make the commute work. Have you tried calling them back to check your claim status? I kept getting busy signals for DAYS until I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes. It was honestly worth it because waiting around not knowing was driving me crazy. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh In my case, they eventually approved my continued benefits because the commute was considered unreasonable. I think your situation with a sick child is even more understandable. Good luck!!!

lol at all these looong answers. simple answer is YES u should have said internet didn't meet requirements!! thats a technical issue they cant argue with. saying no cuz of a kid is subjective and they can deny u for that. just sayin

One thing to add: while your benefits are on hold, make sure you CONTINUE submitting your biweekly payment requests on time. If TWC rules in your favor, they'll release all held payments, but only if you've kept up with your requests. If you miss filing them, you could permanently lose those weeks of benefits even if they decide your reason was valid. Also, keep doing and documenting your work search activities (minimum 3 per week in Texas). Many people make the mistake of stopping their work search when benefits are on hold, which can create a second problem even if the first one gets resolved in your favor.

I wanted to follow up on something - you mentioned the position required you to be on camera for the entire 6-week training. Texas considers the "conditions of work" when determining if employment is suitable. If you can document that: 1. The constant monitoring requirement would have prevented you from providing necessary care to your sick child, AND 2. This was a temporary situation (your child isn't chronically ill requiring ongoing care) Then you have a stronger case. Make sure to emphasize both these points if you get a determination interview or need to file an appeal. The key is showing you remain able and available for work generally, just that this specific position's requirements created a temporary, legitimate conflict with your parental responsibilities.

Has anyone received the determination yet? I'm invested in this story now and wondering what TWC decided.

I work in HR and deal with TWC issues regularly (from the employer side). To clarify something important: in Texas, caring for a sick family member CAN be good cause for refusing work, but it depends on the specific circumstances. TWC typically looks at: - Whether you had alternatives for care - If the illness was temporary or long-term - If you asked for accommodations before refusing What often hurts claimants is not being specific enough. Don't just say "my child was sick" - explain exactly why this prevented you from accepting a position with camera monitoring requirements, the duration of the illness, and what steps you took to try to resolve the conflict. Also, be prepared to provide some form of documentation if requested - pediatrician notes, appointment records, etc.