Just to add something important - your friend should gather any evidence of his job search efforts while this is being resolved. Texas currently requires 3 work search activities per week to remain eligible for benefits. Even though his claim is denied right now, if he wins the appeal, he'll need to prove he was doing the required work searches during this waiting period to receive backpay for those weeks. Have him document everything and keep screenshots of job applications.

I work for a legal aid organization and see these employment verification denials all the time. A few additional things your friend should know: 1) He can request a copy of his entire TWC file through a Public Information Act request - this will show exactly what the employer told TWC when they were contacted. Sometimes employers give contradictory information that helps your case. 2) If he has any old work emails, employee handbook, name badge, uniform, or even photos of himself at work, include those with the appeal. Visual evidence can be very persuasive. 3) Consider having coworkers write brief affidavits (sworn statements) about his employment there. They don't have to testify at the hearing, but written statements under oath carry weight. 4) The employer's refusal to verify employment could actually constitute interference with unemployment benefits, which is illegal in Texas. Document every interaction he's had with them about this issue. The appeal hearing is his best shot - TWC hearing officers deal with dishonest employers regularly and know what to look for. With his W-2 and paystubs, he has a strong case. Good luck!

this belongs in a social security forum not unemployment lol

I went through this same panic when I first started collecting unemployment last year! It's definitely confusing because you think "benefit = earnings" but that's not how Social Security works. What helped me feel better was logging into my SSA.gov account and seeing that all my previous work credits were still there - unemployment doesn't erase what you've already earned. One thing to keep in mind is that if you do any freelance or gig work while on partial unemployment (which TWC allows up to your weekly benefit amount), THAT income would count toward Social Security if you pay the self-employment taxes on it. So there are still ways to earn credits even while collecting benefits. Good luck with your job search!

I had a similar situation last year and learned the hard way that you really need to be proactive about this. The TWC payment processing and benefits systems don't sync up properly, which is why so many people are getting double-charged. What worked for me was calling the day after I made my overpayment (before requesting weekly benefits) and specifically asking them to put a "payment hold" on my account until the systems caught up. The rep was able to see my payment immediately and flagged my account to prevent the automatic deduction. It's frustrating that we have to do their job for them, but it's better than dealing with the refund process later. Definitely call them tomorrow and don't take "it should be fine" as an answer - make sure they actually document something in your file!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! I paid my overpayment online yesterday and then requested my weekly benefits this morning before reading all these responses. Now I'm panicking that they're going to double-charge me too. Based on what everyone is saying, it sounds like calling TWC immediately is the only way to prevent this mess. I'm going to start calling first thing tomorrow and keep trying until I get through. It's so frustrating that their systems don't talk to each other properly - you'd think in 2025 they would have figured this out by now! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, at least now I know what to expect and what to ask for when I finally reach someone.

UPDATE: Just checked my portal and the deposit date is showing for tomorrow (Wednesday)! Looks like it was just a one-day delay due to the holiday. Thanks everyone for your help and advice. Hopefully the money will be in my account by Friday and I'll be all set for rent.

That's awesome that your deposit date showed up! Just wanted to add that even though you have the deposit date for Wednesday, don't panic if it doesn't hit your account until Thursday or Friday. I bank with Chase and they usually post TWC deposits the day after the deposit date, but I've had friends with smaller banks that sometimes take an extra day. Since your rent isn't due until the 10th, you should definitely be covered. Also, if for some reason there's any delay beyond Friday, most landlords are understanding about unemployment payments being a day or two late - just give them a heads up if needed.

UPDATE: You guys won't believe this! Just checked my correspondence inbox and TWC APPROVED my appeal already! Only took 2 days after I called that second time. The determination letter says they reviewed my documentation and found that I DID submit everything on time. They're releasing all my backpay from July 10th (hurricane date) through now - almost $5,000! I'm in shock that it happened so fast after all the headaches. For anyone else dealing with this - definitely call multiple times and file that appeal immediately if denied. Seems like their system is automatically denying people even when the documentation is there. Thank you everyone for your advice and support!

This is so encouraging to hear! I'm currently dealing with a DUA denial myself - applied after losing my job due to hurricane damage to my workplace in August. They're claiming I didn't provide adequate proof of employment, even though I submitted my final paystub, W-2, and a letter from my employer confirming the business closure due to storm damage. Reading all these success stories gives me hope that persistence really pays off with TWC. It sounds like their automated system is definitely flagging legitimate claims incorrectly. I'm going to follow the advice here and keep calling until I get someone who can actually review my case properly. For those who got approved after appeals - did TWC require any additional documentation during the appeal process, or did they just re-review what you had already submitted? Trying to prepare myself for what might be coming next.