I went through this same panic last year! Filed my claim and then completely spaced on the WorkInTexas registration for almost 2 weeks. Here's what I learned: **Good news:** You're only 6 days out, which is way better than the 2+ weeks some of us have delayed. Since your first payment request probably isn't due yet, you should be totally fine if you register today. **About your 2023 registration:** Unfortunately, it's definitely expired by now. WorkInTexas registrations become inactive after about 90 days of no activity, so even though you were in the system before, you'll need to go through the full registration process again. **Pro tips from my experience:** - Use a computer, not your phone - the mobile site is a nightmare - Set aside a solid hour to complete everything in one sitting - Fill out EVERY section completely, including uploading a resume - Take screenshots of your completion confirmation The TWC website is super confusing about this requirement, but it's absolutely mandatory. Don't stress too much though - as long as you get registered before your first payment request, you should avoid any payment delays. Just get it done today and you'll have peace of mind!

Just went through this exact same situation a few months ago - filed my claim and then completely forgot about WorkInTexas registration for over a week! The anxiety was real, but here's what I learned: **You're actually in good shape at only 6 days out.** Most people don't submit their first payment request until 2-3 weeks after filing, so you have time to get this sorted before it becomes a real problem. **Your 2023 registration is definitely expired.** I had the same false hope, but those registrations go inactive after 90 days of no activity. You'll need to start completely fresh. **Here's exactly what to do:** 1. Register on WorkInTexas TODAY using a desktop computer (seriously, the mobile site will make you want to throw your phone) 2. Complete EVERY section - work history, resume upload/creation, job preferences, make profile searchable 3. Screenshot your completion confirmation and save it somewhere safe 4. Don't panic about calling TWC unless you run into actual technical issues The good news is that TWC checks your registration status when they process your payment request, not when you initially file. As long as you're registered before you submit that first payment request, you should be golden. I know the 2-hour hold times are brutal, but honestly, just getting registered is more productive than sitting on hold right now. You've got this! 💪

I'm going through the EXACT same thing right now! Filed my claim about a week ago and have been refreshing that status page constantly hoping to see something other than "claim received." The financial anxiety is so real when you have bills coming due and no idea if help is actually coming. This thread has been incredibly helpful though - I had absolutely no clue about requesting payment before getting approved! That seems completely backwards but after reading everyone's experiences, I definitely don't want to lose out on benefit weeks. My SSN ends in 6 so I guess Tuesday is my filing day. Also just realized I need to start my work search activities immediately instead of waiting for approval. Going to create a spreadsheet today to track everything - job applications, networking events, profile updates, etc. Can't believe TWC doesn't explain these requirements clearly upfront for first-time filers like us! The waiting is absolutely brutal when you're already stressed about unemployment, but it's so reassuring to see I'm not the only one stuck in this bureaucratic limbo. This community has taught me more about how TWC actually works than hours of trying to navigate their confusing website. Thanks to everyone for sharing your tips and experiences - you've all been lifesavers! Hoping we all start seeing some positive movement on our claims soon. The uncertainty really is the worst part of this whole process.

I'm in the exact same boat as everyone here! Filed my claim 6 days ago and that "claim received" status is driving me absolutely insane. The financial stress is overwhelming when you have no clue if help is coming. This thread has been a total game-changer for me - I had NO idea about requesting payment before approval! That seems so counterintuitive but I definitely don't want to lose benefit weeks. My SSN ends in 3 so Monday filing for me. Also just started my work search activities after reading all the advice here. I was going to wait for approval first but clearly that would have been a huge mistake. Already set up a spreadsheet to track applications, networking, etc. One thing I noticed that might help - if you go to "Benefit Programs" then "View Benefit Year" it shows your claim start date and base period info, which at least confirms they processed your initial application correctly even if approval status isn't shown. The waiting is absolutely brutal when bills are due and you're operating in complete uncertainty. But finding this community has been such a relief - knowing I'm not the only one stuck in this bureaucratic nightmare. You've all taught me more about TWC in one thread than their entire website managed to! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. Here's hoping we all get some good news soon - this waiting game is definitely the hardest part of an already stressful situation!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My status changed to processing 6 days ago after being stuck in 'under review' for what felt like forever, and I've been obsessively checking that portal multiple times a day too. Also got hit by the tech layoffs (UX designer) and the financial anxiety is absolutely brutal when you're watching your savings disappear while waiting for answers. This thread has been such a lifesaver though - finally getting real timelines from people who've actually been through this instead of trying to decode vague TWC website information. Based on everyone's experiences, it sounds like we're both right in that typical 3-10 day processing window, so hopefully we'll hear something soon! I just set up those text notifications after reading the suggestions here and I'm going to try limiting my portal checks to just twice a day instead of constantly refreshing. The solidarity around these tech industry cuts is really comforting - it's been such a devastating year for all of us, but knowing we're navigating this stressful process together makes it feel less isolating. Thanks for asking this question and creating such a valuable discussion!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation! My status changed to processing 5 days ago after being under review for nearly 3 weeks, and like everyone else here, I've been obsessively checking the portal way too many times per day. Also got caught up in the tech layoffs (systems administrator) and the financial stress is making every single day feel like an eternity. This thread has been absolutely incredible - getting actual timelines and real experiences from people who've been through this process instead of trying to interpret the vague official TWC information. Based on what everyone's sharing, it sounds like 3-10 days is pretty standard for processing to determination, which gives me some hope since I'm right in the middle of that range. I just set up the text notifications after reading all the suggestions here and I'm going to force myself to only check morning and evening instead of constantly refreshing. The tech industry bloodbath this year has been unprecedented, but there's something oddly comforting about knowing so many of us are going through this identical anxiety-inducing process together. Thanks for creating this discussion - it's provided more clarity, practical advice, and emotional support than anything I could find through official channels!

Reading through your situation has me absolutely livid on your behalf! The fact that they cut your email access THE SAME DAY you left for a medical emergency and then had the audacity to claim you "quit" is beyond infuriating. That's not how voluntary separations work - that's immediate termination protocol! What really gets me is how the employer completely changed their story during the hearing from "quit" to "job abandonment" and the hearing officer just... let it slide? That should have been a massive credibility red flag right there. You can't just switch your reasoning mid-hearing when it's convenient! Your evidence sounds incredibly strong - the emails about returning keys and the NDA, proof of immediate access revocation, medical documentation, and especially that recording. The timeline is crystal clear: medical emergency → legitimate need to leave → immediate termination actions by employer. There's no way that constitutes voluntary separation. Definitely file that Commission Appeal within the 14 days! The Commission reviewers tend to be much more thorough and they specifically look for these kinds of employer contradictions. Make sure to emphasize how their story completely changed during the hearing - that's going to destroy their credibility. Don't let this employer manipulate the system to avoid paying rightful benefits. You were clearly terminated for having a medical emergency, which is exactly what unemployment benefits are designed to cover. Fight this all the way - you've got the documentation to win!

This is absolutely infuriating to read! As someone who's dealt with TWC appeals before, your case is a textbook example of wrongful termination being disguised as voluntary separation. The fact that they immediately cut your email access and demanded company property back THE SAME DAY you left for a medical emergency is smoking gun evidence of termination. What really gets me fired up is how your employer had the nerve to change their story mid-hearing from "quit" to "job abandonment" - that should have been an immediate credibility red flag! You can't just switch your reasoning when the original story doesn't work. Your documentation sounds incredibly strong: emails about keys/NDA, proof of access revocation, medical records, and especially that recording. The timeline is crystal clear - you had a legitimate medical emergency (bleeding from surgical site), informed them you needed to leave, and they immediately took termination actions. Definitely file that Commission Appeal within 14 days! The Commission reviewers are typically much more thorough than initial hearing officers and they specifically look for employer contradictions like this. Make sure to emphasize how their story completely changed during the hearing - that's going to destroy their credibility. Don't let this employer manipulate the system to avoid paying rightful benefits. You were clearly terminated for having a medical emergency, which is exactly what unemployment is designed to cover. Fight this with everything you've got - your evidence is solid and you deserve justice!

Ava, I just wanted to jump in here as someone who was in almost your exact situation about 2 years ago! I moved to Texas from New Mexico, worked retail for about 6 months, then got laid off when the company downsized. I was absolutely terrified I wouldn't qualify for benefits. Reading through all the amazing advice you've gotten here brought back so many memories of my own stress and confusion. Everyone has given you such solid guidance - especially the TWC caseworker's explanation about the alternate base period. That was a game-changer for understanding how the system actually works! I wanted to add one thing that really helped me: when I called TWC with questions during my waiting period, I found that calling right when they opened (8 AM) gave me the best chance of getting through without waiting forever. The afternoon hours were always swamped. Your $2800/month earnings are definitely strong, and the store closure situation is exactly what unemployment benefits are designed to cover. With your seasonal work from Nov-Dec plus any Oklahoma wages, you're in a much better position than you initially thought. The waiting is absolutely the hardest part, but you're handling this so well - being proactive, gathering documentation, already thinking about your job search strategy. Those same qualities are going to help you land something great once you're back on your feet. Sending you positive vibes for a quick approval! This community will be here to celebrate with you when the good news comes through! ✨

Ava, I just wanted to add some encouragement here! I was in a very similar boat about 8 months ago - moved to Texas from Arizona, worked at a department store for only about 4 months before they announced sudden closure due to corporate restructuring. I was convinced I wouldn't qualify and almost didn't apply because I thought I was wasting my time. Turns out I was completely wrong! Got approved in about 2.5 weeks and the benefits really helped me get back on my feet. The key things that worked in my favor were exactly what you have going for you - decent earnings (I was making about $2600/month), legitimate business closure, and some previous work history from before I moved to Texas. One thing I wish I'd known earlier: if you get approved, your first few payments might take a bit longer to process, but once the system gets going, it's pretty reliable. I ended up receiving benefits for about 12 weeks before finding a new job that was actually better than my retail position. The stress and uncertainty you're feeling right now is so normal and understandable, but you've done absolutely everything right by applying promptly and being thorough with your documentation. Your proactive approach to job searching while you wait is smart too. This community gave me similar support when I was going through this, and now I love being able to pay it forward. You've got this - keep us posted on how it goes! 🙌