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Just wanted to add my perspective as someone who went through unemployment benefits about 6 months ago. I used almost exclusively LinkedIn and company career pages for my job applications and never had any issues whatsoever. I think the confusion comes from the fact that TWC does promote WorkInTexas pretty heavily in their communications, but that doesn't mean it's required. What really matters is keeping meticulous records. I created a simple system where I'd immediately text myself the key details after each application (company, position, date, platform) and then transfer everything to a proper spreadsheet each evening. This saved me from ever forgetting important details. One tip I haven't seen mentioned yet: if you're applying through LinkedIn and the application redirects you to the company's actual website to complete it, make sure to note that in your records. During my brief phone review (not a full audit), they appreciated that level of detail showing I was actually completing full applications and not just clicking "Easy Apply" without following through. The anxiety about documentation is totally understandable, but as long as you're genuinely looking for work and keeping good records, you'll be absolutely fine regardless of which platforms you use!
This is such a helpful perspective! I really appreciate you mentioning the distinction between LinkedIn "Easy Apply" and applications that redirect to company websites - that's something I hadn't thought about documenting but it shows you're going the extra mile with actual complete applications. The text messaging system is brilliant too - so simple but effective for capturing details in the moment when you might otherwise forget them later. Your point about TWC promoting WorkInTexas heavily but not requiring it really helps clarify the confusion. It sounds like they want people to use it but understand that job seekers will naturally use whatever platforms have the best opportunities for their field. Thanks for sharing these practical tips from your experience!
I'm so glad I found this thread! I've been on unemployment for about 2 weeks now and have been exclusively using Indeed and LinkedIn for my job search. I was starting to second-guess myself after seeing all the WorkInTexas promotional materials from TWC, but reading everyone's experiences here is incredibly reassuring. I've been keeping a basic spreadsheet with company names, positions, and dates, but after reading all these detailed tips about documentation, I realize I need to step up my record-keeping game. The suggestions about taking screenshots, saving confirmation emails in dedicated folders, and noting exact job titles are all things I'm going to implement immediately. One thing that's been bothering me - I've applied to a few positions where I had to create accounts on company HR portals that I'd never used before. Do those count the same as Indeed/LinkedIn applications? I want to make sure I'm not missing anything in my documentation since the application process was a bit more involved. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially those who went through audits. It's really helpful to hear what the actual process is like rather than just worrying about unknown scenarios!
Absolutely, applications through company HR portals count just the same as Indeed or LinkedIn applications! In fact, those might even be viewed more favorably since they show you're taking the extra step to apply directly through the employer's system. The key is just documenting them properly - make sure to note the company name, exact position title, date you applied, and that you applied through their "company website/HR portal" or similar. The fact that you had to create new accounts actually shows more effort and genuine interest in those specific positions. You're definitely on the right track with upgrading your documentation system based on everyone's tips here. Those detailed records will give you confidence whether you get audited or not!
I'm dealing with an almost identical situation and this thread has been such a lifesaver! 2.5 years with my company, consistently good quarterly reviews, then a new VP comes in and within 5 weeks I'm suddenly "underperforming" and placed on a PIP. The whole thing felt like a setup from the beginning. What really struck me from reading everyone's experiences is how the SHORT timeline of your PIP (only 3 weeks!) is actually one of your biggest advantages. Multiple people here have mentioned that TWC hearing officers specifically look for this - it's almost impossible to argue that 3 weeks is enough time for genuine performance improvement, especially after 3 years of solid work history. The advice about gathering ALL your positive documentation is spot on. I went through my old emails and found client testimonials and project praise that I'd completely forgotten about. The contrast between those positive communications and the sudden "performance problems" is really compelling evidence. One thing I'd add - if you have any metrics or data showing you were meeting your targets right up until the PIP started, definitely include those. Numbers are hard to argue with and they really help demonstrate that this was about management preference, not actual performance issues. Your case sounds incredibly strong based on what you've described. The pattern of good performance → new manager → sudden problems → quick termination is exactly what the former hearing officer said they look for as "constructive dismissal." Don't lose hope - you've got this! Keep filing those payment requests and gathering your documentation. This community has shown that these appeals really do work when you have the right evidence!
I'm so sorry you're going through this, but honestly after reading through all these responses, your case sounds incredibly strong! The pattern you're describing - 3 years of clean performance, new manager arrives, sudden PIP out of nowhere, terminated after only 3 weeks - is textbook retaliation that TWC sees all the time. A few key points that really work in your favor: - Your 3-year clean record with ZERO disciplinary actions is huge - The 3-week PIP timeline is actually better for your case than a longer one - it's so short it's obviously not a genuine improvement plan - The correlation between new manager arrival and sudden "problems" is exactly what hearing officers look for I went through something similar last year (2+ years good performance, new supervisor, sudden termination) and won my appeal. What really helped was focusing on the INCONSISTENCY - how can someone go from "meeting expectations" to "needs improvement" overnight without any changes in their actual work? Start gathering every piece of positive documentation now: quarterly reviews, any praise emails, client feedback, project successes. The stark contrast between your historical performance and these sudden "issues" will be very compelling evidence. Don't panic until you actually get a determination letter - some companies threaten to contest but never follow through. And remember to keep filing those payment requests every two weeks no matter what happens! You've got a really solid case here.
I've been following this thread as someone who went through a very similar ordeal, and I want to add some perspective that might help you and others facing these endless employer appeals. What you're experiencing is absolutely a pattern - employers who know they missed deadlines and have weak cases often use the appeals process as a war of attrition. They're betting that you'll get exhausted, miss a hearing, or just give up rather than keep fighting. It's particularly vindictive when they continue appealing after your benefits are exhausted, since at that point it's purely about trying to force you to repay money. Here's what worked for me in a nearly identical situation: I created what I called a "procedural failures document" that listed every single deadline the employer missed, every hearing they skipped, and every time they were given another chance despite their non-compliance. I presented this chronologically at my Commission Appeal and asked the hearing officer directly why procedural rules seemed to only apply to claimants, not employers. The key thing to remember is that you've already been found eligible twice - once in the initial determination and again after the first appeal they didn't attend. The burden is entirely on them to prove misconduct occurred. Don't let their persistence make you doubt the legitimacy of your case. Show up Tuesday, bring your documentation, and don't let this petty employer win through sheer harassment. You've got multiple determinations in your favor and the law on your side. Good luck!
@Justin Evans This procedural "failures document idea" is brilliant! I m'new to this community but currently dealing with the exact same situation - my employer missed every deadline, didn t'show up to the first appeal, yet somehow gets another bite at the apple with a Commission Appeal. It s'so frustrating how the system seems designed to give employers unlimited chances while we d'be immediately penalized for any procedural mistake. Your point about directly asking the hearing officer why rules only apply to claimants is something I definitely want to try. The double standard is so obvious but I hadn t'thought about calling it out explicitly during the hearing itself. I m'creating my own timeline document now and it s'shocking to see all the missed deadlines and no-shows laid out chronologically. At what point does TWC say enough is enough with these employers who clearly can t'be bothered to follow basic procedural rules? Thank you for sharing your experience - it gives me confidence that even when employers use these harassment tactics, we can still successfully defend our cases if we show up prepared with the facts!
I'm also dealing with this exact situation right now and it's incredibly validating to see so many others experiencing the same employer harassment tactics! My former employer missed the initial 14-day deadline, then filed an appeal 3 weeks later, didn't show up to that hearing, and now somehow they've been granted a Commission Appeal too. What really gets me is how TWC agents always emphasize that claimants must meet every deadline perfectly or face immediate consequences, but employers seem to get infinite second chances no matter how many times they fail to comply with basic procedural requirements. It's such an obvious double standard. Reading through everyone's experiences here, especially those who successfully defended their cases even when employers brought lawyers, has given me so much confidence. The timeline documentation strategy seems crucial - I've been building mine out with every missed deadline and it's pretty damning how many opportunities they've been given despite their pattern of non-compliance. To Fernanda and everyone else facing these vindictive appeals: we absolutely cannot let these employers win through pure harassment and intimidation. We collected benefits in good faith based on official TWC determinations, and we have every right to defend those decisions. Don't let them exhaust you into giving up - that's exactly what they're counting on!
@Ashley Simian You ve'hit the nail on the head about this being pure harassment tactics! I m'new to dealing with TWC but going through the same nightmare - my employer also missed every deadline and hearing but keeps getting more chances to appeal. It s'so reassuring to see how many of us are experiencing identical situations and that it s'clearly a pattern of employer behavior designed to wear us down. Your point about the obvious double standard is spot on. I ve'been told by TWC agents that missing any deadline as a claimant results in immediate case closure, but somehow employers get unlimited opportunities to correct "their" procedural failures. It makes no sense from a fairness perspective. I m'also working on that timeline documentation strategy everyone mentions. Seeing all the missed deadlines laid out chronologically really highlights how absurd it is that they keep getting rewarded for non-compliance. The vindictive nature becomes so obvious when they continue appealing after benefits are exhausted - at that point it s'clearly just about trying to force repayment out of spite. We definitely can t'let them win through intimidation! From what I m'reading here, showing up prepared with documentation of their procedural failures seems to be the key to success. Stay strong and don t'let them exhaust you into giving up - that s'exactly their strategy!
I'm so glad I found this thread! I filed my TWC claim almost 4 weeks ago and have been completely stuck in pending status with no communication whatsoever. Like so many others here, I also worked out of state (had a job in Colorado for about 7 months last year) and had no idea this could cause such massive delays. Reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly eye-opening - especially learning about the interstate wage verification process that apparently happens behind the scenes. I've been calling the main TWC line daily with zero success, but now I have a real action plan thanks to all the detailed advice shared here. Tomorrow morning I'm going to try calling that wage verification line (512-463-2824) right at 8 AM as Destiny suggested, and I'll also submit a written inquiry through the TWC website like Zainab recommended. If those approaches don't work, I'll definitely look into Claimyr since it clearly worked so well for Omar. The financial stress has been overwhelming, but reading Omar's success story and knowing that people like Zainab eventually got all their backpay gives me hope. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and especially those who followed up with what actually worked - this community support is invaluable when dealing with such a frustrating and opaque system!
Ravi, I'm in almost exactly the same boat as you! Filed my claim about 3.5 weeks ago and also have out-of-state work history (worked in Illinois for about 4 months last year). This thread has been absolutely incredible for understanding what's actually going on with our claims. I had zero clue that interstate wage verification was even a thing, let alone that it could add weeks to the process. Like you, I've been calling the main TWC line obsessively with no luck - it's so frustrating! I'm definitely going to follow the same game plan tomorrow: calling that wage verification line (512-463-2824) at 8 AM sharp and submitting the written inquiry through the TWC website. The combination approach seems to be the key based on everyone's success stories. It's crazy that we have to learn all this through a community forum instead of TWC being upfront about these delays. But I'm so grateful for people like Omar, Diego, Zainab, and Destiny who took the time to share what actually worked for them. Reading Omar's success story gives me hope that we'll get through this mess too!
This thread has become such an incredible resource for anyone dealing with TWC delays! Reading through all these experiences, it's clear that out-of-state work history is one of the biggest causes of processing delays that TWC doesn't adequately warn people about upfront. The pattern is so consistent - almost everyone who's waited 4+ weeks has interstate wage verification issues. I love how this community has turned what started as Omar's frustrated question into a comprehensive guide with actionable solutions. The key takeaways seem to be: 1) Call the wage verification line (512-463-2824) at 8 AM sharp, 2) Submit written inquiries through the TWC website for documentation, 3) Use services like Claimyr if you can't get through on your own, and 4) Always keep doing payment requests and document everything. It's amazing to see Omar's success story and how people like Zainab, Diego, and Destiny have shared such detailed advice. For anyone new to this thread - don't lose hope! The delays are frustrating but people ARE getting their claims resolved and receiving all their backpay.
Sean, this is such a perfect summary of everything we've learned in this thread! As someone who's been lurking here while dealing with my own TWC nightmare (filed 2 weeks ago, also have out-of-state work history from when I lived in Georgia), I really appreciate how you've distilled all the key advice into actionable steps. It's incredible how this started with Omar's panicked question and has turned into basically a masterclass on navigating TWC delays. The consistency around out-of-state wage verification being the culprit is so telling - TWC really needs to be more upfront about this! I'm bookmarking this thread and definitely going to follow the game plan everyone has laid out. The combination of calling that wage verification line at 8 AM, submitting written inquiries, and having Claimyr as a backup option gives me so much more confidence than just randomly calling the main number. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and follow up with results - this community support is exactly what people need when dealing with such a frustrating system!
Sofia Hernandez
Glad to hear you got a positive response from HR! That formal email approach really works. Just want to add one more thing based on my experience - even though they're offering benefits next month, I'd recommend getting the exact effective date and coverage details in writing before you make your final decision. Sometimes "next month" can turn into "sometime next month" or "pending approval processes." Also, if you do decide to stay, consider this a lesson learned about this employer's communication style. You might want to start building a backup plan (updating your resume, networking, etc.) just in case other promises don't pan out. Trust is hard to rebuild once it's broken, especially when it comes to something as important as health benefits. Good luck with whatever you decide!
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Isabella Santos
•Absolutely agree with Sofia on getting those exact dates and coverage details in writing! I've seen too many situations where "next month" becomes a moving target. Since you've already established that formal documentation approach works with this company, I'd send a follow-up email thanking them for the quick response and asking them to confirm: 1) Exact enrollment date, 2) What specific benefits will be included, and 3) Effective date of coverage. This way if they backtrack again, you'll have even stronger documentation for TWC showing a pattern of changing promises. Plus having it all in writing protects you if your current contacts leave the company. Really glad the formal approach worked though - shows the power of proper documentation!
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Lucas Turner
Great update! I'm really glad that formal approach worked for you. This is actually a perfect example of why documentation and professional communication can be so effective - sometimes companies genuinely don't realize there's been a breakdown in communication between departments. That said, I'd echo what others have mentioned about getting the specifics in writing. When you do follow up with HR, you might also want to ask about retroactive coverage or reimbursement for any medical expenses you've incurred during this delay, especially since you mentioned having ongoing health issues. Some companies will work with you on that if they acknowledge their error. Whether you stay or go, you've handled this really professionally and now have a solid paper trail. If you do decide to move on to a company that's more reliable with their promises, you'll be in a much stronger position having tried to resolve this first. Keep us posted on how it all works out!
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