I'm new to this community but unfortunately very experienced with TWC appeal frustrations! I went through almost exactly what you're describing about 3 months ago - employer was a no-show at my appeal hearing, I thought it meant automatic victory, but still lost because of their pre-submitted documentation. The most important thing I learned is that TWC operates on what they call "preponderance of evidence" - meaning they consider ALL documentation submitted by both parties, regardless of who actually shows up to defend it. It's incredibly misleading how their initial paperwork makes it sound like a no-show automatically benefits the other party. But here's what should give you hope: based on your situation (termination for "performance issues" with zero documented warnings AND positive reviews from just 3 months prior), you have an exceptionally strong case for Commission Appeals. That's exactly the type of procedural failure that gets overturned at the next level. I won my Commission Appeal after about 6 weeks, and the key was emphasizing three main points: 1. Complete lack of progressive discipline documentation despite recent positive reviews 2. The employer's absence prevented cross-examination of their vague performance claims 3. The timeline contradiction - how does performance suddenly warrant termination with no warning period? Don't give up! File that Commission Appeal within 14 days if the decision goes against you. The reviewers at that level are much more thorough about examining whether employers actually followed proper termination procedures. Your case sounds very winnable!

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation! I went through something almost identical about 4 months ago - my employer also didn't show up to the appeal hearing, and like you, I was completely shocked when I still lost the first appeal despite their absence. What I learned from my experience is that TWC hearing officers consider all evidence submitted by both parties, regardless of who actually attends the hearing. So even though your employer was a no-show, any written documentation they provided beforehand still gets reviewed alongside your testimony. It's definitely not explained clearly in their paperwork! However, based on what you've shared about your situation, you actually have several very strong points for a Commission Appeal: - You were terminated for "performance issues" but never received any formal warnings or documentation - You had positive performance reviews just 3 months before your termination - There's no evidence they followed progressive discipline procedures - Their absence meant you couldn't cross-examine their claims or ask for specific examples I ended up winning my Commission Appeal after about 7 weeks. The reviewers at that level seem much more thorough about examining whether employers actually followed proper termination procedures. When there's such a clear contradiction between recent positive reviews and sudden "performance" termination with zero documentation, it really strengthens your case. Don't give up! Make sure to file that Commission Appeal within 14 days if this decision doesn't go your way. Your situation sounds very winnable at the next level based on the procedural failures you've described.

Just want to add one more helpful detail that I learned from experience - when you're doing your biweekly payment request, make sure you have all your work search information ready BEFORE you start the request process. The system will time out if you take too long between pages, and there's nothing more frustrating than getting halfway through your request and having to start over! I keep a simple notebook where I write down my 3 work search activities for each week (company name, position applied for, date, method of contact) so I can just reference it quickly when filling out the form. Also, if you're using the mobile app, sometimes it's easier to do the actual payment request on a computer since the forms can be a bit cramped on phone screens. The app is great for checking your status and correspondence, but for the actual biweekly submission, I prefer the desktop version. Hope this helps make your first request go smoothly!

I just want to emphasize something that might get overlooked in all the helpful details here - don't stress too much about getting everything perfect right away! I was so anxious about my first few payment requests, worried I'd mess something up and lose benefits. The truth is, TWC's system is pretty forgiving for honest mistakes, and their customer service (while sometimes hard to reach) will help you fix issues if they come up. Focus on the basics: request on your assigned day, report your work search activities honestly, and report any earnings accurately. Everything else you'll learn as you go. I've been on unemployment for 4 months now and those first couple requests felt overwhelming, but now it's just part of my routine. You've got this! The fact that you're asking these questions and preparing ahead of time shows you're already on the right track.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation and had no idea about the return-to-work requirement for getting the waiting week payment. I've been unemployed for 4 months and getting close to exhausting my benefits too. One question - does anyone know if part-time work counts toward that 3x weekly benefit requirement? My weekly benefit amount is $521, so I'd need to earn about $1,563. If I can only find part-time work initially, will that count as long as I eventually hit that earnings threshold? Or does it have to be full-time employment specifically? Also wondering if anyone has experience with how long it takes TWC to actually process and send the waiting week payment once you call them after meeting the work requirement. I'm trying to plan my finances accordingly since this whole process seems to take forever with TWC!

I just went through this process last month and wanted to share my experience to help clear up some confusion. The timing is crucial - you request your waiting week on your next scheduled filing date AFTER you've exhausted all regular benefits, just like everyone said. But here's what I learned the hard way: even after you meet the work requirement and call TWC, they might ask you to provide proof of employment or pay stubs. I got a part-time job and earned the required amount (3x my weekly benefit), but when I called to request the waiting week release, they wanted documentation showing my start date and earnings. Luckily I had kept my pay stubs, but it delayed my payment by another week while they reviewed everything. Also, if you're job hunting now, start keeping a detailed log of your applications and interviews. TWC sometimes asks about your work search efforts when processing the waiting week, especially if there's been a long gap between exhausting benefits and finding work. Better to be over-prepared than caught off guard like I was! The whole system is frustrating but that waiting week payment is definitely worth the hassle. Just make sure you dot all your i's and cross all your t's when dealing with TWC.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been on unemployment for about 8 months now - I actually alternate between online and TeleServ pretty regularly depending on my schedule and it's never been an issue! The systems are completely integrated so TWC doesn't care which method you use. A couple of practical tips for your camping trip: make sure your phone is fully charged before calling (the process takes about 5-10 minutes), and if possible try to call from a spot where you have strong signal since getting cut off mid-way through can be frustrating even though you can restart. Also, if you're camping with others, maybe step away from the campsite when you call since you'll be entering your SSN and other personal info. The 7 AM suggestion is spot on - I've called at that time and gotten through immediately every time. Have a great trip and don't stress about this at all!

I've been switching between online and TeleServ for months without any issues! Just used TeleServ last week actually when I was traveling for work. The system is super straightforward - it literally asks you the exact same questions as the website, just in audio format instead of clicking buttons. One thing I'd add that others haven't mentioned: if you have any work search activities to report, have those details written down before you call since you can't "scroll back" like you can online. Also, the system will repeat your answers back to you before finalizing, so you get a chance to catch any mistakes. Don't stress about this at all - enjoy your camping trip!

Matthew, I've been in HR for over 10 years and can share some insight on what actually happens during the hiring process. Most employers don't have access to TWC appeal decisions - we can't just call up TWC and ask about your unemployment history. What we typically verify is employment dates, job title, and sometimes salary through a third-party verification service or direct contact with HR. The real concern is what your former employer says if contacted directly. While many large companies stick to "dates of employment only" policies to avoid liability, smaller companies might share more details. Here's what I'd recommend: 1. Be prepared with a brief, factual explanation: "I was terminated from my previous position, but successfully appealed the decision with TWC who determined there was no misconduct on my part." 2. Focus on getting strong references from colleagues, clients, or other supervisors from that job who can speak positively about your work. 3. Consider addressing employment gaps proactively rather than waiting for it to come up. Your TWC victory is actually valuable evidence that an impartial government agency reviewed the facts and sided with you. That carries weight if the topic ever comes up. Don't let this hold you back from pursuing opportunities - most employers care more about your skills and what you can do for them going forward.

Hey Matthew! I'm fairly new to this community but went through something very similar last year. Just wanted to add that you should also consider looking into Texas Labor Code Section 52.031 - it actually makes it illegal for employers to blacklist former employees or intentionally interfere with their ability to get new jobs. If your old employer is badmouthing you to potential employers AFTER you won your TWC appeal, that could potentially be grounds for legal action. I know it sounds intimidating, but sometimes just having your attorney send a cease and desist letter to your former employer can put a stop to any retaliation. Obviously this is a last resort if you find out they're actively sabotaging your job search, but it's good to know you have options beyond just hoping they play fair. Also, don't forget that winning your TWC appeal means they have to pay increased unemployment taxes because of the wrongful termination - so they already have financial consequences for their actions. That might actually motivate them to be more careful about what they say to avoid further liability. Hang in there - the hardest part is behind you now that you've won the appeal!