I'm going through something very similar right now! Got suspended three weeks ago after my supervisor claimed I was "insubordinate" during a meeting where I simply asked questions about a new policy. No witnesses, no documentation, just their word against mine. I filed for TWC benefits the same day I was suspended and just got approved yesterday! The key things that helped me: 1. Applied immediately - don't wait to see what happens 2. When filling out the application, I selected "suspended without pay" and kept my explanation factual and brief 3. During the fact-finding interview, I let TWC know I had been a good employee for 4+ years with no prior issues 4. I had saved emails showing my positive performance reviews and lack of any previous disciplinary action Your employer will have to prove you committed misconduct, not just make accusations. TWC told me that "he said/she said" situations usually favor the employee when there's no concrete evidence of wrongdoing. The whole process was stressful but I'm so glad I didn't wait. My first payment should come through next week. Stay strong and document everything!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this! Being suspended based on false accusations is incredibly frustrating and scary, especially when you have bills to pay. The good news is that yes, you absolutely can and should apply for TWC benefits right away. Being suspended without pay qualifies as a type of unemployment in Texas. When you file, select "suspended without pay" as your reason and keep your explanation simple and factual - just state when you were suspended, that it's without pay, and that it's pending an investigation. A few important things to remember: - TWC makes their own determination about your eligibility - they don't just take your employer's word for it - The burden of proof is on your employer to show you committed misconduct, not on you to prove innocence - Even if your employer contests your claim, you'll get a chance to tell your side during a fact-finding interview - Keep requesting payments every two weeks even if your case is under review Document everything from this point forward - dates, conversations, any emails or communications about the suspension. Your clean 3-year employment record with no prior issues will definitely work in your favor. Don't let them pressure you into quitting! If they decide to terminate you, make them do it officially. You've got this - the system isn't perfect but it does protect workers in situations like yours. Keep us updated on how your application goes!

I've been following this thread closely as someone who went through a very similar situation last year. What really stands out to me is how consistent everyone's advice is about being proactive with TWC - and it's absolutely correct! One additional point I'd like to emphasize: when you call TWC tomorrow, make sure to mention that your former employer is essentially asking you to take on MORE responsibilities (two different positions) for the SAME pay you earned before getting your degree. This isn't just about the job being in a different field - it's actually a worse offer than what you had before you improved your qualifications. I had a similar situation where my old employer wanted me back with additional duties, and the TWC agent specifically noted that offers which increase workload without compensation increases, especially when you've gained new qualifications, are rarely considered "suitable work." Also, keep track of any specific accounting opportunities you might miss by working restaurant hours - TWC really considers how taking the job would impact your ability to pursue your actual career path. Good luck with your call tomorrow - you've got this!

I'm a recent graduate myself (just finished my degree in December) and went through almost the exact same situation! My former employer offered me my old retail position back plus additional inventory responsibilities for the same hourly rate I had before graduating. I was terrified about losing my benefits, but after reading through all these experiences, I realize I handled it completely wrong by just declining without contacting TWC first. What I wish I had known then (and what everyone here is emphasizing) is that recent graduates really do have more protection than I thought. The 6-month grace period that @Admin_Masters mentioned would have been game-changing information for me! I ended up taking a job outside my field just because I was scared, but now I see I had options. For anyone in this situation, the consistency in everyone's advice is striking - be proactive, call TWC BEFORE declining, and document everything. The phrase "impede reasonable career progression" seems to be key language that TWC responds to. Oscar, your situation is actually quite strong given your recent graduation and the unreasonable nature of the offer. The fact that you're being asked to work two different positions for the same pre-graduation pay while having new qualifications that open up better opportunities is textbook unsuitable work. Good luck with your call - you've got great advice from this community!

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!

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this - the stress of getting hit with an unexpected overpayment demand is absolutely awful, especially when it's from years ago. What's really striking me from reading through all these responses is how many people are experiencing the exact same issue: TWC claiming overpayments from 2021-2022 but failing to automatically deduct them from benefits received in 2023-2024. This pattern suggests there's definitely something wrong with their system rather than individual errors. A couple of things I'd add to the excellent advice already given: - When you call or file your appeal, ask specifically if there were any known system issues or glitches affecting automatic offset processing for claims from that time period. Based on what others are saying, it sounds like there might be documented problems. - Keep detailed notes of every interaction you have with TWC - dates, times, names of representatives, and exactly what they tell you. Their information isn't always consistent between different staff members. - Don't let the 14-day deadline panic you into making hasty decisions. File the appeal to preserve your rights, but you can continue gathering documentation and evidence after that. The fact that you received benefits recently and they didn't take this alleged debt out automatically is honestly the strongest piece of evidence you have that something is wrong on their end. Their own system should have caught this if it was legitimate. Stay strong and fight it - you're definitely not alone in this!

Reading through all these responses is both terrifying and reassuring - terrifying because it seems like TWC has major systemic issues, but reassuring to know I'm not going crazy and that this is actually worth fighting! I'm in a very similar situation - just got hit with a $3,200 overpayment notice from 2022, but I collected benefits for about 10 weeks in late 2023/early 2024. Like everyone else here, they should have automatically deducted this if it was legitimate, but they didn't take a penny. The pattern that's emerging from this thread is really telling. It sounds like there's definitely something broken in their offset system for claims from that 2021-2022 timeframe. I'm going to file my appeal tomorrow using the language suggestions from the legal aid worker about specifically questioning why the debt wasn't recovered through automatic offset. Has anyone here had success getting TWC to admit there were system issues during that period? It seems like that could be key evidence for all of us dealing with this. Also, for those who successfully appealed - how long did the process take from filing to resolution? Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences. This thread is honestly a lifeline right now because I was ready to just panic and pay it to make it go away. Now I feel like I actually have a fighting chance!

Having been through this exact scenario myself, I can confirm what others have said - finding work during your appeal is actually a good thing and won't hurt your case! I was in appeals for wrongful termination when I got hired at my current job. Here's what I learned: 1) Keep your appeal hearing - you're fighting for benefits you were entitled to during unemployment, 2) Report your new job honestly when requesting your final week, 3) Bring ALL documentation to your hearing including proof of wrongful termination AND your new employment timeline. The hearing officer told me that finding work actually strengthened my case because it showed I was actively seeking employment and following requirements. I ended up winning my appeal and got full backpay for the 8 weeks I was unemployed. Your delivery protocol evidence sounds solid - stick with the appeal and enjoy your new warehouse job!

Just wanted to chime in with some additional encouragement - I work as a claims specialist (not for TWC but similar work) and what you're describing is totally normal and handled regularly. The key thing to remember is that unemployment benefits are designed to replace wages during periods of unemployment, so you're absolutely entitled to benefits for those 6 weeks you were out of work regardless of your current employment status. When you report your new job on your payment request, the system will simply stop future payments - it won't affect your appeal for past weeks. Make sure to attend your hearing with all your delivery protocol documentation and be upfront about finding work. Hearing officers appreciate honesty and it shows you're following the system correctly. Your warehouse job starting before the hearing date is actually perfect timing since you can focus on the appeal without worrying about current income. Good luck!