my brother got a job at amazon but they only gave him like 10 hours the first week and he still got sum unemployment but way less

Just wanted to add my experience from a few months ago - I was in almost the exact same situation! Started a retail job that only gave me 12-15 hours per week initially. I was terrified to report it thinking they'd cut me off completely, but I'm so glad I did. TWC reduced my weekly benefit by about 60% but I still got something, which really helped bridge the gap until my hours increased. The key things that helped me: 1. I kept detailed records of every hour worked and wages earned 2. When the questionnaire came (it took about 10 days after reporting), I was very clear that this was part-time/temporary work and I was still actively job searching 3. I continued doing my 3 work searches every week even though I had the part-time job The whole process was way less scary than I thought it would be. Just be honest and thorough in your reporting and you should be fine! Good luck with the new job too - hopefully it leads to more hours or opens doors to something better!

Quick update on my earlier comment - I just double-checked and according to the ID.me help center, a U.S. passport counts as a "primary document" but you'll still need something for the secondary verification. Good options if you don't have your SS card are: - W-2 from last year - Recent tax return (doesn't need to be the full return, just the first page with your info) - Utility bill with your name and current address - Health insurance card Hope this helps clarify things!

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble with document photos, try scanning them with your phone's built-in scanner app (like Notes on iPhone or Google Drive scanner) instead of just taking regular photos. The scanner apps usually produce clearer, more uniform images that ID.me accepts more easily. Also, make sure there's no glare or shadows on the documents - I had to retake mine twice because of lighting issues. Good luck with your verification!

Hey Santiago! Just wanted to add something I learned the hard way - when you file your claim, make absolutely sure you select the correct reason for separation. Since you mentioned it's a layoff due to "reduction in force," DO NOT select anything that could be interpreted as quitting or being fired for cause. I've seen people accidentally select the wrong option and it delayed their benefits for weeks while they had to go through an appeal process. Also, keep copies of any layoff notices or emails from your employer about the reduction in force. TWC might ask for documentation later, and having that paperwork ready can speed up the process. The fact that your whole team is being cut should make this pretty straightforward for approval. You're in a much better position than you think with that 2-year work history before your current job!

Santiago, I went through a similar situation last year - got laid off after only 4 months at my job but had worked steady for years before that. The key thing that helped me was filing my claim online literally the day I got laid off (don't wait!). One thing I wish someone had told me upfront: when you get to the part about your work history, be prepared to enter details for every employer you had during your base period, not just your current one. They'll ask for company names, addresses, supervisor info, exact start/end dates, and your total gross wages for each job. Having all that info organized beforehand saved me from having to stop mid-application to hunt down old pay stubs. Also, since you mentioned you're stressed about bills - once you're approved, you can typically get benefits for up to 26 weeks in Texas (sometimes extended during high unemployment periods). With your work history, you should qualify for a decent weekly amount. Just remember to keep applying for jobs consistently because those work search requirements are no joke!

I'm dealing with the same nightmare right now! One thing that's helped me is calling the Tele-Center at exactly 8:00 AM when they open - like literally have your finger ready to hit call at 7:59:59. I've also heard that if you call around 11:30 AM or 2:30 PM, you might catch them during shift changes when there's less volume. Also, make sure you have your appeal paperwork ready to submit online or by mail as a backup - don't rely solely on getting through by phone. The deadline for appeals is usually pretty strict (I think it's 14 days from when you received the determination letter), so you don't want to miss it while waiting for a callback. Stay strong! This system is absolutely broken but people do eventually get through. 💪

I went through this exact same struggle last month! Here's what finally worked for me: I called the main TWC number (800-939-6631) at exactly 7:59 AM and pressed the buttons as soon as the system picked up. The key is to get in the queue before everyone else starts calling. I also recommend having multiple phones ready - I had my cell and landline both dialing at the same time to increase my chances. Another tip: if you do get through to someone but they can't help with appeals specifically, ask them to transfer you directly to the appeals department instead of hanging up and starting over. Sometimes they can do internal transfers that bypass the main phone tree. And definitely file your appeal in writing too (online or by mail) as backup while you're trying to reach them by phone. Don't let the deadline pass while waiting for a callback that might never come! Hang in there - I know it's incredibly frustrating but you WILL get through eventually! 🤞

I'm so relieved to see this positive update! Your experience really highlights how important it is to keep pushing for accurate information from TWC. It's unfortunate that the first representative gave you such alarming and incorrect advice about potentially losing all your benefits. This thread has been incredibly educational - I had no idea about the Training Benefits provision for TWC-approved workforce programs. It makes complete sense that they would have protections in place for people trying to improve their job prospects through official training channels. The CDL field is booming right now, especially in Texas with all the logistics and transportation needs. You're making a smart career move that should lead to much better long-term employment opportunities than the PRN hospital work. I hope the expedited review goes smoothly and you can focus on your training without the stress of wondering about your benefits! Thanks for keeping everyone updated - this information will definitely help other community members who might face similar situations with secondary job separations during approved training programs.

This is such a great example of why persistence pays off when dealing with TWC! The difference between your first and second representatives is night and day - it really shows how important it is to keep trying until you get someone who actually understands the system. I've been working in workforce development for a few years now, and the Training Benefits provision is one of the most underutilized protections available to unemployed workers. The whole point of these TWC-approved training programs is to help people transition to better careers, so it would be completely counterproductive for them to penalize you for quitting a part-time job that conflicts with your training schedule. Your CDL training is going to be such a smart investment! The transportation industry in Texas is absolutely booming right now, and CDL drivers are seeing some of the best wages and benefits they've had in years. Plus, once you have that license, you'll have job security in a way that healthcare PRN work just can't provide. Thanks for sharing this whole experience - I'm sure it'll help a lot of people who find themselves in similar situations. It's a perfect reminder that sometimes you have to advocate for yourself and push back when you get incorrect information from government agencies. Wishing you all the best with your training program!