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I'm sorry to hear you're going through this stressful situation - hospitality has definitely been hit hard and the job market is tough right now. Unfortunately, what others have said is correct - Texas doesn't currently offer benefit extensions beyond the standard 26 weeks. The Extended Benefits program that existed during COVID and previous recessions isn't active. However, don't give up hope! Here are some immediate steps I'd suggest: 1. Contact your local Workforce Solutions office ASAP about their training programs - some offer stipends while you learn new skills, and as others mentioned, they often have better job placement rates than going it alone 2. Call 211 for a comprehensive list of local assistance programs for rent, utilities, and food while you transition 3. Consider expanding your job search beyond hospitality - your customer service and management skills are highly transferable to healthcare admin, retail management, and office environments 4. Keep filing your payment requests even after benefits end (as someone else wisely mentioned) in case any federal programs become available 5. If you're able to get through to TWC (try that Claimyr service another commenter mentioned), ask specifically about Trade Adjustment Assistance or any disaster-related programs you might qualify for The next few weeks will be challenging, but many people have successfully transitioned from hospitality to other industries. Your management experience is valuable - don't underestimate how that translates to other fields. Hang in there!
@Carmen Vega Thank you so much for this comprehensive response! This is exactly the kind of roadmap I needed. I m'definitely going to call 211 first thing tomorrow morning - I had no idea that was even a resource. And you re'right about not limiting myself to hospitality. I ve'been so focused on finding the same "type" of job that I might be missing better opportunities elsewhere. The suggestion about healthcare admin is particularly interesting since a couple other people mentioned that field too. I m'feeling more hopeful now that I have concrete next steps instead of just panicking about my benefits ending. Really appreciate you taking the time to lay all this out!
I went through the exact same thing in hospitality management last year and it's absolutely terrifying when you see those final payments approaching. What really saved me was diversifying my approach - I ended up getting hired at a corporate event planning company where my hotel management experience was actually a huge asset. They loved that I understood logistics, vendor management, and could handle high-pressure situations with demanding clients. A few practical tips that worked for me: - LinkedIn was more helpful than job boards for management positions. I messaged hiring managers directly explaining how my hospitality skills transferred - Temporary staffing agencies often have immediate openings in office management and customer service roles that can bridge the gap - Check out your local community college's continuing education programs - some offer free courses in software like QuickBooks or Excel that can make you more competitive Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're claiming every deduction possible on your taxes and look into whether you qualify for any local energy assistance programs. Every little bit helps when you're stretching resources. The job market is definitely tough right now, but your management background is more valuable than you might think outside of hospitality. Don't give up!
@Morita Montoya This gives me so much hope! I never thought about event planning companies valuing hospitality management experience, but you re'absolutely right about the logistics and vendor management skills transferring over. That s'such a smart pivot. I ve'been hesitant about reaching out directly to hiring managers on LinkedIn because I wasn t'sure how to position my hospitality background for other industries, but your example shows exactly how to frame those transferable skills. The temporary staffing agency idea is brilliant too - I could use some immediate income while I figure out my next move. Thank you for sharing your success story and the practical tips. It s'encouraging to hear from someone who was in the exact same situation and found a way through it!
Quick update for anyone finding this thread later - I just checked my TWC account and my payment from Monday (Veterans Day) has a processing date of Wednesday with expected deposit of Friday. So that confirms what others have said about the two-day delay. Hope this helps with planning!
I'm dealing with the same issue right now - requested my payment Monday not realizing it was Veterans Day. Based on what everyone's saying here, it sounds like we're all looking at Friday deposits instead of the usual Wednesday/Thursday. Really wish TWC would send out email alerts or something when there's going to be holiday delays. I've got rent due Saturday so Friday will work but man, the stress of not knowing for sure is rough. At least now I know to mark all the federal holidays on my calendar going forward. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!
Same boat here! I had no idea Veterans Day would affect payment processing until I saw this thread. Really appreciate everyone sharing their timeline updates - it's so much more helpful than trying to decode the vague "processing" status on the TWC website. Definitely going to start planning around federal holidays from now on. The stress of waiting and wondering is almost worse than just knowing it'll be delayed!
I'm so sorry you're going through this heartbreaking situation with your son. While others have covered the unemployment eligibility well, I wanted to mention a few additional resources that might help: 1) Check if your county has a Special Needs Alliance or similar organization - they often have emergency financial assistance specifically for families with medically complex children. 2) Contact United Way by dialing 211 - they maintain a comprehensive database of local assistance programs and can often connect you with resources you might not find otherwise. 3) Some utility companies have hardship programs that can reduce your monthly bills, which frees up money for other expenses. Also, don't overlook applying for WIC if you haven't already - even though your son has special dietary needs, they may be able to help with approved formula or foods. Hang in there, and please keep us updated on how things go with TANF and the other suggestions.
Thank you so much for these additional resources! I hadn't heard of the Special Needs Alliance before, and 211 sounds like exactly what I need - a comprehensive database to help navigate all these different programs. I'll definitely call them this week. We are already on WIC which has been helpful, but I didn't know about utility hardship programs. Every little bit of savings helps when you're trying to make ends meet. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to share these suggestions - this community has been more helpful than I expected.
Harper, my heart goes out to you and your precious little one. While I don't have additional resources to add beyond what others have shared, I wanted to mention that some churches and faith-based organizations (regardless of your religious affiliation) often have emergency assistance funds specifically for medical crises like yours. Many don't require you to be a member and can sometimes provide one-time help with utilities, groceries, or medical expenses. Also, if your son receives any services through Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), the case workers there are often fantastic at connecting families with lesser-known assistance programs. They work with families in similar situations regularly and may know of grants or support services that aren't widely advertised. You're doing an incredible job caring for your son during an unimaginably difficult time.
UPDATE: My payment just hit my Chime account!! It took exactly 3 days from request to deposit. I'm so relieved! Thanks everyone for the info and support. For anyone else wondering about timing with Chime: Monday morning request → Thursday morning deposit. And yes, it looks like the 2-day early deposit feature with Chime actually did make a difference!
Great news! Just as a reminder, make sure you're documenting your 3 required work search activities each week. Your next payment request will require you to certify that you've completed them.
I've been through this process multiple times and wanted to share what I've learned about TWC payment timing with different banks. Chime is definitely one of the faster options - I switched to them specifically for the early deposit feature. From my experience, here's what typically happens: TWC processes your request within 1-2 business days, then releases the payment to your bank. With Chime's early deposit, you'll usually see it 1-2 days before it would hit a traditional bank. So total timeline is usually 2-4 days from request submission. One tip: if you ever need to check your payment status, you can log into your TWC portal and look for the "Payment Activity" section - it will show when your payment was processed and released, which helps you estimate when it'll hit your account.
This is really helpful info! I had no idea about the "Payment Activity" section in the TWC portal - I'll definitely check that out to track my payment status. It's reassuring to hear that Chime really does make a difference with the early deposits. Thanks for sharing your experience with the timing!
StarSailor
Update: I finally got through to TWC today! The agent confirmed what everyone here said - there aren't any automatic extensions right now. But she was actually really helpful and went through some options with me: 1. She explained how to apply for SNAP benefits to help with groceries while job searching 2. Connected me with Workforce Solutions for their healthcare specialization program 3. Suggested I look into the Self-Employment Assistance program since I have some skills that could work freelance I have an appointment with a career counselor next week, and they're going to help me explore training options that might come with a stipend. Still worried about paying rent next month, but at least I have some direction now. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
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Diego Rojas
•That's such great news! I'm so glad you got through and found some helpful resources. The Self-Employment Assistance program sounds really interesting - I had no idea that existed. Would love to hear how your appointment with the career counselor goes next week. Fingers crossed the training programs work out and come with stipends to help bridge the gap. You're being so proactive about this whole situation, which gives me hope for my own similar circumstances. Thanks for updating us!
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Nia Davis
I'm really glad you were able to get through to TWC and found some helpful resources! Your update gives me hope since I'm in a similar situation - my benefits are ending in about 6 weeks and I've been dreading making that call. The Self-Employment Assistance program sounds particularly interesting since I've been considering freelance work in my field but wasn't sure if that would affect my unemployment status. Could you share any details about what the Self-Employment Assistance program involves? Is it something you can do while still collecting benefits or is it a replacement for benefits? Also, did they mention anything about the healthcare specialization program at Workforce Solutions - like how long it takes or what certifications they offer? Thanks for taking the time to update everyone. It's so helpful to hear from someone who actually made it through the process successfully!
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