10 Commandments of UnEmployment...

                              . . . BENEFITS !

1.                  FILE as soon as you become separated from your job.  You simply can’t start collecting unemployment benefits until you file for them.

2.                  You can file for benefits online or via the telephone.

3.                  Once you file, you must register for work w/in 7 days of filing your application.  You can register via the net or telephone.

4.                  After filing, you need to start your job search.  Keep accurate records of your job search, b/c the TWC may ask for documentation of your job search at a later date.

5.                  You can be approved for benefits whether you were discharged, laid off or quit your job.

6.                  If you were discharged or laid off, you will be approved for benefits if your job separation was not for misconduct connected with your job.   If you quit, you will be approved for benefits, if you had good cause connected with your job to quit.

7.                  If the TWC finds that you lost your job through no misconduct of your own, you still won’t get your job back.

8.                  Whether you are approved for benefits or not will be determined by the last incident which actually triggered your job separation.

9.                  Once the TWC has received your application, they will send you an information packet for instructions as to how to start filing your claims.  Follow the instructions religiously.  You will only receive unemployment benefits for the weeks you have filed a claim.

10.              Once you file for unemployment benefits, the TWC will review your application and ask your employer for work separation details.  The TWC will also contact you for a telephone interview.  It is not uncommon to receive more than 1 call from the TWC.  It is imperative that you make yourself available to speak with the claims representative.  There is a good chance you will be denied benefits, if the representative is unable to speak with you personally. 

If you are approved, the employer may have the right to appeal your determination.  If you are denied, you have the right to appeal, but you must do so within 14 days from the date the determination is mailed to you.  The TWC is very strict about deadlines. 

The appeals process involves a telephone hearing with a hearing officer (typically an attorney) and can be intimidating.  Hopefully, most of you will not have to go through the appeals process, but if any of you do, I will be happy to discuss your appeal and hearing after the meeting. 

I can also be reached via email at troly1@yahoo.com.