## You Have 14 Calendar Days If TWC denies your unemployment claim or rules against you on an eligibility issue, you can appeal. The critical fact: **you must file your appeal within 14 calendar days of the date TWC mailed the ruling.** Not 14 days from when you received it — 14 days from the mailing date printed on the determination letter. Appeals filed outside this window will be dismissed. ## Step 1: Read the Determination Letter Carefully TWC will mail you a written determination explaining why your claim was denied. Common denial reasons include: - **Voluntary quit** — TWC determined you left your job voluntarily without good cause connected to the work - **Misconduct** — TWC determined you were fired for work-related misconduct - **Not available for work** — TWC determined you were not able and available to accept suitable work - **Work search deficiency** — TWC determined you did not complete required work search activities - **Refusal of suitable work** — TWC determined you turned down a suitable job offer The letter will include a specific TWC code or section reference. Note this — it tells you exactly what you need to argue against. ## Step 2: File Your Appeal You can file your appeal: - **Online:** Through TWC's Unemployment Benefit Services (UBS) at apps.twc.texas.gov - **By fax:** 512-936-3250 - **By mail:** Texas Workforce Commission, Appeals Department, 101 E. 15th Street, Room 410, Austin, TX 78778-0001 Your appeal should include: - Your name and Social Security number (last 4 digits only if faxing/mailing) - The determination date and ruling you're appealing - A clear statement that you disagree with the determination - Your explanation of why the determination is wrong, with specific facts and dates ## Step 3: Wait for the Hearing Notice After you file, TWC's Appeals Department will schedule a hearing. This typically takes **6 to 8 weeks.** TWC will mail a hearing information packet 5 to 10 days before your hearing, and a hearing notice usually 10 to 14 days in advance. The hearing notice will include: - Date and time of your hearing - Whether it's by telephone, video, or in person (most are by telephone) - The phone number to call or instructions for appearing - The specific issue(s) to be decided ## Step 4: Prepare for the Hearing The hearing is your opportunity to present your case to an impartial hearing officer. Prepare thoroughly: **Gather documents:** - Your work search activity log (this is where having clean records matters) - Any emails, screenshots, or confirmations of job applications - Your TWC determination letter - Any correspondence between you and your former employer - Pay stubs, offer letters, or other employment records relevant to your case **Prepare your testimony:** - Write out a timeline of events with specific dates - Anticipate questions the hearing officer may ask - Be ready to explain your side clearly and factually - Focus on the specific denial reason — address that issue directly **Know the process:** - The hearing officer will introduce the case and explain procedures - Both you and your former employer (if they participate) will have a chance to speak - You can present documents and name witnesses - The hearing officer will ask questions - Most hearings last 20 to 45 minutes ## Step 5: After the Hearing The hearing officer makes a decision as promptly as possible, usually within a day or two. The decision is always in writing and is mailed to both parties. If you disagree with the hearing officer's decision, you can appeal to the TWC Commission (the three-member governing body). This is the second level of appeal. Beyond that, you can appeal to a Texas court. ## Three Levels of Appeal 1. **Appeal Tribunal** — Your initial hearing with a hearing officer 2. **TWC Commission** — Review by the three-member Commission 3. **Texas Courts** — Judicial review in state court Most cases are resolved at level 1 or 2. Each level has its own deadline for filing. ## Get Organized Before You Need To WorkProof TX includes a guided Appeal Wizard that walks you through the entire process: enter your denial reason and date, answer a questionnaire tailored to your specific denial code, generate a structured appeal letter, and track your hearing preparation with a checklist. The 14-day deadline countdown starts the moment you enter your denial date. Start free at workprooftx.com.