The first step is to file a request for an appeal. This must be done in writing within 14 calendar days from the date that we mail you the Determination Notice. The date mailed is located on the top of the Determination Notice form, and the last day you can file an appeal is at the bottom of the form. If the fourteenth day falls on a federal or state holiday, you have until the next business day to file your appeal.

You can file your appeal in person at your nearest Texas Workforce Center, or you can mail or fax your appeal letter to the Appeals Department. The contact information for the Appeals Department is on your Determination Notice. Your letter should include:

• Your name and Social Security Number
• Your current address
• The date TWC mailed you the Determination Notice
• A copy of the Determination Notice, if possible
• We also need to know if there are any dates on which you will not be able to participate in a hearing.

We suggest you keep a copy of your appeal for your records. If you choose to fax the information, keep the paperwork that indicates successful transmission of your appeal.

To allow us time to prepare, we ask that you let us know when you file an appeal whether you or any of your witnesses need interpreters and if so, which languages. We also need to know whether we need to accommodate anyone with a hearing impairment. Finally, let us know if you need access to a telephone or fax machine, so we can make appropriate arrangements.

You are responsible for meeting UI Benefit requirements

During the appeals process it is your responsibility to fulfill the ongoing availability and work search requirements:

• Make an active search for full-time work every week
• Be physically able to work
• Be available for full-time work
• Apply for and accept suitable work
• Be registered for work online at www.texasworkforce.org, or with the nearest workforce center
• Call TWC, or call or report to a workforce center, as instructed
• Call TeleServ every two weeks to file your claim certifications

It is very important that you continue filing your claim certifications on schedule. TWC can only pay you for the weeks in which you filed timely claim certifications and met all the other requirements. Continue filing claim certifications until you return to work full-time.