Complain about a product or service

Texas Workforce Commission

Diana of El Campo TX (9/22/03):
I was denied unemployment compensation. Mr. Legaspi informed me that it was not required of him to inform the employees of St. Philip School that non-profit organizations are exempt from paying unemployment taxes and thus employees are not eligible for unemployment compensation. However after my appeal this poicy was immediately put into effect by St. Philip School that employees would from this time foreward be informed.

I am filing a second appeal at this time against the Texas Workforce Commission. I believe that it is their legal and lawful duty to inform Texas employees of this matter. In their eligibility requirements is there no mention of this issue. I have worked hard all of my life and paid taxes forever. Now when I need assistance until I find employment I receive no compensation.

Matthew of Allen TX writes (12/7/01):
I filed for unemployment in Oct., 2000. My claim was approved for about $250 a week for 6 to 8 weeks. I have made every effort to get my benefits. First, I was told the checks were mailed, yet I have never received them. I talked to my local office in Dallas who said the checks were not cashed or returned to the State. They had to refer me to the State office in Austin.

I have talked to several people there-with varying stories on how to get my checks. My mother happens to live in Austin, I arranged to have them prepare the checks for me to pick up directly. Once I got there, I was told the policy had changed and checks had to be mailed.

I finally got Richard Stevens in Commission Disbursements in July -- and was told that he was the person to rectify the problem. He said he already had my file, about the fourth in his workload and it is usually 1-2 days per file. Usually when I have called to follow-up, I am left with voice mail. If I talk to an operator, I am told he is the only person that can help me. I have only been able to talk to him directly 3 or 4 times and he always replies, "I am working on it."

Texas unemployment owes me approximately $1500-2000 in benefits. I have never received one cent in over a year since I filed-I should get interest! I have bills to pay and late charges assessed due to late payment. Some late items are reflected on my credit report.

As Matthew has found, it can be almost impossible to budget the bureaucracy. We'd recommend he write directly to the Commissioner Representing Labor, one Terence P. O'Mahoney, appointed by then-Gov. George W. Bush to the three-member Texas Workforce Commission in 1997. Matthew should explain the situation and enclose copies of all supporting documents, being sure to keep copies of everything. He could also try contacting the state legislators who represent his district (info below).

Hon. Terence P. O'Mahoney
Texas Workforce Commission
101 E. 15th St.
Austin, TX 78778-0001

List of Texas State Senate Members
Matthew's state Representative is Jerry Madden.

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