Unemployment Insurance Update

So the update on unemployment insurance is a bit long and way overdue.

I was awarded UI benefits and saw that my first payment was being distributed on Friday morning, August 2 and  I was elated (who gets excited about receiving UI?). 

As I was leaving that afternoon, I saw a call coming in from a TX number around 5PM and I answered it.  I mean I need to take a call from any TX number as it could be a call.  However, I was not right and it was not a potential employer.  Instead it was the TX Workforce Commission to let me know that my previous employer was appealing their decision.   They asked me if I had proof of me contacting them about my assignment ending and letting them know that I was available for work.  Instead of wanting to cry like I did with the initial call, I was angry that someone made an appeal and basically implied I had been lying.  I held my breath and said:  "Yes, yes, I do.  I have e-mails from the day I learned my assignment was ending and for them to start looking for another opportunity for me.  I have an e-mail reminding them each wee my assignment was ending and to keep me in mind for opportunities.  I have an e-mail on my last day when I submitted my final time card letting them know it was my last day and I was available for work."  The lady said that was good and it was important I faxed those by 6 PM on Monday.  I was still angry, and said it would be hard to find a fax and I would get the emails to her.  I also said, "I am so glad I have these e-mails because I can't imagine how I would prove that I contacted them if I had just called and spoken with someone or left a voice mail message."  
I asked her if they would need me to return my first payment and she said the check had been issued so I could spend it as she didn't think they would ask me for it back and she didn't know if they would or I could wait.  
So on a Friday afternoon, I went on a search for a fax machine.  Staples wanted to charge me about $20 for a fax but I found a Fed Ex that charged me $13.  
A couple of weeks later, I received another payment and I cashed the first check.  I am now responsible for doing three job searches a week so that I can receive my payment which is adjusted based on the earning of my pt job.
I can't believe I had to fight so hard for this benefit that I have never had to use.