Confused on Homestead Exception

So, I just purchase my first home on 9/28 this year. The house was an investor property so it didn’t have homestead. I’d had a few things going on so I didn’t get the chance to file until last week. I tried the app but felt unsure because it was too easy lol. So I went online and filed out the form. Today, a random thought came to mind which prompted me to research & here’s where I’m lost.

1. Does my homestead exception go into effect immediately once approved ? Several posts had conflicting experiences due to a change in 2021.

2. How can I verify that it was approved and when it will take effect?

3. I know Texas just filed a large tax cut exemption…I haven’t seen all the details of it but worried If I don’t have exception yet, I’ll get screwed over by a big jump. (Idk I’m very untrusting of entities lol)