How do I get an appeals hearing? I have been trying for almost 5 months.

by Doretha
(Hyattsville MD USA)

I was laid off 04/24/2008,I am a Carpenter(11 yrs)I applied and received compensation,I also received a 13 week extention,then there was a 20 week extention(at this time I am applying for any type of employment to have an income)well I was due to receive a check the end of 12/08,in 01/09 I received a letter stating that my benifits were denied because I had worked for my prior employer or another(don't know which)the entire time I was receiving unemployment compensation of course this was not true, so I filed the appeal(thinking that since I had a hire date and lay off date from my former employer on their letter head,and had not been employed there would not be a problem,well two months had passed and I don't know how I will pay my mortgage with out my unemployment,so I start calling the office of appeals and start getting transfered from one office to the other with no answers,then I start writing letters asking when I would have my appeal,no one will call me back,then I receive a letter stating that the information was entered incorrectly for my case and I will have to file another appeal which I did on the same day. Finally spoke to a Ms Snowden and was told that they have no idea when the appeal will be held and that they can not tell me whom I was supposed to have worked for while I was receiving unemployment because the appeal has not been held. In the mean time I have to continue to file bi-weekly but do not receive compensation because this is to be used to pay back the $13,000.I received while unemployed please help with some info on where to go or what to do.No job,no income and in 60 days no roof over my head very scared and depressed


Hi Doretha,

First, you can search for the status of your appeal on this page.

Secondly, I think that by now, I would be asking to speak to the chief appeal examiner and pronto!!

I cannot really speed the state of MD up, but I can tell you the "normal appeal process usually take 30 days. I think you need to call them back and get confirmation your appeal was received ... this is why I would only fax.

Unfortunately, you got lost in the shuffle Doretha. It happens, but if you persist, you will get your hearing soon. I would never let anyone forget it's been five months. This is unacceptable and inexcusable.