[Tazzie]

Next week on the 26th I have a hearing with the Unemployment Department of Maryland due to being discharged from my job of almost 11 years. *

I hope I do not need unemployment for too long however I am requesting unemployment benefits in case I have a difficult time finding a new job. Sadly, I find it quite embarrassing to find myself in this position.*

I was wondering if any of you had any experience or advice to offer me. Thank you very much.*

[LexInVA]

It is what it is Tazziepoo. Hang in there.

[LauraKY]

I'm sorry OP, that's what it's there for though. It's insurance, not a handout.

[ex-racer owner]

I had typed out a really long response based on a kind of similar experience that I had regarding the state paying for something that they initially denied, but really, all you need to know is to be factual, be organized, do your homework, and be non-emotional. Face it as a lawyer making their case would.

Best of Luck to you! It can be done!!

Edited to add: If you do get approved, don't feel bad or ashamed claiming benefits. If you have been working for any length of time, then you have been paying into unemployment compensation....

[Chief2]

Go after it! Some of these employers never bother to call or show up so make your case intelligently and thoroughly. Depending on your state's labor laws, you may very well get it.

We've been this road at least three times. These funds come in darn handy. If you can, make sure they take the taxes out before you get your check each week so you won't have to pay it back in later on. I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you.

[Woodsperson]

Be professional, neatly dressed, answer questions truthfully and whatever else you do be on time.

[SnicklefritzG]

I have a good friend who used to be an administrative law judge who oversaw these types of cases. Have your data and facts ready. There are plenty of times companies deny an initial request just to be jerks. When it goes forward to a situation like yours, it often goes through because the judge sees through the BS.

[Chief2]

Also, if you were working for a company based out of state, they may structure their employee rules to go by what is the law in their state, not necessarily what is the law in your own. It's worth taking a run at this!

[mvp]

Been there, done that, though it was by mail.

In my case, it was a fact-finding mission for them. Primarily, they wanted to know how/why the job had ended, e.g. I hadn't quit, I hadn't been fired for heinous reasons.

Bring the truth and its documentation and think about answering one question at a time. You'll be fine. Those guys are just doing their job. You did yours both by working, applying for benefits for which you are eligible (rather than, say, creating a meth lab in your guest bathroom to make ends meet), and your employer did the right thing by paying unemployment insurance for you.

[m&m]

Best wishes for a successful outcome. I am an employer, and I have high rates, because I have been an employer for only 4 1/2 years, and I have certainly made some hiring mistakes. I also tell unemployment, when they call, that so-and-so was let go only because of being unable to perform the job to my satisfaction, that there is no reason to deny them benefits.

These hearings, at least anecdotally, tend to lean towards the employee.

[IronwoodFarm]

I have been on both ends of this. As MVP said, the interview if basically fact finding.....when did you work and why were you separated from your job. I've never done an interview that wasn't by telephone. Be prepared for the call, speak clearly, and keep emotion out of it. It's just the facts.

Unemployment benefits is insurance coverage, not a government hand-out. Believe me, it is not that much money and you'll hardly be on easy street taking benefits. But it can make a difference holding things together until the next job comes along. Don't be embarrassed about it.

[purplnurpl]

I'm collecting unemployment right now and totally fine with it.
Losing the job was embarrassing but collecting on unemployment is most certainly not.
Worked for the company for 15 years. Due to BS they came up with some "reduction in forces bull". stupid but it is what it is.

Take a break from work. Collect unemployment. If your bills are somewhat soft then umemployment should cover them!

It is correct that you have been paying towards unemployment with every pay check you have received your entire life. It's one of those goodies that gets ganked out before you get your take home.

You are giving yourself some of your own money. ; )

[katarine]

Speak only when it is your turn.
Answer the question that they asked.
Be very factual and honest.

[clanter]

If you have access to voice reorder, take it along to record the hearing... believe me it may be value able as what the unemployment board hears and what is said sometimes is very different.

I was told I lost the right to proceed when I did not attend a hearing... wrong it was the other party that did not attend.... so they lost by default but the only way I was able to prove I was there and the other party wasn't...I had a tape of the meeting.

In Texas it is completely legal to tape record a conversation without notifying the other party, Maryland most likely is completely different so just lay the recorder on the table in full view; if it is a telephone hearing just advise every one you are recording the conversations.

Most unempolyment boards put the burden of proof on the former empolyer

[jconnors]

My mother just had her hearing in Harford County Maryland. She was terminated from her job of 25 years with a county govt. The county appealed her case so that is why there was the hearing. She explained what had happened and basically the county thought she was trying to collect unemployment and her retirement. Her case has not went thru the retirement board yet.

Anyway she just got the statement from the judge and they gave her her unemployment. As soon as her retirement kicks in she will end the unemployment.

Good luck and keep your head up and just tell the facts. I know my mom was very nervous going into to it because the guy she had her first interview with was very rude. He told her that she sounded like she did not want to get her job back. She then informed him that over the 25 years years she worked at the animal control that she had euthanized thousands of animals and she would just like to retire in peace.

[jaslyn1701]

Good luck OP. Am dealing with getting terminated after 11+ years. Initially, boss said would not contest benefits, then said would do whatever it takes for me to get benefits, just didn't like the fact that I "lied" as to why I was let go. Now says just wont show up at the appeal hearing. Needless to say, two strikes I am not believing that......

[BuddyRoo]

I've not dealt with this in Maryland specifically, but in a couple of other states. It was pretty much guaranteed that as a business, we'd fight unemployment claims. (In our case, it was because most of them were invalid.) But even if your company laid you off and you have every right to receive unemployment benefits, it's likely that as part of their protocol, they fight any and all claims. Every claim that goes in favor of the employee can affect the unemployment insurance rates that the company pays.

So my advice is much like the others...keep it short and simple. If you were not just laid off but terminated for cause, even something they totally made up, they should have to provide documentation.

The (good for you) news is that it seems like this process largely favors the ex-employee. We have lost unemployment cases even when we could prove that we terminated due to the employee not showing up for work and being written up multiple times. We have lost unemployment cases where we had to terminate someone because they became violent at work and the police had to be called. About the only time we fought and won was when the employee was fraudulently trying to collect--ie: they were still employed with us! LOL

Good luck.