I've been waiting for my Maryland unemployment backpay since April 2021 and this community has been a lifesaver! After reading through everyone's experiences, I tried a combination of the strategies mentioned here and finally made some progress. I used the phone tree tip (1-1-3) that Evelyn shared and got through after about 90 calls over 3 days. The tier 2 specialist found that my claim had been flagged for "identity verification" even though I had submitted all my documents months ago. She was able to clear the flag and told me to expect payment within 10-14 business days. I also filed complaints with both the AG's office and the DOL ombudsman like Mei suggested - having multiple pressure points definitely seems to help. For anyone still fighting this battle, I'd recommend keeping a spreadsheet of every call you make (date, time, who you spoke to, reference numbers) because it really helped when I finally got someone who could assist. The Maryland Legal Aid clinic that GalaxyGuardian mentioned is also on my list to try if this payment doesn't come through as promised. Stay strong everyone - the money IS there, we just have to navigate this broken system to get it!

I've been stuck in the Maryland unemployment backpay nightmare since May 2021 and this thread has been incredibly helpful - thank you all for sharing your real experiences! I'm planning to try the combination approach that's worked for others: the 1-1-3 phone tree method, filing complaints with both the AG's office and DOL ombudsman, and calling the Maryland Legal Aid hotline. One thing I wanted to ask - has anyone had success using social media to get attention on their case? I've seen some people mention tweeting at @MarylandDOL or posting on their Facebook page to create public pressure. I'm also wondering if anyone has tried contacting local news stations - seems like there are enough of us dealing with this that it could be a story worth covering. I know it sounds desperate but after 8+ months of waiting, I'm willing to try anything! Going to start making those calls tomorrow and will keep detailed records like everyone suggested. This community gives me hope that there's actually light at the end of this tunnel. Stay strong everyone - we shouldn't have to fight this hard for money we're legally entitled to, but at least we're not fighting alone!

I just went through this exact same True ID verification process last month and it was absolutely brutal, but I finally got through it! Here's what worked for me after multiple failed attempts: For the True ID photos, the key is perfect lighting and setup. I used my kitchen table with a black placemat as the background, took photos near a large window during midday (around 11am-1pm when the light is strongest but not harsh), and made sure to hold my documents completely flat against the surface. No angles, no shadows, no glare whatsoever. I failed twice before getting this right. For the phone calls, the 7:58am strategy is absolutely legit - I got through on my second attempt doing this. Have your SSN, any reference numbers, and a brief summary of your situation written down before you call. The rep I spoke with was actually really helpful once I got past the phone maze. One thing I wish I'd known earlier - they're currently doing extra verification checks due to increased fraud, so even legitimate claims are getting flagged more often. It's not personal, just their system being overly cautious. The whole process took me about 2.5 weeks from flag to resolution, but I got all my back payments. Stay persistent and don't let the broken system discourage you - there's definitely light at the end of the tunnel! 💪 Keep us updated on your progress! We're all in this together.

I went through this exact same True ID flagging situation about 3 months ago and totally understand your stress! Here's what finally worked for me after tons of trial and error: For the True ID photos - this is absolutely critical - use natural daylight from a window (not direct sun), place your documents on a solid black surface (I used a black folder), and take photos straight down with zero angles. Make sure there's no glare, shadows, or reflections anywhere on your ID. I had to retake mine 5 times before getting it right! For calling, the 7:58am strategy everyone's mentioning is legit - get in their phone queue right before they open at 8am. Took me 4 attempts but I finally got through to someone who was actually helpful. When you do get connected, have everything ready: SSN, any case/reference numbers, and a clear timeline of what's happened. Be super polite but persistent - the reps deal with frustrated people all day, so being nice really helps. The whole process took me about 3 weeks total, but once it was resolved, I got all my back payments. The system is definitely broken, but there are real people trying to help once you can reach them. One last tip: check your email AND spam folder obsessively. I almost missed an important verification email that ended up in spam. Hang in there - you'll get through this! Keep us posted on how it goes! 🤞