Maryland Unemployment Eligibility

Maryland unemployment eligibility requirements are administered by its Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations (DLLR). When you apply, they check your information for accuracy and eligibility. Know more about eligibility requirements.

Non Monetary Eligibility

  • Lost job through no fault of your own
  • Be able, available and willing to work
  • Quit job for “good cause” such as unsafe working conditions, not receiving payment for your work, to care for a minor child or terminally ill spouse etc.
  • Fired not unjust cause

Monetary Eligibility

To determine a claimant’s monetary eligibility, the primary issue to be addressed is whether the claimant worked in covered employment (work that an individual performs for an employing unit that is the basis for benefits) during his base period. A base period is the 1st four of the last five completed calendar quarters immediately prior to the start of the claimant’s benefit year.

A benefit year is a one-year period that begins on the first day of the first week for which a claimant initially files for benefits.

To collect Maryland unemployment, you must have earned at least $900 during your total base period and $300 outside of the highest-earning quarter.

Eligibility questions

What happens if I am fired from my job?

Depending on the reason you were discharged, there are three levels of misconduct in the Maryland Unemployment Insurance Law.

Simple Misconduct

  • If you were suspended or discharged for simple misconduct related to the work.
  • Benefits are denied from 5 to 10 weeks from the week that includes your last day of work if your benefit year began before March 6, 2011.
  • If your benefit year begins on or after March 6, 2011, benefits will be denied from 10 to 15 weeks from the week that includes your last day of work.

Gross Misconduct

  • If you were suspended or discharged for gross misconduct related to work (serious or repeated violations of employment rules or expected standards of behavior could be considered gross misconduct).
  • Benefits are denied until you become re-employed and earn 20 times your Weekly Benefit Amount in insured work if your benefit year began before March 6, 2011.
  • If your benefit year begins on or after March 6, 2011, benefits are denied until you become re-employed and earn 25 times your Weekly benefit amount in insured work.

Aggravated Misconduct

  • If you were suspended or discharged for aggravated misconduct in connection with the work (malicious, deliberate acts meant to cause physical harm, property loss or damage could be considered aggravated misconduct).
  • Benefits are denied until you become re-employed and earn 30 times your Weekly Benefit Amount in insured work.

What happens if I am laid off from my job?

In order to collect unemployment in Maryland, you have to become unemployed through no fault of your own. When you get laid-off, it is not your fault.

In almost all cases, this means that if you get laid-off, you are eligible to collect unemployment benefits.

If you get laid-off from your job, you should right away apply for unemployment benefits.

Getting laid-off doesn’t mean that you were fired or you quit voluntarily. It simply means that the company in which you worked did not have sufficient work for you and could no longer pay for the job.

What happens if I quit my job?

You have voluntarily quit your employment.

If you quit your job without “good cause” attributable to your employment, either of two disqualifications may apply denial of benefits

a)     from 5 to 10 weeks from the week that includes your last day of work, or

b)     until you become re-employed and earn 15 times your Weekly Benefit Amount in insured work

Good cause includes voluntarily leaving

  • to join a spouse
  • to attend school
  • to become self-employed

In addition, if your employer or supervisors were harassing you or creating a hostile work environment, you can claim emotional distress. It might also be just cause if the emotional distress came from fellow coworkers and was agreed by your employer, who didn’t take steps to end it.

However, if you can prove your case to the satisfaction of the DLLR, you can continue getting benefits.

 

Next Step –

If you are eligible, you can go ahead and apply for unemployment benefits.
Office locations and phone numbers of Unemployment office.

Also check weekly claims and work search requirements which are an absolute necessity if you want to obtain your benefit payment.

Calculate your benefit amount. This is based on your earnings in the base period.

 

  1. I have been working full-time at my position for 10 months. During the hiring process I was told that we would get bonuses commission and also after 3 months I would be receiving a raise. I’ve only recently asked for that raise in the month of May and was told it’s not the right time for a raise if I quit would I be able to receive unemployment? I am also in the midst of being hired by another job but it’s only for part-time

    • Hi, Winter – it is sometimes possible to be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits even if you quit your job voluntarily. In these cases, you typically have to show that the employer has created such a physically and/or mentally harmful environment that you have no other choice but to quit your job. You may want to connect with a qualified employment attorney to find out what your other options are for holding your employer accountable for the claims made during the hiring process. Particularly if you have those details in writing, you may have some legal recourse.

  2. Hi, I’m currently a manager of an assisted living facility. I want to leave my job because of the poor working conditions but am unsure if I would qualify for unemployment. Currently I’m working 100+ hrs every pay period (biweekly) and not making any overtime at all. I’m getting calls about facility things that aren’t important when I’m off or have left the facility for the day.
    I also just recently had to move my office in another part of the building. I now am in a area that has no heat, and mold growing everywhere (I have pictures)

    Would I be able to collect even if I decided to quit?

    • Hi, Rachel – it is possible in some cases to collect unemployment benefits even if you voluntarily quit your job. But — you’ll need to show that the working conditions were so degrading to your physical and/or mental health that you had no reasonable option but to quit. You may benefit from talking with a qualified unemployment lawyer, who can help you understand the strength of your claim. In addition, a qualified lawyer can explore the overtime question and whether you are entitled to be paid for that work.

  3. I worked as a customer service representative at a Highs gas station for about a year and a half. I was promoted to shift leader quickly and was their highest paid employee that wasn’t a manager. I recently got fired due to a strong operation performed by the sheriff’s office. they sent in an underage woman to purchase cigarettes and I IDd her however I misread the ID. I also feel I wasn’t trained the right way to verify IDs since when prompted to enter an age into the point of sales system we were trained to enter in our own birthdate as long as we were over 21, instead of putting in the date on the customers ID. I was never explained to that when the computer asks for a birthdate that entering in the date on the card is allowing the computer to do the math for you, to tell you if the date on the ID is valid. It is the systems way to help you determine the correct age, however I did not know that until I was let go. I was instructed to enter in my own birthdate that way I was quicker with the computer.
    I now am waiting for a summons to go to court and am facing fines and most likely probation.
    Am I eligible for unemployment? I have applied and filed a claim. I’m just anxiously waiting.

    • Hi, Jaymi – your eligibility for unemployment will depend largely on the cause of your losing your job. Unemployment benefits are designed to provide financial assistance for people who lose employment through no fault of their own. If your previous employer lists you as being fired for cause, your claim may not be approved.

  4. What if I stopped working during the Corona virus because I’m over 60 and in the risk category. I am an RN work in a free standing endoscopy clinic doing non emergency procedures. I’m at risk by doing patient care. Am I eligible for unemployment pending the resolve of the Corona virus?

    • Bryan,

      We understand this might be a difficult time for you. We’re anticipating a shortage of staff across unemployment offices due to the massive surge in UI applications considering the pandemic. We advise against calling or visiting the office, as you may not get a response instantly.

      Your state may have activated “Extended Benefits (EB)” authorized by the federal government. We recommend you apply for UI benefits online. For more information, please visit your state’s official Unemployment website.

  5. I quit a job in October due to emotional and Stress issues with new management. I got a new job in November and never filed UI however in January the new place let many of us go and now I need to draw from my UI am I going to be eligible given I quit but found a new job immediately? I am actively looking for a new job but need income for now! Thanks!

        • Hello David how did you receive unemployment through voluntary separation? I have the same situation and they are asking me why I left?

  6. I resigned from Bwi2 to work at Bwi5, I went to a job fair on 11/04, my application was rejected because in my rehire file it said I was fired, someone at Bwi2 lied on my file and now I can’t work at Bwi5 because of this lie, I have all my paper work from my resignation that was sent to me via email from HR, will I be able to collect unemployment for the lie that was put in my file, I’m now working a low paying job because of this lie, all I wanted was to work at Bwi5, how can someone in Bwi2 HR be allowed to do this to me.

  7. I was hired on as a temporary employee to work 35 hours or so a week initially by a department in the local government within a county of MD. This position has lasted much longer than they initially thought they would need me and the hours were bumped up to 40 per week although I remained temporary and “part-time”. I have been a member of the deptartment since Feb. ’18, so over a year now. I just received written and verbal confirmation they can no longer fund my position and that the funding will expire in June of ’19. Would I qualify to apply for Unemployment if I am unable to find other work between now and then?
    Additionally, I am a full-time, online, college student but this in no way has inhibited me from working 40 hours a week or full-time in any way in the last year and a half that I have been a student and I need to continue to work full-time hours or close to it in order to meet my expenses. Thanks so much for any insight!

    • They do remit taxes, I think my main concern is since I was and am classified as a temporary employee if that would unqualify me in anyway. Thank you so much for the clarification and helping me with the advice.

    • Jenn,

      Firstly, if your employer remits Unemployment Taxes into the system, you should be able to claim until you find a replacement. You can either check with your employer (if they pay taxes) or call the Unemployment Office to confirm. If your full-time college does not hamper the prospects of working a full-time job, it shouldn’t be a problem.

  8. Luis,

    The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

  9. I was let go from my job almost a year ago. I got unemployment benefits and they expired in December 2018. I still have not been able to get a job. Is there anyway I can re apply or file for an extension?

    • Luis,

      The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

  10. I started working for a company as a seasonal worker back in October. When the season was over the company offered me a permanent part time position while I await a full time opening within the next few months. As of right now my part time position is on a as needed basis. I show up every morning at 5 am and if they need me I work that day, if they don’t need me I get sent home. I am only allowed to work up to 17 hr per week as a part time employee. The full time position I am waiting for will not be available until sometime this summer. I have not worked a single day the past 2 weeks because I have not been needed and was sent home. Under this arrangement, would I be eligible for UI until the full time position in available in a few months?

  11. Hi was fired from my job . I’ve been their 1year and 3 months. They said I did things which I didn’t so I sat their in shock and the administration asked if I did these action. I said no. They said people told them I did things. They never told me who and told me to leave. They have been trying to get rid of me. It a defamation of my charactor.

    • Amy,

      If you think your employment was terminated due to involuntary reasons, please consider applying for Unemployment Insurance until you find another job. Make sure to keep supporting documents handy in case of a dispute with your employer.

  12. I was demoted from a medical billing specialist- on the phones all day; to a clerical worker with no contact with that client. This was after an irate caller told me he was going to blow my f*** head off. I was told I did not handle the call properly. I have been here 9 months & have had one issue 6 months ago where I was written up for a HIPPA VIOLATION. Do I have any chance of getting unemployment for being demoted to a position that is just designed to make me eventually quit? This irate caller was thru no fault of my own & I was not hired here to be a clerical worker. Is there any chance if I leave & file a claim today that I can get benefits? what if they lowered my pay as well?

    • Kimberly,

      This is a tricky situation. Thought it’s not really your fault, it may go against you when they process. Your employer might dispute the claim. Please tread carefully with your employment.

  13. Hello, I am getting medically separated from the armed forces. I also work part time on an as needed bases at a local hospital. I work no more than 34 hours a month. Would I qualify for unemployment since even though I am getting a little income coming in due to the part time job?

    • Jorden,

      Unemployment Insurance benefits are extended to those who lose their job due to involuntary reasons. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  14. I was laid off in January 2017. I filed for UI benefits and was approved. I lived off of my savings until the tail end of 2017. Around December 2017, I began filling you receive benefits. Then, in January 2018, I stopped receiving being able to file for my weekly payout. I was told a new claim needed to be opened in order to continue collecting on my UI benefits. Shortly thereafter, I was told that my new claim was denied because I need to have earned at least $5,000 from my employer in the fourth quarter of 2017 to be eligible to continue receiving benefits. I was also instructed that I don’t need to have earned the money from the employer from whom I am collecting UI benefits. I only need to be able to show that i earned 5k from an employer.

    Is this true? If so, what type of “employer” would qualify? If I can demonstrate that I worked independently using ridesharing apps and earned $5000 in that Timeframe, will that suffice?

    • Alan,

      I am not sure if contract employment (ridesharing apps) can be considered. Please speak to the claims center for specific advice.

  15. I was let go from my job of over 15 years in October for attendance and tardiness issues. I had savings but it’s now run out. I am actively looking for work, and have good leads, but still need some income until i find something. Do I stand a cbance? My employer said they would contest, if i tried.

    • Joe,

      You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  16. I have started a new job back January 5, 2017, during the time of my new employment an unexpected changed for me came about. My grandson has been placed in my care, which he will soon be legally in my custody. My grandson has been consistently sick, which triggers his Asthma and needing his treatments. I have been calling out a lot to stay home to care for him until he’s health is stable enough to go back to daycare. My time PTO time has been exhausted and I’m now in fear of losing my job. My supervisor has brought to my attention of watching my time, but it has been very difficult without any strong family support to help me out with my grandson. It has caused me distress on my job, due to caring for my grandson in health. I want to know if I quit my job to provide care for my grandchild health issue. Would I be qualify for unemployment?

    • Cain,

      Unfortunately, personal reasons are not considered. UI benefits are only extended to those who lose their job due to involuntary reasons.

  17. I was in a car accident and my car was totaled My job was 1hour and 15 min away. I could not work there anymore so I had to quit on good terms. I have been looking for a job but unable to find anything yet. Rent is soon due. I have been also involved in child custody case and court has required me to do numerous evaluations both mental and physical. I can’t find a job due to all the meetings, classes, dr appointments. No one wants to work around that kind of schedule. Am I able to collect unemployment? thank you

  18. Hi, question about collecting unemployment benefit…

    I worked about 4 month for the company as admin.and was fired due to lack of improvement during company’s working trial probation period (6month). Am I still eligible to collect unemployment ? previously, I was working part time on and off.

    • You may not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  19. A few months into my employment I started getting harassed by fellow employees; even the boss would call me a “little shit” in front of everyone. I guess they just didn’t like me. One day I came to work and found a cardboard sign on my locker that read “FAGGOT”, which I took pictures of. I put the sign in my locker but someone went into the locker and took the sign. I started threatening to see them in court, logging their comments, etc. (they were all friends). Three days later the boss came in and yelled at me for not completing mopping the floor (after another supervisor had told me to stop mopping). I told the boss, “Okay, but you don’t have to yell at me like that”. He called me a “little shit” and fired me on the spot in front of everyone. Do I have any recourse?

    • Of course, you do. Please consider applying for Unemployment Insurance until you find another job.

      Make sure to keep supporting documents handy in case of a dispute.

  20. I had 2 part-time jobs and my own business. I was fired from 1 of my part-time jobs, which made up a good chunk of my income. Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?

  21. I have been unemployed since NOV 2015. I was able to sustain from my savings but its been over a year and I have depleted those funds. I have not found employment bc we moved and bc of Trump’s executive order to stop federal hiring (I was so close to getting hired, finally). Do I qualify for benefits if it has been so long since I worked?

    • Well, you will not qualify since the claimant is required to have active employment and earning in the last 4-5 calendar quarters which you don’t seem to have.

      Please contact the Unemployment Office.

    • If you quit attending full-time school, you will not qualify since it affects your ability to get engaged in active employment.

  22. I am not full social security age until 66. I have reason to believe I could be laid off next year as I turn 65. Can I file for unemployment benefits and wait until
    Age 66 to file for Social Security?

    • Well, you can file for UI benefits until you find a job. With regard to drawing SS benefits, you can check with the designated authority since we have little information in this regard.

  23. I have worked for my current employer for nine years. Last year the company was sold & I was left in the building to perform work for the new owner as a client, still being paid by the previous owner who created a new company. Several months later a new office was leased and we moved. The new office is an hour and 15-30 minutes away. The new position feels unstable & I have been told several times I make to much money, should consider a pay cut, and I should be grateful to even have a job. There are not enough employees to perform the tasks needed & some of help is family paid through another company & I am told I should be grateful the free help. The family help does not have the required experience so this has made my job more difficult. I often work 10 or more additional hours per week & do not get paid. Its demanded that I do what is required to get theI job done so it’s difficult to leave the job even for a day, for a Dr. appointment, & vacation is not something I can even consider. Nobody really holds a defined position in the office & since I have the most experience I have been told I am responsible for anything that goes wrong in the office. This has created a great amount of stress for me that is so bad it’s actually causing me health issues. If I were to quit this job would I be eligible for unemoyment?

    • Well, such situations are subjective in nature.

      You may wanna check with the Unemployment Office in your state to confirm before making a move.

  24. I am a Fed. employee with over 38 years of service. If I retire will I be able to collect unemployment?

    • Retirement is a natural process and hence may not qualify.

      If you’re looking for a job after retirement, please speak to the Unemployment Office in your state to ascertain eligibility.

  25. I am off work due to a non work related injury. The MD state doc syats I canot return to my normal duties as a correctional officer. I am working with the state to see if they can provide another job for me to do until possible reinstatement (within 3 years). I did not resign from state service. I filed for unemployment. will I qualify??

  26. I am being laid off. Currently have been offered another job from the same company – but at a 15 cent paycut. Also, this would be a demotion position wise – from Intermediate level rep to ground floor customer service rep.

    Will I be eligible if I do not accept this employment ? If so , will I inquire a penalty ?

    • You may be held accountable for not accepting this job.

      Please check with the Unemployment Office in your state as each state has its own rules regarding this.

  27. My company was just bought out by another and as a requirement they drug tested us all. Before the buy out I was forced to live with relatives who habitually smoke marijuana, I do not engage in the act with them but they do it around me constantly, it got into my system and I was fired for failing the drug test. Is there anything i can do? I’m sure I’ll be denied any benefits.

    • I had to stop working my P/T job due to needing non work related surgery. This is my only work related income and I have come to depend on it. I will be out for about 6 month and may not be able to work my current position in the company at all due to the nature of the surgery. If they can offer me a sedentary position when I am able to work I can return to the same company. If not I would have to look elsewhere. I am currently being carried on a leave without pay status. Am I entitled to UI benefits under these circumstances?

      • I am afraid, you will not qualify for UI since your surgery puts you off work for some time.

        You can explore the Workers Comp scheme if the ailment is related to the job.

    • You will not be eligible. Unemployment Benefits are only provided to those who become unemployed due to fault of their own.

  28. I think my case has everything to with hostile work environment and emotional distress. What are the next steps to take?

    • We do not have any further information on the labor laws in your state pertaining to hostile work environment.

      Please call them for further information.

  29. Will I receive a penalty on benefits if I get a bonus when I am Laid off? What is the max you can get from unemployment?

  30. Hi. I have been been working for a company part time for 7 months. I walked in the door last Wednesday and was fired. For no ligitamet reason. Am I eligible for unemployment? It was awful. Thank you for your help.

    • You may not qualify with just 7 months of employment which is part time.

      Please call the claims center/customer service of the labor dept. in your state for further information.

  31. Can I receive UI if my employer cuts my pay or increases my hours or adds responsibilities not in my original job description and I quit as a result of these changes?

    • You can only claim for reduction in the number of hours worked.

      Please call the customer service wing of the labor dept in your state for more information.

    • Depends. Unemployment insurance is paid out to claimants who lose their jobs due to involuntary reasons such as lay offs.

      You may not be eligible.

  32. I’ve worked for the same company over two years. I was recently transfered to an other office and didn’t get along with the manager there, I was terminated with no warning due to the office’s low productivity. The office has 4 employees and I was the only one fired.

  33. Hi my name is troy I live in Maryland I’ve been working at my job for almost a year in a half and they fired me for my point system rule and didn’t even get close to my limit could I get unemployment

  34. I was hired on as a seasonal hire. I have been extended for over a year. It is not in the budget to extend me any further. Do I qualify for unemployment while I find another job?

  35. I work in the tax industry and get laid off after Tax Filing Day every year. Am I required to look for full-time employment even though I have a return to work date?

    • Looks like yours is seasonal employment and this kind is generally not eligible for UI benefits.

      Why don’t you look for a full time job that keeps you employed throughout the year?

  36. My company is down sizeing the office i work in. They are cutting down from 26 to 13. They say they will offer a position doing somwthing different. This possition is something i am not interested in. Will I still be able to get unemployment

    • If the new role offered is a total turn around and does not suit your skills and expertise,you may be eligible,provided you meet all other requirements.

      Please speak to your manager and try to work out a better deal before you consider quitting.

  37. I feel my job has caused me emotional distress and have addressed issues with coworkers and supervisors creating a hostile working environment for me but my grievance firm was never addressed nor any other complaints of mine and I received a written notice of 30 day probation period yesterday from the employer. I have everything documented my complaints etc I have never been verbally reprimanded or addresses of any instigating amongst peers as they accuse me of. Any advice ? Please help!!!

  38. My supervisor wrote me up for not performing my duties correctly, at the same time he informed me that he was going to continue to write me up and that I was not going to last another month, so I quit. Prior to that he would give me lists of tasks to get accomplished daily which in effect did not allow me to perform my other my duties correctly. In affect he was micro managing me causing me to question what he wanted done every day. Would this be considered “good cause” to collect U.I.?

    • Well,you may look at applying for UI benefits.Chances are that when you file,your employer may contest the claim.If this happens,you must be in a position to justify the reason for quitting.

  39. I was just laid off. The company said they will bring me back in April. I am currently on social security. Can I still receive unemployment?

    • Social security benefits may be a hindrance when you file for UI. Some states entertain both,some dont. Please speak to a representative from the labor department in MD on 1 – 800 – 827 – 4839 before filing.

  40. I was just let go from my job because they were downsizing, i currently go to CCBC and am enrolled in a workstudy. I recieve exactly 244.00 a month. Am i eligible for unemployment benefits while im currently searching for work?

  41. I am a Federal contractor that is affected by the furlough. I know federal workers are eligible but I am not sure if I am eligible. I cannot work due to my work site in in a government office that only has mission essential personnel working. I am an exempt employee and I was paid by my company on Tuesday, 1 Oct, but the remainder of this week I have to use vacation. Next week I will be eligible to continue to use leave or take Leave Without Pay.

  42. I have been working for the Social Security Adminastration full tim,e for over 18 years and due to the furlough I am unemployed.Am I eligible for benifits and if so should I file a claim straight off?

  43. I have been off of work for an injury that was work related. I received workers comp for 90 days. In the middle of that time period my company sent me a letter saying I was fired. I may be able to work but would have serious restrictions and limitations. However the main point is that I have no income, no job since they fired me and no idea if I qualify for unemployment.

    • Hi Christina,

      If you are unable to work, then you are mostly ineligible. But, since this is a work related injury there is a possibility. Please apply for unemployment compensation at the earliest.

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