 | Max. Weekly Benefit Amount $430 | Max. Weeks of Benefits 26 | Current Jobless Rate 5.4% |
$430
26
5.4%
Updated : November 4th, 2022
Maryland Unemployment Benefits
The Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance (DUI) offers Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits to those people who have lost their job through no fault of their own. The UI benefits program also encourages unemployed people to get re-employed. Below, we have listed eligibility requirements to qualify for UI benefits and much more information about the program.
Eligibility To Apply For UI Benefits In Maryland
Applicants must meet the monetary and job separation eligibility requirements to qualify for unemployment benefits in Maryland.
Monetary Eligibility
An applicant can monetarily qualify for unemployment benefits if he or she has earned the wages in at least two quarters in his or her base period and has minimum wages as defined by the state in the highest quarter of the base period. If the applicant does not have sufficient wages in the base period, DUI will consider wages in the alternate base period.
Find out more about eligibility requirements
Job Separation
An applicant will not qualify for unemployment benefits in Maryland if he or she becomes unemployed due to any of the following reasons:
- Quit job for reasons other than:
- medical condition
- Domestic violence
- Moving out with the spouse
- Was fired for misconduct
- Was fired for failing drug and alcohol test
- Was fired for not adhering to organizational policies
Eligibility requirements – overview
Maintaining Eligibility
The applicant must maintain his eligibility as long as he or she wants to receive Maryland unemployment benefits. The applicant can maintain his or her eligibility in the following ways:
- Be able to and available for work
- Actively look for a work
- Accept a suitable job offer
- File timely weekly claim certifications
- Report all wages (vacation pay, severance pay, pension payments, etc.)
- Perform three valid reemployment activities for each week he or she applied for benefits
- Be available and contact DUI & the Maryland Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning (DWDAL) when instructed
Find out on job search requirements
How To Apply For UI Benefits In Maryland?
An applicant must submit the following documents to apply for UI benefits in Maryland:
An applicant can file for unemployment benefits using the following methods:
Online
Online is one of the fastest ways to apply for Maryland unemployment benefits. The applicant must visit the BEACON 2.0 claimant portal, register, and complete the application to file online.
Telephone
Alternatively, the applicant can file for benefits by reaching out to live claims agents. The applicant can call 1-667-207-6520, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday; and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
How To File Weekly Claims
The claimant must file weekly certifications for each week he or she wishes to collect UI benefits. The weekly certification can be filed by the BEACON mobile app called “MD Unemployment for Claimants” or by calling 667-207-6520.
While filing weekly certification, the claimant must answer several questions to certify his or her ongoing eligibility for UI benefits. When the certification is submitted, the claimant will receive a confirmation number that should be noted for future reference.
Learn how to claim weekly benefits
UI Benefits Amount
The UI benefits amount depends on the base period wages. A claimant can receive a maximum of $430 and a minimum of $50 weekly benefit amount under the Maryland Unemployment Insurance program.
Benefits Calculator
The benefits calculator can be used to determine the estimated weekly unemployment benefit amount.
Know more about the Benefits Calculator
Things To Know After Filing An Application
There are several aspects that a claimant must know after filing for Maryland Unemployment Insurance.
Overpayment
At times, claimants may receive benefit amount more than he or she is entitled to. The unemployment overpayment occurs due to false statements, failure to report wages, administrative errors, or reversal of previous unemployment decisions.
If a claimant receives overpayment, DUI will send an overpayment notice which includes repayment instructions. If the claimant fails to pay back the overpaid amount, the Department will deduct the amount from future benefits or withhold lottery winnings to recover the amount.
Overpayment Through Fraud
If a claimant receives overpayment due to false statements or wilful misinterpretation, he or she will have to pay a fine of up to $1,000 and interest on the overpaid amount. In addition, the claimant will be disqualified from receiving benefits and may also face imprisonment.
Benefits Extension
Generally, the Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance provides benefits for up to 26 weeks. But if the state’s unemployment rate is too high, the Division may provide extended benefits. Visit DUI to know more about extended benefits.
Job Training Assistance
Maryland’s Workforce System, composed of a partnership between the twelve Workforce Development Boards and the thirty American Job Centers, helps adults and dislocated workers to get easy access to resources, including training, and secure a suitable job.
Also, Maryland Workforce Exchange helps job seekers to search for current openings in their community. The job seekers can research in-demand careers, create multiple resumes to apply for jobs, and find occupational training that meets their needs.
Maryland Phone Numbers
Find the below-listed phone numbers of unemployment offices in Maryland:Maryland Unemployment Office Numbers
| Claims Center | 1-800-827-4839 |
| Unemployment appeals | 410-767-2421 |
| Unemployment fraud hotline | 1-800-492-6804 |
Locate your nearest unemployment office
Frequently Asked Question
1100 N. Eutaw Street, Room 505
Baltimore, MD 21201
Telephone: 410-767-2421
Fax: 410-225-9781
E-mail: UILowerAppeals.Labor@maryland.gov
A hearing will be scheduled when you appeal during which the Hearing Examiner will review your proof and make a decision. If you disagree with the decision, you may appeal with the Board of appeal.
my name is Salvatore and I have been filing for unemployment
since I became furloughed on March 13th. and I have filed every
week for my unemployment benefits and received confirmation
from the unemployment office for the first seven weeks which was
fine, until you changed the old system { which worked just fine} to the
new form of filing { THE BEACON} and since then for the last
11 week weeks you cannot get through or they won’t take your calls
and four times an answer came back and “I Quote” I’m sorry that social
security cannot be found. I am a 84 year old with 35 years in the military
a disabled vet, and since I became laid off from the part time job that
helped take of most of my medical bills and are getting calls from
all of my creditors and charging me all these late payments.N0w what
are you going to do about getting what I worked for including all of my
service.NOW!! what would do if you were in my place when you can barley
survive, now that you have collected all the funds from me and many
seniors plus these years including some who have small children and
newborns. I would like to have the unemployment department to settle this
and get me my funds for all those weeks that I am suffering from.
thank you. I have already contacted the News Media. something has to be
done and I intend to do so.
Salvatore,
We can understand your situation. Unfortunately, everyone’s helpless. Please wait for an update from the office. There will be thousands of applications for the office to be processed. Make sure to check the status at regular intervals.
my son is high risk due to having a bone marrow transplant. I have a doctors note stating my husband should not be working. is that grounds for him to file for umemployment
Nicole,
Unfortunately, personal reasons are generally not considered. UI benefits are only offered to claimants who lose employment due to involuntary reasons.
My employer want to take us down to part time and said we have to use our vacation and health time to make up the difference. Can we file for unemployment for the 10 or 20 hours biweekly that we are going to lose.
You should be able to claim partial UI benefits.
Will an employee be denied UI if they are let go for constant absenteeism?
Thanks
Charlene,
That is correct. Unemployment Insurance benefits are only extended to claimants who lose their employment due to involuntary reasons.
Can you re-apply for unemployment benefits in Md if you been denied for medical reasons and is now available and able to work five months later ?
Nay,
UI benefits are only extended to claimants who’re out of employment due to no fault of their own. Please call the Unemployment Office to check your eligibility.
My husband’s company was bought out. We couldn’t afford our home. We put our house on the market and we were going to move to our second home 150 miles away. I was honest with my boss of 9 years and told her everything that was going on. She knew if we didn’t sell our home we wouldn’t move and my husband would have to get another job. She told me when my last day was before we sold our home. She said she was going to hire someone and couldn’t afford my salary and this other person’s salary. Am I eligible for unemployment?
Please call the Unemployment Office in your state to find out about the eligibility.
Hope things get better soon.
I work on ships, I was overseas and there was an incident ashore in a foreign country. We were instructed to return to the ship. Since we had been drinking, we had no choice but to return intoxicated. Due to company policy, we were fired for being on the ship intoxicated. The captain of the ship understands that it was not our intention to return in an intoxicated state and if we were not told to leave the area and return to the ship, nothing would have happened. He was only following protocol. Since the situation forced us to return under the influence in turn causing us to lose our jobs. Are we eligible for unemployment
Josh,
This is a tricky situation. You can or cannot qualify, both. Please call the Unemployment Office or contact a lawyer for instructions.
I am an LPN in Maryland in a 12. Person office. I was recently forced to reduce my hours at work from 5 days to 4 days, my daughter is seriously ill, and I have had to take time off to bring her to doctors and a recent operation and hospital stay, I have been told that I am only giving 100% [no lie] not the 150% i used to and my supervisors have denied me time off, without pay mind you, to see to my child’s needs. If I leave to find employment closer to home, my curren employer is almost an hour away, can I receive unemployment while I look for a more suitable job. Thank you for your time.
Gina,
Please tread carefully. UI benefits are extended to claimants who lose their job due to involuntary reasons.
I am working for a transcription company who has lost many contracts. I have not been assigned a regular account and for the last two weeks there is almost no work. They refuse to put me on a regular account but instead put me on a performance plan because my line count is below their standard. How can I met the standard if there is no work. If i quit to find another job, can I collect unemployment benefits. This week I have worked only 9 hours.
Elizabeth,
This is a tricky situation. Please inquire further with the Unemployment Office by calling them.
I have recently found and job and started Jan 2 – I filed Jan 1 for my last week before employment. do I have to do anything to advise I am now working? Please advise
Jill,
You can simply stop making weekly claims and that should take care of your file.
I work for a company 25 years. I left voluntary because i had not received a raise in 8 years and at one time was doing 2 positions still for the same pay. I collected unemployment for maybe 2 month when the CEO of the same company wanted me back, I explained I was not going back unless i received the correct pay for the new duties assigned. they offered me the same salary I was making when I left and I refused so they hired me as a sub contractor for 4 month with many new duties at the same salary but that they would renegotiate my salary. I completed the contract and even work 2 weeks after the contract ended and I did 85% of all the new work I was assigned and they came to me with the exact same salary offer after I had worked so hard to demonstrate I deserved the raise. they were hiring new director starting at the same salary it took me 25 years to get to. There was even an employee who made more than me but wa but I was his boss and trained him as well as ever director that started with the company. I asked them to make another offer and gave them 2 days they never did another offer so I quit. I as denied unemployment because I voluntary quit but I was not an employee but a subcontractor. I am waiting on the appeals decision.I whole heartily believe after 25 years i was going to be treated better and believe I quit with good cause.
Will I be eligible for unemployment benefits in MD if I quit my 8-5 job because I’ve been transferred to a 2-11pm job without my consent/consideration doing something completely unrelated to my current job where I won’t be using my skills/education? Primarily I cannot accept this position due to the fact that I have 2 young children for whom i need to be there for in the evenings.
If you quit voluntarily, you will not be eligible.
Please speak to the Unemployment Office before making a decision on your employment.
I was remained from my job do to missed time am I able to collect unemployment?
If you were asked to leave due to voluntarily, I am afraid, you will not be eligible.
I work for the federal government(FEMA) I worked in Texas June 2015-sept 2015 Missouri November 2015-January 2016 Mississippi April 2016-July 2016 and Maryland aug 21-August 27 2016. Do I file my unemployment in Maryland or the state where I made the most wages, or the state in which I reside in?
Please consider filing for UI benefits from the state where your immediate previous assignment was based.
You may want to confirm with the HR department before deciding to file.
I worked in Baltimore at the casino and bought a home and moved to SC with the idea that I would be working on a casino boat – I was unable to work on boat due to severe seasickness. Can I apply to MD Unemployment until I find a position here in SC. It has been 2 months without income.
Unemployment Insurance is only provided to those who lose their job due to involuntary reasons. You may not qualify.
Please inquire further with the Unemployment Office in your state.
I worked for the postal service for over 16 years. I have been on workers comp for 3 years now because of an accident while working. I was told the postal service can terminate your emplotment for no reason after 3 years. would i be eligible for workers comp since my only income was coming from the dept. of labor ?
Well, not sure if you will be eligible since UI benefits are only extended to those who have active employment in the preceding one year.
I missed the dead line for my weekly claim, what should I do next?
Please contact the Claims Center immediately. I guess, you will be asked to apply during the coming week.
I’ve worked all my life but I’m now unemployed and have been for over a year. I have been actively looking, interviewing but frustratingly have not received any final offers. I filed and started receiving unemployment benefits in late Jan. 2015, and the benefits ran out the first of Aug 2015. During that time, I found an entry level 3-month contract job and humbly worked it in Apr 2015. But the contract abruptly ended 3-weeks later for all the contract employees (no fault of mine). I notified unemployment during this time and the benefits were halted for the short time that I was working. However, I was able to restart the benefits when my 3-week contract job ended. I never stopped actively looking cause I’m trying to find a job in my profession. As much as I hate to receive unemployment benefits (I’d rather work) can I re-apply for unemployment benefits?
Please check with the Unemployment Office in your state to see if there are any are any benefits remaining in your account.
Otherwise, Unemployment Insurance is only a one time deal.
Hello, I paid my car insurance with my unemployment debit card, the Insurance company cancel my policy for non-payment.
How can i get a statement a bank statement to prove my payment to the car insurance? who should i contact? the bank or MUI? Thanks
Please contact the bank for a statement or visit the nearest branch.
my unemployment benefit completed in august for the last six months still not employed can I reapply
Unemployment Benefits are only paid out for one full cycle as approved. They are not revolving in nature.
Can I start a business while on unemployment? Can I collect benefits if I don’t make any money?
I don’t think so. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state for further advice.
Trying to reapply for benefits.
Thank you,
We are not the unemployment office. Not sure what your question is but would be more than happy to help if we can.
I was laid off in March, but I just filed for unemployment checks now so will I get “back paid” from March until June? Thanks
Hi,
You may receive payments for the weeks where you file a claim. Which means, in order to receive an unemployment pay check, you should have filed weekly claims and satisfied various requirements for that week.
Hello,
I need to ask a question? If a person is working in a workplace harrassmet and they have taken every step to try to fix it including going up the chain of command and nonthing is being done. Can that person give a two week notice and be able to collect unemployment?
Hi AJ,
If the person is unable to work due to workplace harassment, then he can quit the job to receive benefits. But, here is the catch! This person needs to have notified and tried to request a better treatment (which in the case you mentioned, seems to be done). These efforts need to be recorded as it will have to be furnished later in case of unemployment compensation.
Please note that the burden of proof is on this person to show that he quit the job for a good cause. Also the employer has the authority to fight to not let this person have the unemployment benefits if they can prove him wrong.
I am relocating to take care of my elderly father. It will mean a move of more than 150 miles. Am I eligible for unemployment benefits while I look for a new job in my new locaiton?
I am out of work becuase of a car accident. My employer is noy paying me, and I have exhauseted all of my leave.
I worked in Wash DC but live in the state of Maryland. Where do I file for umemployment benefits? Also, can I receive unemployment benefits if I received a severance package?
If I am furloughed from my jobs for 10-12 days (unpaid) from the federal government. Am I eligible for unemployment?
Can i collect if I quit under distress after 4 years of employment and provide witnesses who also were employed by the same company.
Mostly you can. You have to be able to work in order to receive unemployment so if you left due to stress, you will have to show you will be able to work under less stressful conditions.
I am laid off from my work recently but I am eligible to receive some money (< $1000) from my company's pension plan. My estimated unemployment benefit is $1520/month. My question is: Am I qualified to recieve some unemployment benefit ($1520 – my pension payment) before I find my next job?
I am a veteran; am I eligible to receive Unemployment benefits while I am receiving my Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits?
Yes, you can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits while you are collecting unemployment benefits. However, you will need to be aware of how unemployment benefits work in Maryland to make sure you remain eligible to continue receiving unemployment benefits.