Maryland unemployment claims start online through the Department of Labor website, not by phone or mail

Maryland's unemployment system is called Maryland Unemployment Insurance (UI), and you file through the state's Department of Labor website at mdes.maryland.gov. You cannot file by phone or in person — the state processes all new claims online only. You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your most recent job before you start.

The filing process takes about 20 to 30 minutes if you have your documents ready. Maryland will ask you to create an account, answer questions about why you left work, and upload proof of your identity and work history. Once you submit, the Department of Labor reviews your claim and sends you a decision by mail within two to three weeks, though some claims take longer if the department needs more information from you or your employer.

Key Takeaways

  • File online at mdes.maryland.gov using your Social Security number and a valid ID number; phone and mail filing are not available.
  • Have your most recent pay stub, W-2, or job separation letter ready before you start, along with your employer's name and address.
  • Maryland typically decides claims within two to three weeks, but you should file as soon as you become unemployed because benefits do not go back to the date you lost work.
  • Your weekly benefit amount depends on your earnings in the past year and ranges based on Maryland's current wage index, which changes annually.
  • If your employer contests your claim, the Department of Labor will contact you to explain your side; you must respond or risk losing your case.

What documents and information you need before filing

Gather these items before you log into the Maryland system. You will need your Social Security number, a valid Maryland driver's license or state ID (or a passport or military ID if you do not have a Maryland ID), and your most recent employer's name, address, and phone number. If you worked for multiple employers in the past year, write down all of them.

You will also need proof of your earnings. A recent pay stub is fastest, but if you do not have one, a W-2 from your last job or a letter from your employer stating your final pay will work. If you were laid off or fired, bring any separation letter or notice the employer gave you — this helps explain the reason you are no longer working. Have your bank account information ready too, because Maryland pays benefits by direct deposit only; you cannot receive a check.

Creating your account and starting your claim

Go to mdes.maryland.gov and look for the "File a Claim" or "Unemployment Insurance" link on the homepage. Click it and select "Create a New Account." You will enter your email address, create a password, and answer security questions. Maryland will send you a confirmation email — click the link in that email to set up your account.

Once your account is active, log back in and select "File a New Claim." The system will walk you through a series of screens. On the first screen, you will enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, and phone number. Make sure your name matches your ID exactly, or the Department of Labor may reject your claim. On the next screen, you will enter your Social Security number and driver's license or ID number for identity verification.

Answering questions about your job and why you left

Maryland will ask you to describe your most recent job: job title, employer name, employer address, start date, and end date. Then comes the critical question: why did you stop working? Your answer determines whether you are found "unemployed through no fault of your own" — the standard Maryland uses to decide if you receive benefits.

If you were laid off, furloughed, or had your hours cut, select "Lack of Work" or "Reduction in Hours." If you were fired, select "Discharged" and explain what happened — be factual and brief. If you quit, select "Quit" and explain your reason. Maryland looks for reasons like unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or a significant change in job duties. straightforward disliking your job or wanting higher pay usually does not may have access to. If you quit for a medical reason or to care for a family member, explain that clearly.

Do not lie or exaggerate on this form. Your employer will receive a copy of your claim and can contest it. If Maryland finds you lied, you may have to repay all benefits you received and face a penalty.

Uploading identity and work history documents

After you answer the job questions, Maryland will ask you to upload documents. You must upload a photo of your ID — driver's license, passport, or military ID. Take a clear photo of both the front and back, or scan them if you can. The file should be a JPG or PDF, no larger than 10 MB.

Next, upload proof of your work history. A recent pay stub is best; if you do not have one, upload your W-2 from last year or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, dates worked, and final pay. If you have a separation letter, upload that too. Maryland uses these documents to verify your earnings and the reason you left work.

If you cannot find these documents, you can still file — just leave the upload blank and explain in the notes section. The Department of Labor will contact you or your employer to verify your information. This takes longer, but it does not disqualify you.

What happens after you submit your claim

Once you click "Submit," Maryland sends your claim to the Department of Labor's review team. You will receive a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot. The system will also send you a confirmation email with your claim number.

Within two to three weeks, you will receive a decision letter by mail. The letter will say either "Claim Approved" or "Claim Denied." If approved, it will tell you your weekly benefit amount and when your first payment will arrive. If denied, it will explain why — usually because your employer said you were fired for misconduct, or because you quit without good cause.

If your claim is approved, Maryland will deposit your benefit payment into your bank account every week on the same day, usually Wednesday or Thursday. You do not have to do anything else unless Maryland asks you to verify information or report your work search activities.

What to do if your claim is denied or your employer contests it

If you receive a denial letter, read it carefully to understand the reason. Common reasons include: your employer said you were fired for willful misconduct, you quit without good cause, or you did not meet Maryland's work history requirement (you must have earned at least $30 in any week during your base period, which is usually the first four of the last five calendar quarters before you filed).

You have 10 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. Go back to mdes.maryland.gov, log into your account, and select "File an Appeal." Explain why you disagree with the decision. If your employer said you were fired for misconduct, explain what actually happened. If you quit, explain your reason in detail. Attach any documents that support your case — emails, texts, medical records, or witness statements.

After you file an appeal, Maryland schedules a hearing before an administrative law judge. You will receive a notice by mail with the date and time. The hearing is usually by phone. You can represent yourself or bring a representative. Your employer may also participate. The judge will listen to both sides and make a final decision, which you will receive by mail within a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will I receive in weekly benefits?

Maryland calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your earnings in the past year. The maximum weekly benefit changes each year; as of 2024, it is $430 per week, but this amount increases annually. Your actual amount depends on your wages. The Department of Labor will tell you the exact amount in your approval letter.

When do my benefits start?

Benefits do not go back to the date you lost work. They start the week you file your claim, or the week after, depending on when Maryland processes it. This is why filing as soon as you become unemployed matters — you cannot recover lost weeks by filing late.

Do I have to report that I am looking for work?

Maryland does not currently require you to report work search activities to receive benefits, but this can change. Check your approval letter or log into your account regularly to see if the Department of Labor asks you to provide proof that you are searching for work.

What if I worked for multiple employers in the past year?

List all employers on your claim form. Maryland will contact each one to verify your work history and earnings. If you were laid off from one job and are still working part-time at another, report your current earnings — Maryland will reduce your weekly benefit by the amount you earn.

Can I file if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must have a valid Social Security number and a valid ID to file. If you are a permanent resident or have work authorization, you can file. If you are undocumented, you cannot file for regular unemployment insurance, but you may be able to file for Pandemic Unemployment information if that program is active — check mdes.maryland.gov for current programs.