Where to File and What You Need Before You Start

Maryland's unemployment program is called Unemployment Insurance (UI), and you file through the Maryland Department of Labor's website or by phone. You do not go to a local office — everything happens online or over the phone. The website is mdes.maryland.gov, and the phone line is 667-207-6520. Have your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your last job ready before you call or log in.

You must file within 30 days of your last day of work to receive benefits for that week. Maryland counts weeks starting on Sunday, so if you stopped working on a Wednesday, that partial week still counts as a week you can claim. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim can be processed — most claims take one to three weeks to approve.

You will need the name, address, and phone number of your most recent employer, the dates you worked there, and your job title. If you left your job, you will also need to explain why. Have your last pay stub handy so you can confirm your wages.

Key Takeaways

  • File through mdes.maryland.gov or call 667-207-6520 within 30 days of your last day of work to avoid losing weeks of benefits.
  • Maryland requires you to report the reason you left your job, and some reasons (like quitting without good cause) may disqualify you.
  • You must certify your claim weekly by logging back into your account or calling to report that you are still unemployed and looking for work.
  • Payments are deposited onto a debit card or into your bank account, and the first payment usually arrives one to three weeks after approval.
  • If your employer contests your claim, Maryland will contact you to explain their reason, and you can respond in writing or by phone.

The Online Filing Process Step by Step

Go to mdes.maryland.gov and look for the "File a Claim" button on the homepage. You will create an account with an email address and password. Maryland will ask you to verify your identity using your Social Security number and driver's license or ID number. This usually takes a few minutes.

Once you are logged in, you will fill out a form with your personal information, employment history, and the reason you are no longer working. Be specific about why you left — if you were laid off, say "laid off due to lack of work." If you quit, explain the reason. Maryland uses this information to determine whether you are disqualified.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down. Maryland will mail you a notice within one to two weeks telling you whether your claim was approved or denied. If approved, you will also receive instructions on how to certify your claim each week.

Reasons Maryland May Deny Your Claim

Maryland will deny your claim if you quit your job without good cause attributable to the employer. This means the employer's actions — not your personal situation — must have forced you to leave. Examples of good cause include unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or a significant change in job duties without your agreement. Quitting because you found a better job, had childcare problems, or wanted to move does not count as good cause.

You will also be denied if you were fired for willful misconduct — meaning you deliberately broke a rule you knew about. A single mistake or poor performance is usually not willful misconduct. Repeated violations after warnings, theft, or violence are examples of willful misconduct.

If your claim is denied, you will receive a written notice explaining why. You have 15 days to file an appeal. The appeal process is free, and you can submit a written response or request a hearing where you can explain your side.

Weekly Certification: How to Stay on the Program

After your claim is approved, you must certify every week that you are still unemployed and actively looking for work. Certification means logging into your account on mdes.maryland.gov or calling 667-207-6520 to confirm your status. You must certify for the week that just ended by the important date Maryland gives you — usually the following Sunday or Monday.

When you certify, Maryland will ask whether you worked any hours that week, whether you earned any money, and whether you turned down any job offers. Answer honestly. If you worked even a few hours, report it — Maryland will reduce your payment based on what you earned, but you will still receive partial benefits if your earnings are low enough.

If you miss a certification important date, your benefits will stop. You can recertify late, but there may be a delay in your payment. Set a reminder on your phone for the same day each week so you do not forget.

How Much You Will Receive and When

Maryland's weekly benefit amount depends on your wages during a base period — usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed. The state calculates your average weekly wage and pays you a percentage of that amount. The maximum weekly benefit in Maryland varies by year; contact the Department of Labor or check mdes.maryland.gov for the current maximum.

You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks in a benefit year, though during periods of high unemployment, Maryland may offer extended benefits that add more weeks. You do not have to reapply after 26 weeks — if you are still unemployed, you can file a new claim in a new benefit year.

Payments are deposited onto a debit card that Maryland mails to you, or directly into your bank account if you provide that information. The first payment usually arrives one to three weeks after your claim is approved. After that, payments arrive weekly on the same day.

What Happens If Your Employer Contests Your Claim

Your employer can file a protest saying you should not receive benefits. This is common and does not mean your claim will be denied. Maryland will send you a notice with the employer's reason — usually they will say you were fired for misconduct or that you quit.

You will have a chance to respond in writing or request a phone hearing. At a hearing, both you and your employer (or their representative) can explain what happened. The hearing officer will decide based on the facts. If you win, you keep your benefits. If you lose, you can appeal to a higher level.

Even if your employer protests, your benefits will continue while the case is being decided. You will only have to repay benefits if you ultimately lose and the decision is final.

If You Worked Part-Time or Had Multiple Jobs

If you worked part-time or had more than one job, file a claim anyway. Maryland will base your benefit amount on all the wages you earned during your base period. When you certify each week, report any hours you work and any money you earn from any job — including gig work, freelance work, or self-employment.

Maryland allows you to earn a small amount each week without losing all your benefits. If you earn more than that threshold, your weekly benefit is reduced dollar-for-dollar. The exact threshold changes each year; the Department of Labor will tell you the current amount when you file.

If you are self-employed or a contractor, you may still be able to file, but the rules are different. Call 667-207-6520 and ask about self-employment claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for unemployment if I was laid off due to lack of work?

Yes. A layoff due to lack of work is not your fault, so you are not disqualified. File as soon as possible after your last day of work. You will need to tell Maryland the reason for the layoff when you file.

What if I was fired but I think it was unfair?

You can still file. Maryland will not automatically deny you just because you were fired. Your employer will have to prove you committed willful misconduct — a deliberate violation of a rule you knew about. If you believe the firing was unfair but not misconduct, explain that when you file and again at any hearing.

How long does it take to get my first payment?

Most claims are approved within one to three weeks. Your first payment arrives one to three weeks after approval, so expect four to six weeks total from the day you file. If your claim is delayed because your employer contests it, approval may take longer.

Can I work part-time while collecting unemployment?

Yes. Report any hours and earnings when you certify each week. Maryland will reduce your benefit based on what you earned, but you may still receive partial benefits if your earnings are below a certain threshold.

What do I do if I did not receive my payment on the expected day?

Call 667-207-6520 and have your claim number ready. The Department of Labor can tell you whether your payment was sent and help you resolve delays. If your debit card was lost or stolen, you can request a replacement.