Where to file and what you need before you start

Maryland's unemployment system is run by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR), and you file through their website at mdes.maryland.gov. You can also file by phone at 667-207-6520, though the website is faster and gives you a record of what you submitted. Before you start, gather your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and information about your most recent employer — their name, address, phone number, and the dates you worked there.

Maryland requires you to file within 30 days of your last day of work to receive benefits for that week. If you miss the 30-day window, you can still file, but your benefits will start from the week you actually file, not from when you became unemployed. This matters because it can cost you several weeks of payments.

You do not need to visit an office in person. The entire process happens online or by phone, and Maryland will mail you a debit card (called the ReliaCard) once your claim is approved. Payments go directly to this card, which works like a regular debit card at ATMs and stores.

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 payments.
  • Have your Social Security number, ID, and your most recent employer's contact information ready before you start the online form.
  • Maryland will send you a ReliaCard debit card in the mail once your claim is approved, and payments arrive on that card.
  • You must report your weekly earnings and job search activities each week to keep receiving payments.
  • If your employer contests your claim, Maryland will contact you to explain your side of what happened.

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, then answer questions about your employment history, why you are no longer working, and your income. Be specific about the reason you left — whether you were laid off, fired, or quit — because Maryland needs this to determine if you meet the rules for receiving benefits.

The form asks about your last employer, any income you earned in the past week, and whether you are looking for work. Answer honestly. If you were fired, Maryland will ask why, and you will have a chance to explain your version later if your employer disputes the claim. If you quit, you need to show that you had a good reason — for example, unsafe working conditions or a significant cut in pay — or you may not receive benefits.

The form takes 15 to 20 minutes. Once you submit it, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Write this down or take a screenshot. Maryland will send you an email confirming that your claim was received, and you should receive a decision letter in the mail within one to two weeks.

What happens after you file

Maryland's system processes claims in stages. First, they check whether you meet the basic rules: you must have earned enough in the past year (called the "base period"), you must be unemployed through no fault of your own, and you must be ready and willing to work. If you meet these rules, Maryland calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your past earnings.

Your employer has about 10 days to respond to your claim. If they do not contest it, your claim is approved and you will receive a decision letter saying so. If they do contest it — for example, by saying you were fired for misconduct — Maryland will contact you by phone or mail to get your account of what happened. You will have a chance to respond in writing or by phone before Maryland makes a final decision.

Once approved, your ReliaCard arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using it as soon as it arrives. If you do not receive it within two weeks of approval, call the ReliaCard customer service number on the back of your approval letter.

Weekly reporting and keeping your benefits active

Every week, you must report your earnings and job search activities to keep receiving payments. Maryland calls this "weekly certification." You do this through the same website where you filed — log in and answer questions about whether you worked that week, how much you earned, and whether you looked for work.

You must report by the important date each week, which is usually Sunday at 11:59 p.m. If you miss the important date, you lose that week's payment and have to call to get it restored. If you worked during the week, report your gross earnings (before taxes) — Maryland allows you to earn some money and still receive partial benefits, but they reduce your payment dollar-for-dollar after a certain threshold.

You also need to show that you are actively looking for work. This does not mean you have to land a job, but you should be able to describe what you did — applications you submitted, interviews you attended, or job leads you followed up on. Keep a straightforward list of dates, employers, and what you did. If Maryland asks, you can show them this record.

How much you receive and how long benefits last

Your weekly benefit amount depends on your earnings in the past year. Maryland divides your highest quarter of earnings by 26 to get a rough weekly amount, then applies a formula that also considers the state's average wage. The maximum weekly benefit in Maryland varies by year; you will see your exact amount in your approval letter.

Regular unemployment benefits in Maryland last up to 26 weeks (about six months). If you exhaust these benefits and unemployment in the state remains high, you may be able to receive extended benefits for an additional 13 weeks, but this depends on the state's unemployment rate at that time.

If you are still unemployed when your benefits run out, you can file a new claim, but only if you have returned to work and earned enough in between. Otherwise, you would need to look into other programs, such as food information or emergency rental help.

What to do if your claim is denied

If Maryland denies your claim, the decision letter will explain why. Common reasons include not earning enough in the base period, being fired for misconduct, or quitting without good cause. You have the right to appeal within 30 days of the decision letter.

To appeal, contact the Maryland Department of Labor at 667-207-6520 or file online through mdes.maryland.gov. You will attend a hearing (usually by phone) where you can explain your situation to a hearing officer. Bring any documents that support your case — pay stubs, emails from your employer, medical records if you quit due to health reasons, or anything else that shows your side of the story.

The hearing officer will listen to both you and your employer, then make a decision. If you disagree with that decision, you can appeal again to the Board of Appeals, but you must do so within 30 days. Many people win on appeal, so it is worth pursuing if you believe the decision was wrong.

Common issues and how to fix them

Your ReliaCard has not arrived: Call the number on your approval letter. If it has been more than two weeks, Maryland can reissue it. There is no charge for a replacement card.

You missed a weekly certification important date: Call 667-207-6520 as soon as you realize it. Maryland can restore the missed week if you call within a reasonable time, though you may have to explain why you missed it.

Your employer says you quit, but you were laid off: This is a common dispute. When you file, describe exactly what happened — whether you received a layoff notice, were told your position was eliminated, or were given a choice to resign. If your employer contests the claim, explain this again during the hearing. Maryland looks at whether the separation was your choice or the employer's choice.

You are working part-time and receiving benefits: Report your earnings every week. Maryland reduces your benefit by 25 percent of what you earn above a small threshold (this threshold changes yearly). So if you earn $100 in a week, you might still receive most of your benefit. The exact calculation is in your approval letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file by phone instead of online?

Yes. Call 667-207-6520 and a representative will take your information over the phone. The online process is usually faster, but phone filing works if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak to someone.

What if I was fired and my employer says it was for misconduct?

You can still receive benefits if the misconduct was not willful or deliberate. For example, if you made an honest mistake or were not properly trained, you may still may have access to. When Maryland contacts you, explain what happened and why it was not intentional. If you disagree with their decision, you can appeal.

Do I have to look for work while receiving benefits?

Yes. You must be ready and willing to work and actively looking for a job. You do not have to find work, but you should be able to describe what you did each week — applications, interviews, or job leads. Keep records in case Maryland asks.

What if I move out of Maryland while receiving benefits?

You can continue to receive Maryland benefits if you are still unemployed and looking for work, even if you move. However, you must report your new address to Maryland and continue weekly certification. Some states have different rules, so contact Maryland to confirm your situation.

Can I receive unemployment and Social Security at the same time?

It depends on the type of Social Security. If you receive retirement or disability benefits, Maryland will reduce your unemployment payment by a portion of what you receive from Social Security. Report all income when you file and during weekly certification so Maryland can calculate correctly.