What Maryland unemployment benefits cover and who can file

Maryland's unemployment insurance program pays a portion of your lost wages if you lose your job through no fault of your own. The program is run by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR), and the money comes from taxes employers pay into the system.

You can file if you were laid off, had your hours cut significantly, or were fired for reasons that were not misconduct on your part. You cannot file if you quit without good cause, were fired for willful misconduct, or are self-employed. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, you can still file — the DLLR will review your case and tell you whether you meet the rules.

The weekly benefit amount varies based on your earnings history, but Maryland's maximum weekly benefit is set each year and changes based on the state's average wage. You typically receive benefits for up to 26 weeks in a regular benefit year, though during periods of high unemployment, extended benefits may be available.

Key Takeaways

  • File with the Maryland Department of Labor through their online portal at mdes.maryland.gov or by phone at 410-949-0022 within two weeks of losing your job.
  • Have your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your last employer ready before you start.
  • Your first payment typically arrives one to three weeks after you file, but only if the DLLR approves your claim.
  • You must report your earnings each week if you work part-time, or your benefits will be reduced or stopped.
  • If your claim is denied, you have the right to request a hearing and present your case to an administrative law judge.

How to file online or by phone

The fastest way to file is through the Maryland Department of Labor's online portal at mdes.maryland.gov. You will create an account, answer questions about your job loss and work history, and submit your claim. The system walks you through each section and saves your progress if you need to stop and come back.

If you cannot file online, call the DLLR at 410-949-0022. Lines are busiest early in the week and early in the morning. Have your information ready before you call, because the representative will ask the same questions the online form does. Phone filing takes longer than online filing, but you will get a confirmation number before you hang up.

File as soon as you know you will not be returning to work. The DLLR can only pay benefits back to the week you lost your job, not before. If you wait two weeks to file, you lose two weeks of potential payments.

What information and documents you need before you start

Gather these items before you file, whether online or by phone:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your Maryland driver's license number or state ID number
  • Your last employer's name, address, and phone number
  • The date you last worked
  • The reason you are no longer working (laid off, hours cut, fired, etc.)
  • Your gross weekly or monthly pay
  • Information about any other jobs you held in the past 18 months

You do not need to upload documents to file your initial claim. However, the DLLR may ask you to send documents later — such as a separation notice, pay stubs, or a letter from your employer — to verify the information you provided. Keep copies of anything your employer gives you about your job loss.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to provide your immigration status and document number. Lawful permanent residents and certain other visa holders can file. Undocumented immigrants cannot file for regular unemployment benefits in Maryland.

How long it takes to get your first payment

After you file, the DLLR sends a notice to your last employer asking them to confirm the information you provided. Your employer has about 10 days to respond. Once the DLLR receives their response (or the important date passes), they review your claim and make a decision.

If your claim is approved, your first payment arrives one to three weeks after you file, depending on how quickly your employer responds and how busy the DLLR is. Payments are made by debit card (called the Maryland Benefit Card) or by direct deposit if you set that up. You cannot receive a check.

If the DLLR needs more information from you, they will mail or email you a request. Respond within 10 days, or your claim may be denied. If your claim is denied, you will receive a written notice explaining why. You then have 30 days to request a hearing.

Reporting your earnings each week

Once your claim is approved, you must report your work and earnings every week you receive benefits. This is called "filing a weekly claim." You do this through the same online portal where you filed your initial claim, or by phone.

If you work part-time or earn any money during a week you receive benefits, you must report those earnings. Maryland allows you to earn up to one-third of your weekly benefit amount without losing any benefits. Earnings above that amount reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar.

File your weekly claim by the important date shown on your benefit card or in your account. If you miss the important date, you will not receive a payment for that week, even if you were may have access to to one. The important date is usually the same day each week.

If you return to full-time work, you can stop filing weekly claims. Your benefits will end automatically. If you are laid off again later, you may be able to file a new claim using the same account.

What happens if your claim is denied

The DLLR denies claims for several common reasons: you quit your job without good cause, you were fired for willful misconduct, you did not earn enough in the past year to meet the minimum earnings requirement, or you did not respond to a request for information.

If your claim is denied, read the written notice carefully. It will explain the reason and tell you how to request a hearing. You have 30 days from the date of the notice to file a request. You can request a hearing online, by mail, or by phone at 410-949-0022.

At the hearing, an administrative law judge will listen to your side of the story and your employer's side. You can bring documents, witnesses, or both. Many people represent themselves, but you can also bring a lawyer or representative. The judge will issue a decision within a few weeks. If you disagree with that decision, you can appeal to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, but you must do so within 30 days.

Working while receiving benefits and other rules

You can work part-time while receiving unemployment benefits in Maryland. As noted above, you can earn up to one-third of your weekly benefit amount without losing any payment. If you earn more, your benefit is reduced by the amount over that threshold.

You must also be ready, willing, and able to work full-time. This means you cannot turn down a suitable job offer just because you prefer part-time work. If you refuse a job without good reason, the DLLR can deny your benefits.

If you are in school, training, or a rehabilitation program, tell the DLLR. Some programs allow you to receive benefits while in school if the school is helping you return to work. Others do not. The DLLR will let you know whether your situation qualifies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for unemployment if I was fired?

Yes, but only if you were fired for reasons other than willful misconduct. If you were fired for being late, making a mistake, or poor performance, you may still may have access to. If you were fired for theft, violence, or deliberately breaking a rule you knew about, you likely will not. The DLLR will review your case and decide.

What if my employer says I quit when I actually was laid off?

File anyway and explain what happened. The DLLR will contact your employer and ask them to provide details. If your employer's account does not match yours, the DLLR may request documents like a separation notice, email, or text message. Bring anything you have that shows you did not quit.

How much will I receive each week?

Your weekly benefit amount is based on your earnings in the past year. Maryland calculates it by taking your highest quarter of earnings and dividing by 26. The maximum weekly benefit changes each year; you can find the current maximum on the DLLR website. You will see your estimated weekly amount when you file.

What if I move out of Maryland while receiving benefits?

You can continue to receive Maryland benefits if you move, but you must keep reporting your weekly claim and follow Maryland's rules. If you move to another state and find work there, you may need to file for that state's benefits instead. Contact the DLLR to ask about your specific situation.

Can I file for unemployment if I am self-employed?

No, regular unemployment benefits are not available to self-employed people in Maryland. However, if you are a gig worker or independent contractor, you may be able to file for Pandemic Unemployment information (PUA) if that program is active. Check the DLLR website or call 410-949-0022 to ask whether PUA is currently available.