Maryland's unemployment program is run by the Department of Labor, and benefits come from a fund built by employer payroll taxes

Maryland's Unemployment Insurance (UI) program pays weekly benefits to workers who lose their job through no fault of their own. The money comes from taxes that employers pay into a state fund — not from general tax revenue or federal money, though the federal government sets minimum standards that all states must follow. The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) administers the program from offices in Baltimore and regional locations.

To receive benefits, you must file a claim with DLLR. The state processes your claim, verifies your work history and earnings, and determines whether you meet Maryland's rules. If approved, you receive a debit card (not a check) loaded with your weekly benefit amount. The card works like a bank card at ATMs and stores. Most people receive their first payment within two to three weeks of filing, though some claims take longer if DLLR needs to contact your employer or investigate your separation from the job.

Maryland's benefit year runs from the Sunday of the week you file your claim through the following Sunday 52 weeks later. You can only receive benefits during that year, and the total you receive cannot exceed your benefit year maximum — a dollar amount based on your earnings in the year before you filed.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file your claim with Maryland's Department of Labor within a specific time window after losing your job, or you may lose benefits you would otherwise have received.
  • Maryland requires you to earn at least $30 in a week to receive a benefit payment that week, and you must report all earnings, even partial-week work.
  • You must be ready, willing, and able to work, and you must search for work each week — the state may ask you to document your job search.
  • If your employer contests your claim or says you were fired for misconduct, DLLR will hold a hearing where you can present your side of the story.
  • The weekly benefit amount varies based on your prior earnings, but Maryland's maximum weekly benefit is set by law and changes each year.

Who can receive Maryland unemployment benefits

You must have worked in Maryland or for a Maryland employer, earned enough wages in the base period (usually the first four of the five calendar quarters before you filed), and lost your job through no fault of your own. "No fault of your own" means you were laid off, your hours were cut, or you were fired for reasons unrelated to your conduct — such as a business closing or a position being eliminated. It does not include quitting, even if you had a good reason.

You must also be ready and willing to work, able to work, and actively searching for work. Maryland does not require you to be in a specific job field or accept any job offered; you must search for work that matches your skills and experience. If you are in school full-time, you are generally not considered ready and willing to work and cannot receive benefits.

If you are self-employed, a contractor, or worked for tips only, you may not be covered by Maryland's program. Certain government employees, railroad workers, and agricultural workers are covered by separate federal programs instead.

How much you receive and for how long

Your weekly benefit amount is calculated from your earnings in the base period — the first four of the five calendar quarters before you filed your claim. DLLR takes your highest-earning quarter and multiplies it by a percentage set by state law. For 2024, that percentage is one-third of your highest quarter's earnings, up to a maximum weekly benefit of $430. The percentage and maximum change each year based on state law.

You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks in your benefit year, assuming you remain unemployed and meet all other requirements. During weeks when you work and earn money, your benefit is reduced. Maryland allows you to earn up to one-third of your weekly benefit amount without losing any payment that week; earnings above that threshold reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar.

If you exhaust your 26 weeks of regular benefits and remain unemployed, you do not automatically receive additional weeks. Federal Extended Benefits are available only during periods of high state unemployment, as determined by federal law. When Extended Benefits are active, you may receive up to 13 additional weeks, but only if your state's unemployment rate meets the federal trigger. You can check whether Extended Benefits are currently active on the DLLR website.

Filing your claim and what documents you need

You file your claim online through the DLLR website at mdes.maryland.gov. You can also file by phone at 667-207-6520, though online filing is faster. You do not need to visit an office in person to file. Have your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your last job ready when you file — specifically your employer's name, address, phone number, and the dates you worked there.

You will be asked why you are no longer working. Answer honestly and in detail. If you were laid off, say so. If you quit, explain why. If you were fired, describe what happened. DLLR uses your answer to determine whether you are disqualified. If your answer does not match what your employer tells DLLR, the state will contact you to clarify.

After you file, DLLR sends a notice to your employer asking them to confirm your employment dates, wages, and reason for separation. Your employer has a important date to respond. If your employer says you quit or were fired for misconduct, DLLR will contact you and schedule a phone hearing. You will have a chance to explain your side before DLLR makes a decision.

Work search requirements and reporting earnings

Each week you claim benefits, you must search for work. Maryland does not require you to file a specific number of applications or contact a certain number of employers, but you must be able to describe your search if DLLR asks. Keep a record of the jobs you looked at, the employers you contacted, and the dates. If DLLR requests documentation, you will need to provide it within a short important date.

You must report all earnings, including part-time work, gig work, and self-employment income. Report earnings for the week you earned them, not the week you were paid. If you work Monday through Wednesday and earn $100, report that $100 in the week it was earned, even if you do not receive the paycheck until the following week. Failing to report earnings is considered fraud and can result in overpayment, disqualification, and criminal charges.

If you receive severance pay, vacation pay, or sick leave payout after you are laid off, you must report it as earnings. Some types of payments — such as health insurance continuation (COBRA) or pension payments — are not considered earnings and do not reduce your benefit. When in doubt, report it and let DLLR determine whether it counts.

What happens if your claim is denied or contested

If DLLR denies your claim, you receive a written notice explaining the reason. Common reasons include not meeting the earnings requirement, quitting your job, being fired for misconduct, or not being ready and willing to work. You have 30 days from the date on the notice to file an appeal. You can appeal online, by mail, or by phone.

If your employer contests your claim, DLLR schedules a phone hearing. You will receive a notice with the date and time. Both you and your employer can present evidence and answer questions from a hearing officer. The hearing officer decides whether you are disqualified. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the Board of Appeals within 30 days. The Board reviews the hearing officer's decision and may hold another hearing.

If you receive benefits you were not may have access to to — because you did not report earnings, misunderstood the rules, or made a mistake on your claim — DLLR will send you a notice of overpayment. You must repay the money. You can request a waiver of overpayment if you can show that you were not at fault and repayment would be a hardship, but waivers are rarely granted. If you do not repay, DLLR can withhold future benefits or refer the debt to a collection agency.

Other programs and resources available in Maryland

If you exhaust your regular 26 weeks of benefits and Extended Benefits are not active, you may be able to receive Pandemic Unemployment information (PUA) if you are self-employed or do not otherwise may have access to for regular UI. PUA is a federal program that was created during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not currently active, but Congress can reactivate it during future economic crises. Check the DLLR website to see whether PUA is available.

Maryland also offers Reemployment Services and may be able to access Assessments (RESEA), a program that provides job search help, resume writing, and referrals to training programs. RESEA is free and is available to people receiving unemployment benefits. DLLR may require you to participate if you are identified as likely to exhaust your benefits.

For workers whose industry has been affected by trade, the federal Trade Adjustment information (TAA) program may provide extended benefits, job training, and wage insurance. You must work in a covered industry and meet specific criteria. Contact DLLR to learn whether your job loss qualifies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I was fired but not for misconduct — for example, I made a mistake or was not a good fit?

Being fired for poor performance or not being a good fit is generally not considered misconduct under Maryland law. Misconduct means deliberately breaking a rule, being dishonest, or refusing to follow instructions. If you were fired for reasons other than deliberate misconduct, you may still be may have access to to benefits. Your employer will have a chance to explain why they fired you, and DLLR will decide based on the facts.

Can I receive unemployment benefits while I am in school or taking a training program?

If you are a full-time student, you are not considered ready and willing to work and cannot receive benefits. If you are part-time or taking evening classes, you may be able to receive benefits as long as your schedule allows you to search for work and accept a job. Tell DLLR about your school schedule when you file your claim.

What if I quit my job because of harassment or unsafe working conditions?

Quitting is generally disqualifying, but Maryland recognizes narrow exceptions. If you quit because of harassment, discrimination, or unsafe conditions that your employer refused to fix, you may be may have access to to benefits. You will need to show that you asked your employer to fix the problem and they refused. This is a fact-specific information, so contact DLLR or a legal aid organization to discuss your situation.

How long does it take to receive my first payment?

Most people receive their first payment within two to three weeks of filing. If DLLR needs to contact your employer or investigate your claim, it may take longer — up to six weeks or more. You can check the status of your claim online at mdes.maryland.gov or by calling 667-207-6520.

What if I move out of Maryland while I am receiving benefits?

You can continue to receive Maryland benefits if you move, as long as you remain able and willing to work and continue to search for work. You must report your move to DLLR. If you move to another state and find work there, you must report that income. Some states have agreements to share information, so DLLR may learn about your out-of-state income through those agreements.