What Beacon is and where to find it

Beacon is Maryland's online portal for unemployment insurance. It is where you file your weekly claim, check your claim status, update your address, and view payment history. You access it at mdes.maryland.gov — specifically the Beacon section under "File a Claim" or "Manage Your Claim".

Beacon replaced Maryland's older system and is now the only way to file weekly claims or manage an active unemployment case online. You cannot file or check status by phone or mail anymore, though you can call the Maryland Department of Employment Services (MDES) for help if you cannot log in.

Key Takeaways

  • Beacon is accessed through mdes.maryland.gov and requires a username and password you create during your first claim.
  • Your login credentials are separate from your Social Security number — you choose them yourself when you first file.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the Beacon login page to reset it by email.
  • If you cannot log in after resetting your password, call MDES at 410-767-2404 (Baltimore area) or 1-888-743-0635 (toll-free) for account help.
  • Beacon works on desktop and mobile browsers, though the desktop version is faster for filing weekly claims.

Creating your Beacon account during your first claim

When you file your initial unemployment claim through MDES, you create your Beacon login at that time. The system asks you to choose a username and password. Write these down or save them in a password manager — you will need them every week to file your claim.

Your username is not your Social Security number. It is a name you pick yourself, usually something straightforward like your first initial plus last name. Your password must be at least 8 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (like ! or @). The system will not let you create a weak password.

After you finish your initial claim, Beacon sends you a confirmation email with your username. If you did not save your password, you can reset it using that email address.

Logging in to Beacon each week

Go to mdes.maryland.gov and look for the Beacon login box. It is usually on the homepage under "Claimant Services" or "File Your Weekly Claim." Enter your username and password, then click "Sign In."

Once you are logged in, you will see your dashboard. If you have an active claim, there will be a button or link to file your weekly claim. Click it, answer the questions about work and income that week, and submit. The system will confirm your filing when ready.

You must file your weekly claim by the important date shown on your dashboard — usually by Sunday or Monday of the following week, depending on when your claim week ends. Filing late can delay your payment or disqualify that week.

If you forgot your password

On the Beacon login page, click "Forgot Password" or "Forgot Username" depending on what you need. The system will ask for your email address or Social Security number. Enter the information and click the button to send a reset link.

Check your email — including your spam folder — for a message from MDES. The email will contain a link that lets you create a new password. That link usually works for 24 hours. Click it, enter a new password that meets the requirements (8 characters, uppercase, lowercase, number, special character), and save it somewhere safe.

If you do not receive the email within 15 minutes, check that you entered the correct email address. If the email address in your claim is wrong, you will need to call MDES to update it before you can reset your password.

If you cannot log in even after resetting your password

First, make sure you are typing your username and password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters are different. If you copied and pasted your password, make sure there are no extra spaces before or after it.

If you are still locked out, your account may be temporarily frozen due to too many failed login attempts. Wait 30 minutes and try again. If that does not work, or if you see an error message saying your account is locked, call MDES directly.

Call 410-767-2404 if you are in the Baltimore area, or 1-888-743-0635 toll-free from anywhere in Maryland. Have your Social Security number and email address ready. MDES staff can unlock your account, verify your identity, and help you reset your password over the phone. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or mid-week.

Using Beacon on your phone or tablet

Beacon works on mobile browsers like Safari and Chrome. Open your phone's browser, go to mdes.maryland.gov, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The mobile version is smaller and sometimes slower, but you can file your weekly claim from anywhere.

Maryland does not have a separate Beacon app — you use the website on your phone's browser. Bookmark the page so you can find it quickly each week. If the page loads slowly or buttons do not respond, try closing the browser and opening it again, or try a different browser.

What to do if Beacon is down or not working

Beacon occasionally goes offline for maintenance, usually on weekends or late at night. If you cannot log in and you see a message saying the system is unavailable, wait a few hours and try again.

If Beacon is down and your weekly claim important date is approaching, call MDES when ready. Staff can sometimes file your claim over the phone or extend your important date if the system outage prevented you from filing on time. Do not wait until the last day to file — file early in the week so you have time to troubleshoot if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same password for Beacon as I use for other websites?

You can, but it is not recommended. Beacon holds sensitive information like your Social Security number and payment details. Use a unique password that you do not use anywhere else. If another website gets hacked, your Beacon account stays safe.

What if I never received a confirmation email with my username?

Check your spam or junk folder first — confirmation emails sometimes end up there. If you still cannot find it, call MDES at 410-767-2404 or 1-888-743-0635. They can tell you your username or send the confirmation email again to a different address if yours has changed.

Can someone else log into my Beacon account for me?

No. Your Beacon account is personal and tied to your Social Security number. Only you should know your password. If you need help filing your claim, call MDES and ask if they can file it for you over the phone, or ask a trusted person to sit with you while you log in and file yourself.

What if I changed my email address after I filed my claim?

Log into Beacon and update your email address in your account settings or profile section. If you cannot log in because you forgot your password and your old email is no longer active, call MDES. They can update your email address and send you a password reset link to your new email.

Is Beacon find? Is it safe to enter my Social Security number?

Beacon is Maryland's official government system and uses encryption to protect your information. It is safe to enter your Social Security number, bank account details, and other sensitive information. Never enter this information on a website you found through a search engine or email link — always go directly to mdes.maryland.gov.