What you need to log into Maryland's unemployment system

Maryland's unemployment system is called the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Online system, and you access it through the Maryland Department of Labor website. To log in, you will need a username and password that you created when you first registered, or you can use your Social Security number and date of birth if you have not yet set up login credentials.

The login page is separate from the process page. If you are looking for the place to file a new claim, that is a different step that happens after you log in. The system will direct you to file or manage an existing claim once you are logged in.

You do not need to call anyone or visit an office to log in — the entire process happens online through your web browser. However, if you forget your password or cannot access your account, there are specific steps to recover it, which are explained below.

Key Takeaways

  • You log in at the Maryland Department of Labor UI Online portal using either a username and password you created, or your Social Security number and date of birth.
  • If you forget your password, you can reset it through the "Forgot Password" link on the login page without calling anyone.
  • Once logged in, you can file a new claim, check the status of a pending claim, view payment history, and update your personal information.
  • If you cannot log in after trying password recovery, the Maryland Department of Labor has a phone line and email support, though wait times vary by day and time.

Step-by-step login process

Go to the Maryland Department of Labor website and find the UI Online portal link. This is usually on the main page under "Unemployment Insurance" or "File a Claim." Click the link to the login page.

On the login page, you will see two fields: one for your username or Social Security number, and one for your password or date of birth. If you have a username, enter that. If you do not have a username, enter your Social Security number in the first field and your date of birth (in the format the page shows) in the second field.

Click "Log In." If your information is correct, you will be taken to your account dashboard. From there, you can see any open claims, file a new claim, or view payment information. If the system does not recognize your information, you will see an error message — this usually means either the Social Security number or date of birth does not match what is on file with the state.

Recovering a forgotten password

If you have a username but cannot remember your password, click the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. You will be asked to enter your username and answer a security question you set up when you registered. If you answer correctly, the system will send a password reset link to the email address on file.

Check your email (including spam and junk folders) for the reset link. The link usually expires after a few hours, so act on it quickly. Click the link and create a new password. The new password must be at least 8 characters and include at least one number and one special character (such as ! or @).

If you do not remember the answer to your security question, or if you do not receive the reset email, you will need to contact the Maryland Department of Labor directly. They can verify your identity over the phone and help you regain access to your account.

What to do if you cannot log in after password recovery

If you have tried to reset your password and still cannot log in, or if the system says it does not recognize your Social Security number, there may be a mismatch between what you entered and what the state has on file. Common reasons include a typo in your Social Security number, a date of birth in the wrong format, or a name change that was not updated in the system.

Double-check that you are entering your information exactly as it appears on your Social Security card and birth certificate. If you recently changed your name or moved, the state may not have updated your file yet. In that case, contact the Maryland Department of Labor to update your information before trying to log in again.

If you still cannot log in after checking your information, call the Maryland Department of Labor's UI customer service line. They will verify your identity and either reset your password for you or help you create a new account. Phone wait times are usually shortest early in the morning on weekdays.

What you can do once you are logged in

Once you are in your account, you can file a new unemployment claim if you do not already have one. The system will ask you questions about your job loss, your work history, and your income. You will need to answer these questions to complete the claim.

If you already have a claim on file, you can check its status, see whether it is pending, approved, or denied, and view the reason if it was denied. You can also see a history of all payments you have received and the dates they were sent.

You can update your personal information, such as your address or phone number, and you can upload documents if the state asks for proof of something (such as proof of job loss or income). Some claims require you to submit documents to be approved, and the system will tell you what is needed and when it is due.

Logging in on a phone or tablet

The Maryland UI Online system works on phones and tablets, but the experience is different from a computer. The login process is the same — you enter your username or Social Security number and your password or date of birth — but the screen is smaller, so some information may be harder to read.

If you are having trouble on a phone, try switching to a computer if you have access to one. If you must use a phone, make sure you are using a web browser (such as Chrome or Safari) and not an app, because there is no official Maryland unemployment app.

Security and protecting your account

Your UI Online account contains sensitive information, including your Social Security number, work history, and payment details. Do not share your username or password with anyone, and do not log in on a public computer (such as at a library) unless you log out completely when you are done.

If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password when ready and contact the Maryland Department of Labor to report it. They can review your account for unauthorized activity and help you find it.

Be cautious of emails or phone calls claiming to be from the Maryland Department of Labor asking for your password or personal information. The state will never ask for your password by email or phone. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click any links or provide any information — instead, go directly to the official Maryland Department of Labor website and log in from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in with just my Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a username, you can log in using your Social Security number and your date of birth. The system will recognize you either way. If you prefer to use a username, you can create one during registration or ask the Maryland Department of Labor to set one up for you.

What if I never created an account in the first place?

You will need to register before you can log in. On the login page, look for a "Register" or "Create Account" link. You will be asked to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and other basic information. Once you complete registration, you can log in using the credentials you just created.

How long does it take to reset my password?

The password reset email usually arrives within a few minutes. If you do not see it after 10 minutes, check your spam or junk folder. If it is not there, contact the Maryland Department of Labor — they can reset it for you over the phone without waiting for an email.

Can I log in if I am outside of Maryland?

Yes. The UI Online system is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. You do not need to be in Maryland to log in or manage your claim. However, if you moved out of state, you may need to contact the Maryland Department of Labor to update your address and confirm that your claim is still valid.

What should I do if the website is down or not loading?

The Maryland UI Online system occasionally goes down for maintenance, usually at night or on weekends. If you cannot access it, wait a few hours and try again. If it has been down for more than a few hours, call the Maryland Department of Labor to report it and ask when it will be back online.