Maryland unemployment offices are run by the Department of Labor's Unemployment Insurance division, with in-person locations in Baltimore, Salisbury, and online filing available statewide
Maryland has three physical unemployment offices where you can file claims, get help with your account, or speak to someone about a problem with your case. You do not have to visit in person — you can file online or by phone — but the offices exist if you need face-to-face help or have documents to submit. Each location serves a region of the state, and you can go to whichever is closest to you regardless of where you live.
The state also runs a call center and online portal where most people handle their claims without leaving home. If you are filing for the first time, you will likely start online or by phone, then visit an office only if something goes wrong or if you need to submit paperwork that cannot be uploaded.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland has three in-person unemployment offices: one in Baltimore (downtown), one in Salisbury, and one in Towson, each open Monday through Friday during business hours.
- You can file your initial claim online at mdes.maryland.gov or by phone at 667-207-6520 without visiting an office.
- Bring your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and information about your most recent employer when you file.
- If you need to appeal a decision or resolve a wage dispute, the office staff can direct you to the right form or hearing process.
- Wait times at physical offices vary; calling ahead or filing online usually moves faster than walking in.
The three Maryland unemployment office locations and their hours
Baltimore office (downtown): 1100 North Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Phone: 667-207-6520. This is the main office and handles claims from Baltimore City and surrounding counties. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed state holidays. Parking is available on the street or in nearby lots; the building is accessible by public transit (MTA bus lines serve the area).
Towson office: 10 West Pennsylvania Avenue, Towson, MD 21204. Phone: 667-207-6520. This office serves Baltimore County and surrounding areas north and east of the city. Same hours as Baltimore: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is a parking lot adjacent to the building.
Salisbury office: 2901 Main Street, Salisbury, MD 21801. Phone: 667-207-6520. This office covers the Eastern Shore and southern Maryland. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Parking is available on-site.
All three offices use the same phone number. When you call, you will reach the statewide call center, which can direct you to the right office or handle your question over the phone. Wait times are typically shorter in the morning (before 11 a.m.) and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
What to bring if you visit in person
Bring your Social Security number and a photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport). You will also need information about your most recent job: the employer's name, address, phone number, and the dates you worked there. If you were laid off or fired, bring any separation paperwork (a letter from your employer, a final paycheck stub, or an email confirming the end date).
If you are filing a new claim, bring your last two pay stubs so the office can verify your earnings. If you are appealing a decision or disputing wages, bring copies of any documents the state sent you and any evidence you have (pay stubs, emails from your employer, a contract, or a written job offer).
Do not bring original documents you cannot replace — bring copies instead. The office will not keep originals, but staff may need to photograph or scan what you bring, and originals can get lost in the process.
Filing without visiting an office
You can file your initial claim online at mdes.maryland.gov under "File a Claim." The online form takes 15 to 20 minutes and asks for the same information: your Social Security number, ID, and employer details. You will receive a confirmation number when ready and can check the status of your claim online anytime.
If you prefer to file by phone, call 667-207-6520 and select the option to file a new claim. A representative will walk you through the questions and file the claim while you are on the phone. This usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.
Filing online is usually faster and lets you review your answers before submitting. Filing by phone is better if you have questions or need help understanding what information to provide. Both methods produce the same result: your claim is filed with the state, and you will receive a information letter by mail within two to three weeks.
What happens after you file
After you submit your claim, the state will mail you a information letter within two to three weeks. This letter tells you whether you are found to be monetarily may be able to access (meaning you earned enough in the past year to receive benefits) and what your weekly benefit amount will be. It also lists the reason for any denial if you are not may be able to access.
If you are may be able to access, you will be told how to file your weekly claim. In Maryland, you file weekly claims online through the same portal or by phone. You must file every week you want to receive a payment, even if you are working part-time. Payments are deposited into your bank account or sent to a debit card, usually within five to seven business days of filing your weekly claim.
If you disagree with the information, you have 30 days from the date on the letter to file an appeal. You can file the appeal online, by mail, or in person at any of the three offices. The appeal goes to a hearing officer, who will review your case and may hold a phone or video hearing with you and your former employer.
When to visit an office instead of calling or filing online
Visit an office in person if you need to submit documents that cannot be uploaded online (some older offices still do not have full document upload capability), if you have received a notice about a wage dispute or disqualification and need to understand what it means, or if you have already called and been told to bring something in.
You should also visit if you are filing an appeal and want to speak to someone about what evidence to bring to your hearing, or if your claim has been denied and you want to understand why before you decide whether to appeal. Office staff cannot change a decision, but they can explain what the state found and what you would need to prove to overturn it.
Do not visit in person just to check the status of your claim — you can do that online or by phone in seconds. Do not visit to ask when your payment will arrive; payments are processed on a set schedule, and the office cannot speed them up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim at any of the three offices, or do I have to go to the one in my county?
You can go to any of the three offices. They all have access to the same system and can file your claim or help you with any issue. Choose the one closest to you. If you live in a county far from all three, filing online or by phone is usually faster.
What if I cannot visit during business hours?
File online at mdes.maryland.gov or by phone at 667-207-6520. Both are available 24/7. You can also mail documents to the Baltimore office at 1100 North Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, though mail takes longer to process than in-person or online submission.
Do I need an appointment to visit an office?
No appointments are required. Walk-in service is available during business hours. However, wait times can be long during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon). Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan when to visit.
What if I lost my job in another state but now live in Maryland?
File in Maryland. You file in the state where you currently live, not where you worked. Maryland will contact your former employer to verify your wages and reason for separation. The process is the same as filing for a job you held in Maryland.
Can the office help me if my employer is not responding to the state's questions?
Yes. If your employer does not respond to a wage verification request, office staff can escalate the case or explain what happens next (usually a hearing where you can present evidence of your wages). Bring any pay stubs or documents you have that show what you earned.