Maryland Unemployment

Maryland Unemployment Insurance Benefits

The Maryland Department of Labor provides unemployment insurance benefits to unemployed Maryland workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

By doing so, the Department of Labor supports the economic stability of the state, providing a financial safety net that lessens the overall economic impact of lost wages.

Unemployment compensation in Maryland provides temporary financial assistance to eligible workers who are actively seeking new employment. Established under the Social Security Act of 1935, Maryland’s unemployment insurance program is funded primarily through state and federal payroll taxes paid by employers.

Maryland Unemployment Services

How To Qualify for Unemployment Benefits in Maryland

Claimants who meet the following requirements generally will be approved for UI benefits in Maryland:

• The claimant must be unemployed through no fault of his or her own
• The claimant must be monetarily eligible, having worked and earned sufficient income during the base period for review
• The claimant must be able to work and available for work without restrictions
• Individual determinations about unemployment assistance cannot be made until you apply, so make sure to file your initial claim as soon as you become unemployed.

Benefit Payments and Duration

How To Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Maryland

The fastest and easiest way to apply for Maryland UI benefits is online through the BEACON 2.0 claimant portal. You also may file your initial UI benefits claim with a live claims agent at 667-207-6520.

You will be prompted to set up an online account, which you can use moving forward to check on the status of your unemployment claim and to file your weekly certification for benefits.

Managing Your Unemployment Benefits

For each week you request a benefit payment, you must file a weekly claim certification, which is a legal document that certifies your ongoing eligibility for UI benefits. As part of the weekly benefit certification process, you must answer a series of questions about your work search activities for the prior week. You must also report any wages earned or any job offers you received.

To file your weekly certification online, log in to your BEACON portal and select File a Weekly Claim Certification. Then simply follow the instructions within the portal.

If you need to file by phone, or if you need special accommodations, you can speak with a

claims agent at 667-207-6520, who can help you. Agents are available to help you Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Filing an Appeal

If you disagree with a determination regarding your claim, you have the right to file an appeal, as does your employer. Specific instructions for filing your request for appeal will be included in the determination letter you receive.

You can file an appeal using your BEACON 2.0 claimant account, or by any of the contact methods listed below:

• Fax: 410-225-9781
• Email: UILowerAppeals.Labor@maryland.gov
• U.S. Postal Service:
  Maryland Department of Labor
  Lower Appeals Division
  1100 N. Eutaw Street, Room 505
  Baltimore, MD 21201

Reporting Fraud

Unemployment insurance fraud, including identity theft, is a serious crime that the state of Maryland investigates thoroughly.

If you believe that someone is fraudulently collecting benefits by providing misinformation to the state of Maryland, or that someone has stolen your identity in order to fraudulently collect benefits, you are encouraged to report your concerns to the state of Maryland through its online fraud reporting form.

Maryland Unemployment Office Locations