Maryland (MD) Unemployment Insurance

In Maryland, as in every other state, employees who are temporarily out of work through no fault of their own may qualify to collect unemployment benefits.

Eligibility for benefits requires that the claimant be able to work, available for work, be seeking work, and be willing to accept a suitable job.

If you quit your job voluntarily, without good cause, you won’t be eligible for unemployment benefits.

FAQ #

Who qualifies for unemployment in MD? #

In order to qualify for unemployment in MD, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Have enough prior earnings from employment to establish a claim.
2. Be totally or partially unemployed.
3. Be unemployed through no fault of your own.
4. Be ready and willing to immediately accept work.
5. Be actively looking for work. ¹

To establish a valid claim, you must have:

1. earned at least $1,176 in your highest quarter of your base period, ² or
2. total base period earnings of 1.5 times your high quarter earnings.

The law requires you to make a minimum of three (3) valid job contacts per week and record your job contacts at Maryland Workforce Exchange, unless you are exempt from work search. Failure to do so will result in a denial of benefit payments.

How much do you get for unemployment in Maryland? #

If you are eligible to receive unemployment, you may get between $50 and $430, including any dependents’ allowance. Under Maryland’s UI law, additional $8 per dependent may be paid if applicable and is limited to 5 dependents only.

How long can you get unemployment in MD? #

If you remain totally unemployed and otherwise remain eligible, you can get unemployment benefits for a maximum of 26 full weeks during a one-year period.

Can you get an extension on unemployment in Maryland? #

No. The only time you are able to extend your benefits beyond the 26-week limit is if a federal extension of benefits is available. You will receive notification if any extensions are in effect.

Can you get an extension on unemployment in Maryland? #

No. The only time you are able to extend your benefits beyond the 26-week limit is if a federal extension of benefits is available. You will receive notification if any extensions are in effect.

How to apply for unemployment benefits in Maryland? #

Just like any other state, you may apply for unemployment benefits as soon as you lose your job. This can be done over the phone, or over the internet.

All Claim Centers take claims by telephone only, every Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. ET to 2 p.m. ET, excluding State holidays. Please file your claim in the claim center located closest to your home.

After you file your initial claim, you will receive a notice of “Determination of Monetary Eligibility” within 3 days detailing your potential weekly benefit amount.

If your unemployment claim is denied, you have 15 days to appeal that decision to the Appeals Division.

References