Maryland Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment insurance (UI) is a government-funded program that provides financial assistance to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. In the state of Maryland, the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (DLLR) administers the UI program.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for unemployment insurance in Maryland, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must have earned a minimum amount of wages during a period of time called the base period. In Maryland, the base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.
2. You must be unemployed through no fault of your own. This means that you were laid off, your employer went out of business, or you were terminated for a reason other than misconduct.
3. You must be actively seeking work and willing to accept suitable employment when offered.
4. You must be able and available to work. This means that you are physically and mentally capable of working and are not prevented from accepting work by any legal or personal obligations, such as childcare responsibilities.

If you meet these eligibility requirements, you may be eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits in Maryland.

How to Apply

To apply for unemployment insurance in Maryland, you can file a claim online at the Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance website or by phone. You will need to provide the following information:

1. Your social security number
2. Your most recent employer’s name, address, and phone number
3. Your employment dates and reason for separation
4. Your banking information if you choose to receive benefits by direct deposit

Once your claim is filed, you will receive a Notice of Benefit Determination in the mail that will inform you of your eligibility for benefits.

Benefits and Duration

The amount of unemployment insurance benefits you may receive in Maryland is based on your earnings during the base period. The minimum weekly benefit amount is $50, and the maximum weekly benefit amount is $430.

The duration of your unemployment insurance benefits in Maryland will depend on your base period earnings. The maximum benefit duration is 26 weeks, but if you earned a high amount of wages during the base period, you may be eligible for up to 39 weeks of benefits through the federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program.

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to receive unemployment insurance benefits in Maryland?

A: It typically takes two to three weeks to receive your first benefit payment after your claim is approved.

Q: How do I check the status of my unemployment insurance claim in Maryland?

A: You can check the status of your claim online at the Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance website or by calling the UI Claim Center.

Q: What happens if my unemployment insurance claim is denied in Maryland?

A: If your claim is denied, you have the right to file an appeal within 15 calendar days of the date on your Notice of Benefit Determination.

Q: Can I work part-time and still receive unemployment insurance benefits in Maryland?

A: Yes, you can work part-time and still receive partial unemployment insurance benefits in Maryland as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and report your earnings each week.

Q: What happens if I am offered a job while receiving unemployment insurance benefits in Maryland?

A: If you are offered a job while receiving unemployment insurance benefits, you must report the job offer to the Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance. If you refuse suitable work without good cause, your benefits may be denied or reduced.

Conclusion

If you are unemployed and meet the eligibility requirements, unemployment insurance in Maryland can provide temporary financial assistance that can help you make ends meet while you search for a new job. By understanding the application process, benefits, and duration, you can make an informed decision about whether to apply for unemployment insurance in Maryland.