Filing for Unemployment in Maryland: What you need to know

Due to the quarantine imposed because of the spread of Covid-19, unemployment filings throughout the United States have skyrocketed. Since March 15 there have been more than 290,000 people who have filed for unemployment for the first time in Maryland alone. It is very likely that you will find yourself in need of unemployment insurance during this difficult time and you are likely to have many questions. Here is what you need to know.

How can I apply?

You can make your initial claim through the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website. This page indicates the requirements and documents needed to file for unemployment insurance.

Be advised that you cannot apply for unemployment insurance online if you have worked and earned wages from a state other than Maryland in the last 18 months, (regardless of where you live) worked for the Federal Government in the last 18 months, have worked for more than 3 employers in the last 18 months or have filed for unemployment insurance in another state in the last 18 months. If any of these apply to you, you may contact the DLLR office by phone to apply. Be advised that calls are to be staggered: anyone with a last name that starts with A to F should file their claim on Monday, G to N should file on Tuesday O to Z on Wednesday.

When can I start receiving unemployment insurance?

According to statements by the Governor and the DLLR, the unemployment insurance offices are experiencing an unprecedented volume of calls and filings. As such, some benefits may be delayed.

Despite initial issues stemming from unpreparedness, the state and Governor are taking special steps to make up for lost time. According to reports from the Department of Labor, most residents are getting their first benefit payments within three weeks in the form of debit cards loaded with all weekly benefits, accounting retroactively from their date of eligibility.

How much money can I expect to receive?

The weekly maximum that can be received is $430 for up to 26 weeks of unemployment. You can receive additional money for dependents, which is an allowance of an additional $8 a week per dependent up to 5 dependents. However, the maximum weekly benefit amount is still in effect. The additional $600 per week that is provided by the CARES Act is not counted against this weekly maximum.