The Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance (DUI) offers Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits to those people who have lost their job through no fault of their own. The UI benefits program also encourages unemployed people to get re-employed. Below, we have listed eligibility requirements to qualify for UI benefits and much more information about the program.
Eligibility To Apply For UI Benefits In Maryland
Applicants must meet the monetary and job separation eligibility requirements to qualify for unemployment benefits in Maryland.
Monetary Eligibility
An applicant can monetarily qualify for unemployment benefits if he or she has earned the wages in at least two quarters in his or her base period and has minimum wages as defined by the state in the highest quarter of the base period. If the applicant does not have sufficient wages in the base period, DUI will consider wages in the alternate base period.
Find out more about eligibility requirements
Job Separation
An applicant will not qualify for unemployment benefits in Maryland if he or she becomes unemployed due to any of the following reasons:
- Quit job for reasons other than:
- medical condition
- Domestic violence
- Moving out with the spouse
- Was fired for misconduct
- Was fired for failing drug and alcohol test
- Was fired for not adhering to organizational policies
Eligibility requirements – overview
Maintaining Eligibility
The applicant must maintain his eligibility as long as he or she wants to receive Maryland unemployment benefits. The applicant can maintain his or her eligibility in the following ways:
- Be able to and available for work
- Actively look for a work
- Accept a suitable job offer
- File timely weekly claim certifications
- Report all wages (vacation pay, severance pay, pension payments, etc.)
- Perform three valid reemployment activities for each week he or she applied for benefits
- Be available and contact DUI & the Maryland Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning (DWDAL) when instructed
Find out on job search requirements
How To Apply For UI Benefits In Maryland?
An applicant must submit the following documents to apply for UI benefits in Maryland:
An applicant can file for unemployment benefits using the following methods:
Online
Online is one of the fastest ways to apply for Maryland unemployment benefits. The applicant must visit the BEACON 2.0 claimant portal, register, and complete the application to file online.
Telephone
Alternatively, the applicant can file for benefits by reaching out to live claims agents. The applicant can call 1-667-207-6520, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday; and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
How To File Weekly Claims
The claimant must file weekly certifications for each week he or she wishes to collect UI benefits. The weekly certification can be filed by the BEACON mobile app called “MD Unemployment for Claimants” or by calling 667-207-6520.
While filing weekly certification, the claimant must answer several questions to certify his or her ongoing eligibility for UI benefits. When the certification is submitted, the claimant will receive a confirmation number that should be noted for future reference.
Learn how to claim weekly benefits
UI Benefits Amount
The UI benefits amount depends on the base period wages. A claimant can receive a maximum of $430 and a minimum of $50 weekly benefit amount under the Maryland Unemployment Insurance program.
Benefits Calculator
The benefits calculator can be used to determine the estimated weekly unemployment benefit amount.
Know more about the Benefits Calculator
Things To Know After Filing An Application
There are several aspects that a claimant must know after filing for Maryland Unemployment Insurance.
Overpayment
At times, claimants may receive benefit amount more than he or she is entitled to. The unemployment overpayment occurs due to false statements, failure to report wages, administrative errors, or reversal of previous unemployment decisions.
If a claimant receives overpayment, DUI will send an overpayment notice which includes repayment instructions. If the claimant fails to pay back the overpaid amount, the Department will deduct the amount from future benefits or withhold lottery winnings to recover the amount.
Overpayment Through Fraud
If a claimant receives overpayment due to false statements or wilful misinterpretation, he or she will have to pay a fine of up to $1,000 and interest on the overpaid amount. In addition, the claimant will be disqualified from receiving benefits and may also face imprisonment.
Benefits Extension
Generally, the Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance provides benefits for up to 26 weeks. But if the state’s unemployment rate is too high, the Division may provide extended benefits. Visit DUI to know more about extended benefits.
Job Training Assistance
Maryland’s Workforce System, composed of a partnership between the twelve Workforce Development Boards and the thirty American Job Centers, helps adults and dislocated workers to get easy access to resources, including training, and secure a suitable job.
Also, Maryland Workforce Exchange helps job seekers to search for current openings in their community. The job seekers can research in-demand careers, create multiple resumes to apply for jobs, and find occupational training that meets their needs.
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