Increase in the Unemployment Insurance Maximum Weekly Benefit Amount

BALTIMORE (9/28/2007) Labor, Licensing and Regulation Secretary Thomas E. Perez reminds residents that a new bill to increase the unemployment insurance maximum weekly benefit amount goes into effect October 7, 2007.

The maximum weekly benefit amount will increase from $340 to $380 for individuals who file new claims on or after October 7, 2007. Individuals who are currently receiving unemployment insurance benefits will continue to receive their existing benefit amounts. Unemployment insurance (UI) benefits are based on an individual's prior earnings, and can range from $25 to the maximum allowed under the law. The average UI weekly benefit amount in Maryland is $278.

The increase was approved this year by the Maryland General Assembly with the support of Governor Martin O'Malley.

"Unemployment insurance benefits are a critical social safety net, providing necessary support to unemployed Marylanders. This increase is a move in the right direction," said Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Secretary Thomas E. Perez.

The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation will provide information concerning the increase to all individuals who file new claims between September 30, 2007 and October 5, 2007, the week prior to the change. Individuals eligible for increased benefits the following week will be given the option of waiting to file their claims. If an individual chooses to wait a week for the higher amount, his or her unemployment insurance benefits would begin a week later. The benefit increase information is also available to individuals who file their initial unemployment insurance claims via the internet at www.mdunemployment.com.

Updated July 30, 2009