How to Apply for and Collect Benefits

As you start on the path to finding your new job, the Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance provides up to 26 weeks (6.5 months) of temporary financial assistance to qualified individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own.

1. Step 1: Find out if you might qualify

   To qualify for unemployment insurance benefits, you must:

   • Be unemployed through no fault of your own.
   • Be ready to work hours that are normal for your job as soon as possible, without restrictions, such as having to find child care or being away on vacation.
   • Have earned enough money (called “sufficient wages”) during the “base period” (the 18 months before you first applied for unemployment insurance benefits). Sufficient wages mean that you were paid at least $1,176.01 during 1 quarter (3 months) of the base period and a minimum of $1,800 over at least 2 quarters (6 months).

   If you are unable to work due to a long-term or permanent disability, learn more about disability benefits. These may offer more support than unemployment insurance benefits.

   How Much Might I Qualify for?

   The Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance can’t give you an estimate of how much money you’ll get because there are many factors that go into the calculation, such as if you collected severance. You must file a claim for the Division of Unemployment insurance to determine the amount. Depending on the amount of money you were making, weekly payments range from $50 to $430.

   If you are a former Federal Civilian Employee

   Federal civilian employees who become unemployed can apply for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) using the same Maryland Unemployment Insurance Portal (BEACON) as all other claimants if:

   • Your last official duty station was in Maryland
     OR
   • You are a Maryland resident, and your last official duty station was outside of the United States
     OR
   • You are a Maryland resident, separated from federal employment, and then worked in non-federal employment in Maryland

   Your duty station is listed on your SF-50 in Box 39. If you don’t have a copy of your SF-50, you can request it from your former HR office.

2. Step 2: Gather the Information You Need to File a Claim

   • Social Security Number
   • Address, telephone number, and email address
   • Employment information from the last 18 months for all jobs worked, including your:
     • Employer’s legal name (this can be found on your W-2 statement), address, and phone number
     • First day of work and last day of work
     • Reason for separation

   Some types of employment require additional information to apply:

   • Federal employees: An SF-8 form or an SF-50 showing your separation. If you don’t have access to these at the time you need to file your claim, you can provide your most recent SF-50 that shows your salary or rate (Box 20 C) and your duty station (Box 39).
   • Military members: Former military status and DD-214 - Member 4 Document
   • Non-U.S. Citizens: Alien Registration Number
   • Union members: Union name and Local number

3. Step 3: File a Claim Online or by Phone

   • File online using the Maryland Unemployment Insurance Portal (BEACON)
   • File by phone by contacting a claims agent at 667-207-6520, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
   • If you have a disability and need accessible communication options, find the best way to communicate with us or call 711 to reach Maryland Relay.

   It may take up to 21 days to receive a decision about your claim.
   File your claim in the Maryland Unemployment Insurance Portal (BEACON).
   Once you file a claim, you must register for a Maryland Workforce Exchange account.

4. Step 4: Document Your Weekly Job Search Activities

   To qualify for unemployment insurance benefits, you must be ready to work hours that are normal for your job as soon as possible, without restrictions, and actively seeking a new job.

   After you’ve filed your claim online or on the phone, you need to register in the Maryland Workforce Exchange System. This is a separate website from the Maryland Unemployment Insurance Portal (BEACON).

   Once you are registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange, you must document your job search there to show that you are continuing to look for reemployment.

   You must complete this step each week before certifying your weekly claim (Step 5).

   • Sign in to the Maryland Workforce Exchange System to search and apply for jobs.
   • Record 3 activities showing you looked for work, including activities you completed using other job seeking tools.

   Note: While you’re waiting to receive payment, you still need to complete your job search and certifications each week.

   Learn more about job search requirements.

5. Step 5: Complete a Weekly Certification to Continue Benefits

   Complete your weekly certification starting every Sunday of a new week.
   While you’re waiting to receive payment, you still need to complete your job search and certifications each week.

   After you have completed Step 4, you can complete your weekly certification by:

   • Using the Maryland Unemployment Insurance Portal (BEACON)
   • Using our mobile app, MD Unemployment for Claimants, which you can download from iOS App Store or Google Play Store. (Note: You cannot use the mobile app to file your first claim.)
   • Calling the automated line 24/7:
     • 410-949-0022 (if calling from the Baltimore area or out of state)
     • 800-827-4839 (if calling from Maryland but outside of the Baltimore area)
     • Note: Make sure to write down the confirmation number at the end of the call.

If Needed, File an Appeal

If you do not agree with the decision about your claim, you have the right to an appeal. Claims can be denied for many reasons, but some common ones are:

• Your former employer claims that you shouldn’t qualify because you were fired for misconduct or voluntarily left your job
• You haven’t earned enough money in the last 15 months to qualify
• You aren’t available to work or refused a suitable job

Learn more about the appeals process.

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