Unemployment Process in Maryland
Losing your job in Maryland may entitle you to receive unemployment benefits, partially decreasing the financial burden of losing your income. The state will review your application to determine whether you qualify for benefits and calculate your weekly amount. You generally can handle the entire application process online if you choose.
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Basics
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To receive unemployment benefits in Maryland, your separation from employment must have happened through no fault of your own. A job termination because of a policy violation or poor performance evaluation generally disqualifies you from receiving benefits, as does a voluntary resignation. You also must actively seek work, and be able and available to accept any suitable job offer, to continue receiving benefits. You must file an initial claim and, subsequently, file a claim either online or through the state's automated phone system on a biweekly basis for as long as you wish to continue receiving benefits.
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As of 2010, the weekly benefit amount in Maryland ranged from $25 to $430. The state calculates your benefit amount using your employment wages over a period consisting of the first four of the most recent five complete calendar quarters. To be eligible for benefits, you must have earned wages in at least two of the first four quarters. Generally, your weekly benefit amount will be half of your average gross wages during the one-year period, up to the maximum allowable amount. By state law, the maximum duration of unemployment benefits is 26 weeks. However, the state may add 13 to 20 weeks of emergency benefits during times of high unemployment. Federally funded extensions may further lengthen the benefits period. In 2009 and most of 2010, Maryland residents could claim benefits for up to 86 weeks.
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Considerations
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You can work part-time and potentially remain eligible for unemployment benefits, as long as you report your earnings on your biweekly claim even if you have not yet received your wages. You may earn as much as $100 and still receive your full benefit amount, although you still must report your earnings. For any earnings above $100, the state will reduce your benefit amount on a dollar for dollar basis. If you get a full-time job, even if the job is only temporary, you may not receive benefits while working. Employers have a legal obligation to inform the state when they hire any new employees.
Tips
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Have your Social Security number, address and phone number handy, as well as birth dates and Social Security numbers for any dependents, before filing for unemployment benefits either online or by phone. Also have the name, official address, phone number and reason for separation for each of your employers from the previous 18 months. Remember that unemployment benefits are taxable as regular income. To avoid what may be a surprisingly large tax bill, consider asking the state to withhold federal and state taxes from your weekly benefit amount just as your employer would withhold earnings.
Alternatives
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If the state denies your unemployment benefits claim for any reason, you can file an appeal within 15 days by mail or fax. If the appeal fails and you need financial assistance for necessities such as food or medical treatment, consider looking into other government benefit programs. The state's Food Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as the Food Stamp Program, helps low-income families buy healthy food. Maryland also offers comprehensive health-care programs for low-income families.
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References
- Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations: What You Should Know About Unemployment Insurance
- Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation: Claimant Most Frequently Asked Questions-Unemployment Insurance Claimants
- Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation: Unemployment Insurance Benefit Extension Information
- Washington Post: Benefits Not In Sight for Long-Term Jobless; Michael A. Fletcher; July 13, 2010
- Maryland Department of Human Resources: Food Supplement Program
- Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: Medical Assistance for Families
Resources
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