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Step 1
You can apply for unemployment insurance benefits immediately after losing your job. Before starting the online application process, in Maryland, you must meet certain basic requirements. They are: that you are ready, willing, and able to work, looking for full time work, and that you lost your job through no fault of your own.
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Step 2
Maryland makes it easy to apply for unemployment benefits online. Start by going to the state's unemployment insurance claim webpage. You can find a link in the Resources Section below.
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Step 3
Be sure you meet the requirements to file for unemployment insurance online. You'll have to apply at an unemployment office or over the phone if during the last 18 months you: worked for a company outside of Maryland, were employed by the Federal Government, had more than three different jobs, or filed for unemployment in another state.
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Step 4
Before starting the online application process make sure you have the required documents. You'll need your social security number and that of all of your dependents who are 16 years or younger and your former employer's critical information (dates of employment, business name & address). Most of this information can be found on your W-2. Union and military members will require slightly more information.
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Step 5
At the bottom of the state's Unemployment Claim page click to begin filling out the unemployment benefits claim application. Enter all requested information honestly. If you are uncertain about any part of the application click the "filing the claim help" link.
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Step 6
The application process through this website is only the initial step in getting unemployment benefits. In order to receive bi-weekly unemployment checks, Maryland residents must request payment, or what the state calls "continued claims," through the "Webcert" System. This must be done every two weeks. See the link in the Resources Section below.
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Step 7
Within 10 days of filing for unemployment benefits recipients should expect to receive a prepaid Visa debit card in the mail. After receiving the card you'll need to activate it by calling the the number on the back of the card.
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Step 8
In order to continue receiving unemployment checks Maryland requires workers to enroll in the Division of Workforce Development program. Applicants have four weeks from when they filed for unemployment benefits to enroll in the job search assistance program.
