Maryland Unemployment FAQ
When you lose your job in the state of Maryland, you may qualify for benefits from the state's unemployment insurance plan. Maryland's Department Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) handles the distribution of unemployment benefits in the state and through its website and pamphlets it offers answers for claimants who have questions. The most common questions involve how to qualify for benefits and how to apply for the payments.
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How to Qualify
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There are two ways to qualify for Maryland unemployment insurance. The first concerns how you separated from your job. It must be through no fault of your own. Those who are laid off definitely qualify. However, if you were fired for just cause or left voluntarily, you will not qualify. The second factor is how much money you made during your base period. Your base period is the first four of the last five calendar quarters before you filed for unemployment. During that time, you must have made sufficient wages to qualify for unemployment.
How to Apply
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Apply for your benefits as soon as you've separated from your job because the sooner you do, the faster your claim can be verified. You apply your initial claim for unemployment insurance either through the Webcert (Internet) system on the DLLR Web page or the Telecert (telephone) systems. You'll need your social security number, contact information and the information for your last employer. The application process will take about 30 minutes of your time.
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How to Appeal
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As soon as the DLLR reviews your application and verifies the facts behind it, you'll receive a determination letter by mail. If you're denied unemployment benefits, you have 15 days from the date on the letter to appeal the decision. Fill out the form on the bottom of the determination letter and mail, fax or walk it into the DLLR. You'll receive notice of your appeal hearing, where you can bring in evidence and witnesses to corroborate your side of events. Remember that while you're going through the appeal process, you have to continue to certify even though you won't receive any payments until the appeal is over. Otherwise, you won't get any of the back payments you missed during the appeal process.
How to Certify
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Your determination notice that approves your unemployment benefits will give you a day to certify the benefits, or request payment. On that day, before 2 p.m., you'll either call the Telecert system or log onto the Webcert system on the DLLR website. You'll answer questions about your job search, including whether you've been able to work or turned down any job opportunities. If you don't certify, you won't be paid.
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