In Maryland, you can receive your unemployment check every week. Your claim’s effective date is the first day of the week that the claim is filed. So, for example, if you file your claim on Thursday, July 7, your claim’s effective date will be Sunday, July 3, which is the beginning of that week.
How long does it take to process your unemployment check?
While the process typically takes three weeks, every individual claim is different, which means some claims may take a longer time to process for various reasons. In Maryland, like in all the states, the benefits are not automatic, and you will need to apply as soon as you separate from employment and follow a prescribed procedure to maintain eligibility.
When do you qualify to get unemployment benefits in Maryland?
You qualify to get unemployment benefits if you are unemployed, have previously earned at least the minimum wage, and are able and available to work. You are considered eligible if the cause of your unemployment was not your fault. This means if for example, you were fired for disciplinary reasons, you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits.
You are required to have earned a certain minimum wage under either the Standard Base Period or the Alternative Base Period criteria. The other requirements are that you must be available, able, and actively seeking work.
In addition to these, to maintain eligibility, you need to report all wages earned, perform at least three valid reemployment activities every week you apply for benefits, and be available to communicate with the Department of Unemployment Insurance (DUI) and the Division of Workforce Development & Adult Learning (DWDAL) as instructed.
How is the weekly payment amount determined?
If you are a new client, the Department of Unemployment Insurance (DUI) will send you a statement advising, among other things, the base used to compute your weekly benefit amount, which is either the standard or alternative base period.
The table below shows the period end date that will be used for your claim:
| Month claim is filed | Standard Base Period is the first 4 quarters ending the previous: | Alternative Base Period is 4 most recent quarters ending the previous: |
| January, February, and March | September 30 | December 31 |
| April, May, and June | December 31 | March 31 |
| July, August, and September | March 31 | June 30 |
| October, November, and December | June 30 | September 30 |
How your weekly unemployment check amount is calculated?
The benefit amount is computed using the wages you earned before unemployment.
The weekly benefit amount (WBA) is computed by getting the total amount earned during the quarter you earned the most in the base period, then dividing this amount by 26. Your WBA will be the figure you get rounded down to the lower whole dollar. According to Maryland UI law, the weekly benefit amount currently ranges from US $50 to US $430.You are eligible to receive weekly checks for up to 26 weeks.
Conclusion
Although the procedure for getting unemployment benefits can be long and tedious, the benefits offer great relief and are worth following up on if you qualify.
FAQs
When should I file for unemployment benefits?
File your claim immediately after you separate from employment. Your eligibility starts the week in which you file your claim.
What do I need to do to keep getting unemployment checks?
To maintain eligibility and keep receiving unemployment benefits in Maryland, you need to keep actively looking for a job, be able and available to work, accept suitable job offers, and file weekly claim certifications in a timely manner.
You are also expected to report all wages earned, perform at least three valid reemployment activities every week you apply for benefits, and be available to communicate with the Department of Unemployment Insurance (DUI) and the Division of Workforce Development & Adult Learning (DWDAL) when asked to.
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