How to File for Unemployment in Maryland
Maryland's Division of Unemployment Insurance runs claims through its BEACON portal, and stands out for requiring claimants to also register separately with the Maryland Workforce Exchange and log three job-search activities there every week before they're even allowed to submit their weekly certification.
Updated July 2026
What You'll Need
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1
Check the wage math
Maryland requires you to have earned at least $1,176.01 in one quarter and at least $1,800 across two quarters of your 18-month base period; weekly payments then range from $50 to $430 depending on prior earnings.
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2
Collect your information
Have your Social Security number, contact details, and 18 months of employer names, addresses, phone numbers, and separation reasons ready; add dependent details, a DD-214, SF-8/SF-50, or union info if any apply to your situation.
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3
File in BEACON or by phone
Apply online at beacon.labor.maryland.gov, or call a claims agent at 667-207-6520 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.); expect up to 21 days for a decision either way.
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4
Register with the Maryland Workforce Exchange
This is a separate site from BEACON — sign up there and log three job-search activities every week before you certify, even during weeks you're just waiting on your first payment.
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5
Certify weekly starting Sunday
Once your work search is logged, complete your weekly certification in BEACON, the MD Unemployment mobile app (your first claim can't be filed via the app), or the automated line at 410-949-0022, and write down your confirmation number.
File Your Claim
Verified against the official Maryland unemployment agency site. View source
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