Unemployment Benefits in Maryland: A Basic Guide

If you’ve recently lost your job in Maryland, and have worked for some time and plan to look for new work, unemployment benefits may offer much-needed financial support while you get back on your feet. The system is designed to help employees who are out of work through no significant fault of their own—but knowing how to qualify, prepare your case, and avoid common pitfalls can help expedite the process.

Maryland processes unemployment benefits through their "BEACON" system. It's a one-stop portal that remains difficult to use in 2025, and is available online.  There's a link below. Read on.

Who Qualifies for Benefits?

Unemployment benefits in Maryland are administered by the Maryland Department of Labor, Unemployment Benefits Division (the Division). To qualify, you must:

• Have worked enough and earned enough in two our of four, or more, calendar quarters during the preceeding year, at least under one way this threshold qualification is calculated;

• Be able and available to work; and

• Be actively searching for work.

Unemployment benefits are for working people—not those who voluntarily stop working or no longer look for work. As I put it in my book, Employee Rights in Maryland: A Guide (Advantage Books 2021): “Unemployment benefits are for working people. You can’t couch surf and continue to get them.”

This being said, there are more complicated scenarios. For instance, if one quits for "good cause" of facing illegal harassment, and this is proven, employment benefits can be granted, even though it was a quit.  If one is told to resign or be fired, then "resignation in lieu of termination" under Maryland law is the same as being laid off, and unemployment benefits are due if this is proven.  This blog post cannot cover every special circumstance. 

At Mosson Law, LLC, we work with clients to navigate the system, protect their rights, and move forward confidently. If you have a special circumstance, that often is when people contact Mosson Law for either a legal consultation, legal representation, or both.

When and How to File:

Timing is important. The Division recommends you file as soon as your work ends, ideally the day after.

Technically, your filing for unemployment benefits can reach two weeks back from the Friday of the week that you file.

Please note, snooze you lose. So, file for unemployment benefits, generally speaking, within two weeks of the last day of employment.

Again, Maryland handles claims for unemployment benefits via BEACON. The BEACON system can be found here: https://labor.maryland.gov/employment/uibeaconoverview.shtml

Tips on Getting Your Case Ready:

The Division approves many claims automatically, especially when employers report routine separation reasons like “laid off for business reasons.”

But when disputes arise—such as claims involving misconduct or quitting—the Division takes a closer look.

Here are steps you can take to prepare:

• Collect supporting documents, like performance reviews, letters of termination, awards, or any written communication that helps explain your employment situation.

• Answer all scheduled phone calls or hearing dates from the Division. Missing one can result in a denial, forcing you into an appeal process.

• Contact a lawyer.

Understanding Misconduct and Gross Misconduct:

The Division may deny benefits for misconduct—but not all mistakes or issues qualify.

• Misconduct typically means a violation of a known workplace rule. The Maryland courts describe it as a “transgression of an established rule, policy, or duty.” It does not include isolated mistakes or poor performance.

• Gross misconduct involves willful repeated violations, or one serious act that demonstrates “wanton indifference” to your employer’s interests —like theft, physical violence, or repeated failed drug tests despite warnings.

For instance, in Morgan v. The Webstaurant Store, Inc., which I personally handled, the Board ruled in favor of the employee because the employer failed to prove that her conduct equal misconduct.

Quitting With Good Cause:

Generally, quitting makes you ineligible—but there are exceptions. You may qualify if:

• You quit due to unpaid wages, harassment, or unsafe working conditions.

• You were forced to resign under threat of termination. Maryland law treats this as equivalent to being fired.

• Other circumstances beyond the scope of this article.

Appealing a Denial:

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The deadlines are strict—usually just 15 calendar days—so act quickly.

These days, they often are submitted via BEACON.

In the past, appeals can be submitted by mail, fax, or online, and it’s critical to keep a copy of everything you submit. 

Do You Need a Lawyer?

Most people can apply without legal representation. But if your employer disputes your claim, or you face a hearing on the issue, or if you’re simply unsure whether your issue qualifies, a one-time consultation with an employment lawyer can be invaluable.

Legal guidance can help avoid common mistakes. If you win your claim, you potentially recover up to 26 weeks of income—a meaningful return for many Maryland families--or a bridge until new employment kicks in.

Conclusion:

Unemployment benefits are a lifeline during uncertain times. By understanding your rights, filing promptly, preparing your case thoroughly, and responding effectively to the Division, you increase your chances of success.

If you're facing a complex case or just need legal advice to handle it yourself, Mosson Law, LLC is here to support you.

This article is a basic guide. It cannot address all issues that arise.

Contact Mosson Law, LLC at www.mossonlaw.com.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or form an attorney-client relationship.