Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Unemployment Benefits
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many people are losing their jobs and are seeking unemployment benefits. In Maryland, you can apply through Maryland's "One Beacon" online portal.
Unemployment benefits is an insurance program that provides a certain level of payment to anyone in Maryland who has worked with sufficiently and is laid off. That is the simple definition. Of course, many regulations, laws, and rules apply.
If you find yourself out of a job and are not familiar with Maryland’s unemployment benefits, you may have tons of questions about the process. Sometimes getting answers from the very busy State of Maryland can be tricky. So, to ensure you have all your doubts cleared, Mosson Law, LLC, has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Maryland unemployment benefits.
How do you apply?
Maryland changed to a “One Beacon” application process in the wake of the March 2020 COVID-19 declared “State of Emergency.”
You can apply online and should check the State’s website for the correct link and most updated instructions.
Click here to find out more.
What should I do to prepare for the application?
If you have been laid off, entirely or temporarily, or fired, and it was communicated by letter, email, text message, or any written document, you should keep it handy to show to the State.
Likewise, if you disagree with why the employment has ended - it may not be necessary - but gather the documents that present your side of the story.
You can be denied unemployment benefits, in part or in whole, if found to have committed "misconduct" or "gross misconduct" at work. Sometimes, you have to defend your work history performance to obtain these benefits.
Can I obtain unemployment benefits if I fear COVID-19 infection?
The answer should be yes, especially if you can document your reasonable concerns. Maryland expanded unemployment benefits to cover COVID-19 issues.
I covered that law in the article linked below:
Click here to read more: Maryland Passes New Law to Help Employees Affected by COVID19 (Legal Update).
Can I obtain unemployment benefits if a doctor orders me to shelter at home?
The answer should be yes if you have a copy of the doctor’s order and promptly provide it to the State of Maryland. Maryland expanded these benefits to cover doctor orders to quarantine, which I discussed in the same previous article. Click here to read more: Maryland Passes New Law to Help Employees Affected by COVID-19 (Legal Update)
How Should I Apply?
Maryland unemployment benefits are much simpler to apply for if you do it online. Use the “One Beacon” portal.
You can also call, but the wait times for phone calls can be very long, so it’s best to try first thing in the morning. In fact, many people have reported uneven success when calling about unemployment benefits in Maryland. Online is best.
If you have any more questions about unemployment benefits in Maryland, get in touch with the experts at Mosson Law, LLC.
Gregg H. Mosson, Esq.
Mosson Law, LLC
ABOUT: Our founder and experienced attorney, Mr. Mosson, focuses on representing employees in claims of illegal discrimination, illegal retaliation, disability rights violations, wrongful terminations, and when seeking owed wages. He represents family members as well who are navigating the complexities of separation, divorce, custody, and alimony. He also serves people seeking disability benefits from Social Security. His experience and knowledge in these areas of the law are vast and helpful to the clients he represents. For more details, please click here or contact us by clicking here.