To file for unemployment benefits in Maryland in 2025, follow these key steps:
- Gather Necessary Documents: Collect personal information (Social Security Number, date of birth, address, phone, email), employment history for the last 18 months including employer names and contact info, and any relevant pay stubs, W-2s, 1099s, tax returns, or military/federal employment forms if applicable.
- File Your Initial Claim: Apply online through Maryland’s BEACON 2.0 system, available 24/7, or call a claims agent at 667-207-6520 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). The BEACON system allows you to create a claimant account, provide work history, select payment and tax withholding methods, and answer eligibility questions.
- Weekly Claim Certification: After filing your initial claim, you must certify your weekly claim through BEACON, the “MD Unemployment for Claimants” mobile app, or by phone (410-949-0022). You also need to actively search for work and complete at least three valid job contacts weekly, logging these in the Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWE) system.
- Additional Requirements: You must register with Maryland Workforce Exchange, keep your resume updated and visible, and may be required to attend reemployment workshops if selected.
If help is needed, live agents can be reached at 667-207-6520 with a callback option if lines are busy. Also, assistive resources like job assistance and financial support programs can be accessed by dialing 211 or visiting relevant websites. This process ensures eligibility verification, ongoing job search compliance, and receipt of unemployment benefits in Maryland.
