How to File a Continued Claim for Unemployment Benefits in the State of Maryland

Receiving unemployment insurance benefits in the state of Maryland can be a bit tricky if you don't know what to expect. In order to become active in the State of Maryland's unemployment system and receive your first unemployment check, you need to first file your initial unemployment claim online, over the phone, or via mail. Once the Maryland unemployment office has received your initial claim, they will verify the information with your past employers and issue you a check for your first week of benefits. More on how to apply for initial unemployment benefits in the State of Maryland can be found in my previous Associated Content article. Once you receive your first benefit check, you will be directed to file "continued claims" in order to keep receiving unemployment checks. This article covers the process of filing a continued claim for unemployment in the State of Maryland.

When you receive your first unemployment check in Maryland, there will be a note included in your check with the dates of your next "weeks to file." These dates will always be Saturdays, since that is when the week ends for unemployment purposes. You will file your continued claims two weeks at a time, and you can't file the claim prior to the end of the second week. For example, if the "weeks to file" note says you can file for the weeks ending May 20 and May 27, you can file your continued claim anytime starting May 28 or later. Since checks are issued as continued claims are received, most people choose to file their continued claim on the earliest possible date.

The most convenient way to file your continued claim for unemployment is online at http://www.mdunemployment.com. Once there, you will see a button that says "File My Continued Claim." After clicking that and entering both your social security and PIN numbers, you will come to the "WebCert" form. This form consists of 4 questions, which you will have to answer for each week you are claiming benefits for. You are asked if you were available for work all week, whether or not you attended school or training, if you actively searched for full-time work, and if you had any earnings whatsoever for the week. It is important that you answer these questions honestly, as dishonesty can disqualify you for future benefits or even land you in jail.

After answering these simple questions, you will be given a confirmation number for your continued claim, which you should write down for your records. Assuming you file your continued claim on Sunday and there are no problems, you should receive a check covering 2 weeks of unemployment benefits the following Wednesday. This can be pushed back if there is a bank holiday on the Monday after filing, but it is a good rule of thumb. If there is a problem with the information contained in your continued unemployment claim, an employee of the State of Maryland will contact you to discuss it. By filing your continued claim with the State of Maryland every two weeks, you can make sure there is no lapse in your unemployment payments. If you fail to file a continued claim, you will not get your Maryland unemployment check, so it is definitely something you want to stay on top of. If you have problems filing your continued claim online, contact the State of Maryland at the number listed on their website.