Maryland Unemployment Checks: When Will I Receive the Extra $25 Per Week?

It's old news that America is experiencing a bona fide economic recession, and many people have recently been laid off from a job because of all the companies that are downsizing or closing up shop. For many of these people, government-sponsored unemployment insurance benefits are a lifeline, replacing part of those individuals' income until they are able to find another job. In February, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 which President Barack Obama promptly signed into law. This "economic stimulus package" included many elements, one of which was to increase the payments of those receiving unemployment benefits by $25 per week.

The money to increase unemployment payments has been given to the states, but it is up to the state government to decide when the extra $25 per week will be distributed to unemployment recipients. I was laid off from my job in Baltimore, Maryland in November, and I have been receiving unemployment payments from the state of Maryland since that time. It is very difficult for me to cover my daily living expenses on just my unemployment income, so I have been very anxious to see my weekly unemployment checks increase by twenty-five dollars. In early March 2009, the state of Maryland posted a statement on their unemployment website saying that the extra $25 per week was coming "soon," but no other details were offered. I've been waiting patiently on the state of Maryland to offer more information since then.

On May 18, 2009, I finally received a letter from the Maryland Unemployment Office about the additional money in my unemployment check. Everyone that has received unemployment payments since February 28, 2009 in the state of Maryland should have received the same letter. The letter stated that I would be receiving a "bonus" $25 payment for each week of benefits I've been paid for since Feb. 28, and that this money would be paid in a lump sum with my next unemployment check. Additionally, every week from now on that I apply for benefits should have an extra $25 tacked onto it because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

So, if you are on unemployment and live in the state of Maryland, you should receive the extra $25 retroactively for each week of benefits you've received when you file your next continued claim. In addition to the back weeks of payment, you should also see an extra $25 per week in your unemployment check each week starting with the week ending May 23, 2009. It has been a long wait, and I am very happy to know that I will receive the extra $25 retroactively for the weeks that have passed since the economic stimulus legislation was passed. If you have questions about this extra $25 per week payment, be sure to check out the Maryland Unemployment website at http://www.mdunemployment.com .