Unemployment Services & Resources
The state of Maryland offers a selection of benefits, services, and other resources for unemployed workers such as Unemployment Insurance, career services, healthcare assistance, and more. The Library has collected the following resources to help unemployed workers navigate and apply for these resources.
File a Claim Online
You can file for unemployment benefits through Maryland's Unemployment Insurance Initial Claim System using the BEACON service. To be eligible for benefits, you must make a minimum of three (3) valid job contacts per week, unless you are exempt from work search. The Maryland Department of Labor's website has helpful explainers for new and returning filers.
You can contact a Claim Center at (667) 207-6520 or online at https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/officenum.shtml.
Maintaining Benefits
You must register with Maryland Workforce Exchange and upload or create a current resume to maintain eligibility for benefits. For help writing a resume, check the Job Seeker’s Toolkit.
You must submit weekly claims to maintain unemployment insurance benefits. For more information, see the Maryland Department of Labor's FAQs.
Other Benefits & Services
Maryland Department of Human Resources
Search for and apply for benefits on myDHR. Benefits available through DHR include:
- Food Supplement Program (FS)/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)(formerly called Food Stamps)
- Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)/Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP)
- Medical Assistance (MA)
- Medical Assistance Long Term Care (LTC)
- Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
- Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
2-1-1 Maryland
Call 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit 211md.org to get connected with health and human services across Maryland, including:
Federal Agencies
Find information and eligibility requirements for government benefits and services through benefits.gov, the official benefits website of the U.S. Government. This online resource is managed by the U.S. Department of Labor with collaboration from multiple partner agencies.
Find benefit information and resources for:
- Healthcare and Medical Assistance
- Financial Assistance
- Family and Children Services
- Housing and Public Utilities
- Browse Federal Benefits by Category
For Additional Assistance
- Chat live with a librarian
- If you are in Baltimore City, the Enoch Pratt Free Library & Maryland State Library Resource Center offers a variety of community services including Peer Navigators, Housing Navigators, Social Workers, Job and Career assistance, and more. Ask your local Pratt librarian or visit the Pratt website for more information.
- Email us anytime. Pratt staff are available to respond during work hours, Monday through Friday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Your question will be directed to the most relevant Pratt Library department.
Job & Career Information Center
The Job and Career Information Center provides materials on job hunting as well as coaching, programs, appointments with Job and Career Coaches, and more.
Learn More
Maryland Monthly Employment Statistics
Federal, state, and county unemployment data that demonstrate recent unemployment trends and employers in Maryland's counties with the highest number of current vacancies.
Learn More