Unemployment Services and Resources in Maryland
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, many businesses have shut down operations, resulting in mass lay-offs. The Library has collected the following resources to help displaced workers apply for Unemployment Insurance and other benefits.
Unemployment Insurance For Individuals
If your employer shuts down operations, lays off employees, or reduces hours due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits.
Unemployment insurance is for individuals who are unemployed or working reduced hours due to no fault of their own; however, you must file a claim to confirm eligibility for benefits.
Learn more about unemployment insurance in Maryland with the following links from the Maryland Department of Labor.
Expansion of Benefits under the CARES Act
The federal
government recently passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic
Security Act (CARES Act), which includes an expansion of unemployment
insurance benefits through three programs:
- Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) adds $600 per week on top of regular UI benefits, effective March 29th, 2020 through July 31, 2020.
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) extends UI benefits by 13 weeks, including the $600 of FPUC.
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
extends benefits to individuals who are not usually eligible, including
the self-employed, independent contractors, and gig workers.
For more information about eligibility for these programs and the CARES Act, read the Frequently Asked Questions page from the Maryland Department of Labor.
File a Claim Online
You can file for unemployment benefits through Maryland's Unemployment Insurance Initial Claim System using a NetClaims application. 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.
You can contact a Claim Center from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm by calling
410-949-0022. Please note The Division of Unemployment Insurance is
experiencing a high volume of calls resulting in longer than usual wait
times. To report problems placing a call or accessing
the website, email ui.inquiry@maryland.gov.
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. Due to the declared state
of emergency, the Maryland Secretary of Labor has ordered a ten week
exemption from the requirement that claimants search for work every week
to receive benefits. However, claimants are encouraged to complete
Reemployment Activities through the Maryland Workforce Exchange. For
more information, see the Maryland Department of Labor's FAQs.
Searching for Work
Many companies are still hiring at this time.
Resume & Career Help Online
While the Enoch Pratt Free Library is closed, you can receive resume and career help via email.
If you have questions about your resume, cover letter, or job search resource, please email job@prattlibrary.org
If you are asking for feedback on your resume or a cover letter, please include the following information:
- Resume or cover letter attached as PDF or Word document
- Information about the type of job you’re applying for or specific job ad
- Any specific questions you have
Inquiries will be answered in the order in which they’re received. Due to limited staff and uncertain demand, we can not guarantee a response time.
Brainfuse Adult Learning Center
Find resources and get feedback on your resume or cover letter through HelpNow, an online service powered by Brainfuse. You must have a library card to use this service.
Other Benefits & Services
There are multiple agencies and websites to help you identify which government benefits you may be eligible for, and how to apply for them.
Maryland Department of Human Resources
Search for and apply for benefits on myDHR. Benefits available through DHR include:
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:
Get Additional Help from a Librarian
- Chat live with a librarian
- 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.