How To Apply for Maryland Unemployment Like a Social Worker

Using the Maryland Unemployment hotline or web-page can be very frustrating. The longest time I have ever been on hold for was almost four hours. That was for one of my clients who has worked out of state for a but and, therefore, had to file via phone call.

Having seen some of the many posts and questions about applying to Maryland Unemployment, I decided to write this quick help guide. These are all things that I have learned over the past few years as a social worker. It may not solve all of your problems or answer all of your questions, but it will hopefully help you better navigate the system.

Applying Online - It's The Quickest, Easiest Way

The Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWE) website is where you will be able to attempt to file online. Even if you are not sure if you qualify for benefits, this should be your first stop. You can start, save and complete an application for unemployment on here and know immediately if you are able to file a claim. It will also be your best source of information for changing policies, if you have lost unemployment and what additional documentation you may need to complete your application.

You can access the MWE at their website, https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/vosnet/loginintro.aspx or using the MWE Jobs app on your smartphone. While you may not be able to successfully apply using the app, you can search for jobs and see any notices or updates using the app. Once you have gotten to the website, you will need to create an account in order to apply for unemployment benefits.

Once you have made your account, you will want to select the sidebar option that says "file claim". There will be prompts and step by step instructions to file your claim. Remember, if you file for unemployment a d get it successfully, you will HAVE to file each week to keep your benefits current.

File by Phone If Necessary

Generally speaking, filing unemployment by phone takes a very long time. If you can help it, you do not want to go this route. However, in some instances, such as having worked out of state, you may have to do so.

When you do file by phone, be prepared to wait at least 20min. or more. If you cannot get in touch with an unemployment representative, you will be given the option to leave a voicemail at some point. I generally recommend that, unless you have the time to wait, it is best to call and leave a message.

Not everyone is able to do this, as there may be time constraints, but it is the easiest way to do so. If you are able to, I generally recommend attempting twice a day, once in the morning after 9am and once in the afternoon after 12:30pm the first day. I usually leave a voicemail message each time. If I do not receive a response by 10am the next day, I call at 10am in the morning and 1pm in the afternoon each day after. This gives them time to call you back while not having to stay on the phone for long periods of time.

Additional Tips to Know

1. Always have your social security number/VISA information with you when you apply.

2. If you apply by phone successfully, you will usually have to make an MWE account, still.

3. You will need to have information and any necessary documentation about your most recent employment. It also is usually easier if you have the employment information from jobs before your most recent, as well. Sometimes they will ask about those and you will need them for the MWE online account.

4. If you are on unemployment, you usually see able to get food stamps, also called SNAP benefits. To apply for them online, go to https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/dashboardClient/#/home . You will need your social security number and those of your family that live with you.