In Maryland, you may be disqualified from unemployment if you:
- Voluntarily resign without cause
- Are terminated due to misconduct
- Refuse to accept suitable work
- Do not meet earnings requirements or have an insufficient work history
- Make filing errors or provide false information
- Are receiving other benefits that conflict with unemployment
- Are not monetarily eligible based on your income
- Are still working full-time or at a disqualifying level
- Are not available to work due to personal obligations
Consulting with our employment lawyers can help confirm your eligibility, ensuring you understand the criteria and avoid disqualification issues.
How We Can Help at Flood Law
If you’re facing questions or concerns about unemployment eligibility in Maryland, Flood Law is here to provide tailored advice that fits your specific situation. Our experienced employment attorneys understand the nuances of Maryland’s unemployment laws and are dedicated to helping you secure the benefits you deserve.
Whether you’re dealing with disqualification issues or need guidance on working through the claims process, our team is ready to support you every step of the way.
Contact our Rockville employment lawyers today for personalized legal assistance.
A Deeper Insight into the Reasons for Disqualification
Taking some time to learn more about the common reasons for disqualification can help applicants assess their eligibility and avoid issues with their unemployment claim. Below, we explain specific factors that may disqualify applicants from receiving unemployment benefits in Maryland.
Voluntary Resignation Without Cause
Voluntarily leaving a job without a qualifying reason generally disqualifies individuals from unemployment benefits. Acceptable reasons typically include issues like:
- Unsafe working conditions
- Significant changes in job duties
- Harassment
Personal dissatisfaction or relocating without job-related reasons, however, do not qualify.
Termination Due to Misconduct
Termination for misconduct may include intentional policy violations, repeated tardiness, or insubordination. Employers must document specific instances of misconduct, as vague claims generally don’t meet the legal threshold for being disqualified from receiving benefits.
Refusal to Accept Suitable Work
Applicants may lose eligibility if they decline reasonable job offers, as Maryland expects unemployed individuals to actively seek and accept work that fits their skill level, experience, and wage expectations to ensure they are eligible for benefits.
Legitimate reasons for declining work may include:
- Health restrictions
- Unsuitable working conditions.
Earnings Requirements and Work History
Applicants must meet minimum earnings and work history criteria during a specified “base period,” typically the first four of the last five completed quarters.
Failing to meet Maryland’s income threshold or lacking sufficient work history often results in disqualification, as these metrics reflect stable employment contributions to the state’s unemployment system.
Filing Errors or False Information
Maryland treats intentional misrepresentation as fraud, leading to:
- Potential disqualification
- Repayment of benefits
- Possible legal consequences, including fines or criminal charges
Correcting errors quickly can help avoid penalties.
Receiving Other Benefits
Certain benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), pensions, or retirement income, may impact unemployment eligibility. Maryland may reduce or disqualify benefits if other income sources replace lost wages, as they could signal alternative financial support.
Not Monetarily Eligible
Monetary eligibility depends on meeting minimum income requirements within the base period. Applicants who don’t reach the required earnings level are considered monetarily ineligible, as Maryland prioritizes supporting individuals with a steady employment record.
This base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. For example, if you file a claim in November 2024, your base period would be from July 2023 through June 2024.
To be monetarily eligible:
- You must have earned at least $1,176 in covered employment during the base period
- You must have had wages in at least two quarters of the base period
- Your total base period wages must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter earnings.
These requirements are set by Maryland law and are not influenced by individual employers or employment contracts.
If you don’t meet these criteria in the standard base period, Maryland offers an alternative base period, which includes the four most recently completed calendar quarters. This alternative can be beneficial if your recent earnings are higher and may help you qualify for benefits.
These monetary eligibility requirements are established by the Maryland Department of Labor and apply uniformly to all claimants, regardless of their employer or specific employment agreements.
Still Working
Working full-time typically disqualifies applicants from unemployment benefits. Part-time workers, however, may still qualify for partial benefits if their earnings fall below a specific threshold. Accurately reporting work hours and income is essential to avoid penalties or overpayments.
Not Available to Work
Personal commitments, such as caregiving, illness, or lack of transportation, that prevent immediate availability for work can disqualify applicants. Maryland requires individuals to be job-ready to maintain eligibility.
Flood Law is here to assist with questions regarding unemployment eligibility.
If you face potential disqualification, our Washington DC employment lawyers are here for legal guidance tailored to your situation.
General Information on Unemployment Benefits in Maryland
Unemployment benefits in Maryland aim to provide temporary financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault. These benefits act as a financial bridge for unemployed individuals seeking new job opportunities, ensuring they have essential support while transitioning to new employment.
They also offer critical financial relief for eligible workers facing job loss due to layoffs, company downsizing, or other circumstances outside of their control. The goal is to prevent individuals from falling into financial hardship, enabling them to meet their basic needs, such as housing, food, and healthcare, as they seek new employment.
This system also benefits the local economy by ensuring individuals continue participating in economic activities despite their temporary unemployment. To qualify for unemployment benefits in Maryland, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Sufficient Work History: As we covered in detail above, applicants typically must have earned a minimum amount during a specific “base period,” which usually includes the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before filing a claim. This helps determine whether the individual has a stable employment record.
- Reason for Separation: Benefits are reserved for individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Acceptable reasons for unemployment usually include layoffs, company closures, or reductions in the workforce. Voluntary resignation or termination due to misconduct generally disqualifies applicants.
- Willingness and Availability to Work: Maryland requires that applicants are actively seeking employment and are available to accept suitable work when it becomes available. Those with personal restrictions that prevent them from working may be deemed ineligible.
While meeting these eligibility criteria is essential, they don’t automatically guarantee benefits if certain disqualifying factors apply. For example, individuals who voluntarily leave a job without good cause, fail to meet the state’s income threshold, or do not comply with job search requirements may still be denied benefits.
Maryland-Specific Unemployment Laws
Maryland unemployment benefits are governed by specific laws and regulations that outline who is eligible for unemployment, how to file an unemployment claim, and what factors might disqualify applicants. These rules provide financial support for individuals who have lost their jobs in Maryland, helping eligible recipients collect unemployment benefits during their job search.
Unemployment benefits in Maryland are structured under the Maryland Unemployment Insurance Law and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). These laws establish the eligibility requirements, define terms like misconduct, and clarify what makes someone eligible for unemployment.
Generally, benefits are available to those who meet the eligibility requirements and have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.
Here are some of the key examples of Maryland unemployment regulations:
- Misconduct: Maryland law outlines that misconduct, such as repeated tardiness, insubordination, or intentional policy violations, may disqualify someone from collecting unemployment. “Gross misconduct” includes severe actions that may completely disqualify an applicant from receiving benefits.
- Voluntary Resignation: Maryland also specifies that individuals who voluntarily quit their jobs are generally disqualified unless they had a valid reason, like health issues or unsafe work conditions. Without good cause, applicants will likely not qualify for benefits.
- Earnings and Work History: To file a valid unemployment claim, applicants must meet earnings and duration requirements based on their work history during a defined “base period.” Maryland requires a specific income level over this period to determine eligibility for benefits.
Seeking Legal Guidance From Our Law Firm
Filing for unemployment benefits in Maryland can be challenging, but our experienced attorneys at Flood Law are here to provide clear guidance and support.
Our team specializes in Maryland’s unemployment laws, helping ensure that your unemployment claim is submitted accurately with all required documentation and state-specific compliance.
If you’re facing a denied unemployment claim, we assist at every step of the appeals process. From reviewing the reasons for denial to gathering needed evidence and representing you in hearings, our attorneys work to improve your chances of a favorable result.
With our expertise, you’ll have a knowledgeable advocate by your side to help you secure the benefits you deserve.
Contact us today at 240-403-2619 to discuss your case and begin the process with confidence.