Independent benefit estimator — not affiliated with any government agency. Estimates only.
✳AfterLayoff
Unemployment calculator  →  Maryland

Maryland Unemployment Calculator (2026)

In 2026, Maryland unemployment benefits range from $50 to $430 a week, with a small dependents allowance of $8 per dependent. Everyone who qualifies receives the same duration: a flat 26 weeks.

Data verified 2026-07-04Source: US DOL + state statuteEffective 2026-01-01
Weekly benefit range
$50 – $430
Duration
26 weeks
Formula
highest quarter ÷ 24
Apply with
Maryland's unemployment agency official
The actual rule

How Maryland calculates it

Maryland takes your highest-earning quarter and divides it by 24. For example, if your best quarter was $9,600, your weekly benefit is $9,600 divided by 24, which is $400.

The weekly benefit is at least $50 and at most $430. If you have dependents, Maryland adds $8 per dependent for up to 5 dependents, which can raise the minimum to $90. One catch: the dependents allowance cannot push you above the $430 maximum.

Maryland pays a uniform 26 weeks to everyone who qualifies. To qualify money-wise, your total base-period wages must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter, with at least $1,176.01 in your highest quarter and at least $1,800 across two quarters.

highest quarter ÷ 24, clamped to $50 – $430
Source: US DOL “Significant Provisions of State UI Laws” (Jan 2026) + state statute · verified 2026-07-04

Dependents: $8 per dependent up to 5; max WBA not increased by DA

Qualifying

Do you qualify in Maryland?

Maryland's monetary test has three parts: total base-period wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter, at least $1,176.01 in your highest quarter, and at least $1,800 in wages across two quarters. Beyond the wage test, you generally must have lost your job through no fault of your own, be able and available for work, and actively search for work each week you claim. The state agency makes the final decision on every claim.

Maximum total benefit: N/A (uniform duration).

Common questions

Maryland unemployment, in plain language

How much unemployment will I get in Maryland? +
In 2026, Maryland pays between $50 and $430 a week based on your past wages. If you have dependents, you can get $8 more per dependent (up to 5), but the total can never exceed the $430 maximum.
How long does unemployment last in Maryland? +
Maryland pays a flat 26 weeks to everyone who qualifies, regardless of earnings. Extensions may exist during periods of high unemployment, but the standard program is 26 weeks.
How is the weekly benefit calculated in Maryland? +
Maryland divides your highest-earning quarter by 24. For example, a best quarter of $9,600 gives you a $400 weekly benefit. The result is capped between $50 and $430 in 2026, and a dependents allowance of $8 per dependent (up to 5) can be added within that cap.
Does Maryland pay extra for dependents? +
Yes, but it is modest: $8 per dependent for up to 5 dependents, or up to $40 a week. The allowance cannot raise your payment above the $430 weekly maximum, so people already at the top amount will not see an increase.
Can I work part-time and still get unemployment in Maryland? +
Yes. Maryland disregards up to $50 of your weekly earnings; earnings above that reduce your weekly benefit. If you earn too much, you receive no benefit for that week. Report all work and gross earnings when you file your weekly claim.
Who qualifies for unemployment in Maryland? +
You need total base-period wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter, at least $1,176.01 in that highest quarter, and at least $1,800 across two quarters. You also generally must be out of work through no fault of your own, able and available to work, and actively job searching. Maryland's unemployment agency reviews each claim.
Is unemployment taxable in Maryland? +
Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income on your federal tax return. You can request federal income tax withholding from your payments by filing Form W-4V. State tax treatment varies, so check with a tax professional or your state tax agency. This is general information, not tax advice.
When should I apply for unemployment in Maryland? +
Generally, file as soon as possible after your last day of work, because claims usually start from the week you file, not the week you lost your job. Check with Maryland's unemployment agency for exact filing steps and timing.
Compare

States with similar benefits

New Hampshire (max $427) →District of Columbia (max $444) →California (max $450) →Delaware (max $450) →All 53 states →