Coronavirus Update: If Your Maryland Unemployment Claim Became Inactive This Week, Here's What You Need To Know
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- New federal guidelines requiring states to capture more information about unemployment insurance claimants has created another obstacle in what some say is an already frustrating process to file for unemployment insurance in Maryland.
The new guideline has created confusion for claimants as they complete their weekly claim on the BEACON One-Stop portal, according to the state's Department of Labor.
"Federal guidance has required states to capture additional information from claimants as they complete their weekly claim certification," state labor secretary Tiffany P. Robinson said in a statement. "Marylanders found these new required questions to be confusing, resulting in numerous claimants inactivating their eligibility for unemployment benefits."
The question causing the most confusion asked people if they received unemployment compensation under any state, from the federal government or from Canada, a department spokesperson said. It has since been changed to clarify that it's asking about any other state excluding Maryland.
In response to feedback, Robinson said her department implemented and automatic solution to reactivate these claims and prevent benefits from being interrupted.
Unemployment References:
- Coronavirus Resources: Maryland Launches New 'One-Stop' Unemployment Benefits Website
- How To File For Unemployment In Maryland
- Here's A New Email To Get Your Unemployment Questions Answered In Maryland
- Coronavirus Pandemic Leave You Unemployed? Here's How Marylanders Can Get Help
- Pratt Library Offering Online Job Search Help, Tutoring While Buildings Remain Closed
- While Some Businesses Are Closing, Others Need More Workers
- Amazon, Walmart Among Companies Hiring Temporary Workers Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
- Looking For A Job? Here Are Some Baltimore Businesses Hiring Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Marylanders with a claim that became inactive last week can now login to their BEACON One-Stop account to file their weekly claim certification like normal. Those with a claim that became inactive this Sunday or Monday after filing their weekly claim certification will also have their claim automatically reactivated but do not need to refile this week's claim certification.
"As issues arise, we are working as quickly as we can to resolve them. Nothing is more important to us than ensuring that all eligible Marylanders receive the benefits they need and deserve as soon as possible," Robinson said in a statement.
According to Robinson since Sunday, 201,000 Marylanders filed their weekly claims.
For the latest information on coronavirus go to the Maryland Health Department's website or call 211. You can find all of WJZ's coverage on coronavirus in Maryland here.