2026 · Maryland
Maryland unemployment benefits
Maryland pays up to $430 a week for up to 26 weeks, a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#37 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Maryland's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $50 - $430 |
| Maximum duration | 26 weeks (uniform 26) |
| Waiting week | No waiting week |
| How it's figured | high quarter |
| Taxed by Maryland? | Yes |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Maryland
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $430 a week that hits Maryland's maximum. Over 26 weeks that's up to $11,180 in total. Maryland has no waiting week, benefits can start from your first eligible week.
Maryland against its neighbors
Across the border in West Virginia, the weekly cap is $662, $232 a week more than Maryland's $430. That gap doesn't mean you can shop for a better rate: benefits come from the state where your wages were reported, not where you live now.
Worked in a bordering state? Its rules apply instead: Washington DC , Delaware , Pennsylvania , Virginia , West Virginia .
Questions about Maryland unemployment
How much does Maryland pay in unemployment?
Between $50 and $430 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (high quarter). The $430 maximum is a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#37 of 51).
How long does Maryland unemployment last?
Up to 26 weeksuniform 26. At the $430 weekly maximum that caps total potential benefits at $11,180. The duration and the weekly amount are set separately, Maryland sizes the check off high quarter but counts weeks on its own rules, so low earners may qualify for fewer weeks, and two people with the same weekly benefit can exhaust at different times.
Is Maryland unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Maryland also taxes it on the state return.
Does severance affect my Maryland unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Maryland's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Unemployment Insurance before you file, since it is a real-money decision. Confirm the timing with Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Unemployment Insurance before you file rather than after, a difference of one week in when the claim starts can change whether a severance payment offsets the benefit. The tax side of the severance itself is on the Maryland severance page.
File with Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Unemployment Insurance. This is an estimate, Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Unemployment Insurance determines your actual benefit.
Your Maryland layoff toolkit
- Maryland severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Maryland paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Maryland 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Maryland's agency determines your actual benefit. Figures from the verified 2026 dataset, last verified 2026-07-24. Nothing you enter is stored. Not tax or legal advice.