Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance Ready to Assist Federal Employees Should a Partial Government Shutdown Occur

System in Place to Accommodate Possible Increase in Federal Employee Claims

BALTIMORE (Dec. 19, 2018) – The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation’s Division of Unemployment Insurance (UI) today announced measures to efficiently handle the anticipated increase in UI claims stemming from the partial federal government shutdown. A standalone internet application will streamline the application process for furloughed employees, while dedicated phone lines will be set aside exclusively for federal employees impacted by the shutdown.

Maryland is home to the fifth most federal employees amongst the states and the District of Columbia, with 147,524 federal workers. While not all of Maryland’s federal employees will be impacted by the shutdown, the Department of Labor is prepared for any increase in unemployment insurance claims that may result.

If you are a federal employee affected by the partial federal government shutdown, visit www.mdunemployment.com for more information and step-by-step instructions for filing your claim. To speak to a UI representative about your federal unemployment claim, please call 410-853-1700 during regular claims center hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Employees of federal contractors who have been laid off due to the federal shutdown must file a regular unemployment insurance claim online at www.mdunemployment.com or by calling 1-877-293-4125.
Current UI claimants will not be impacted by the shutdown. The Division of Unemployment Insurance will remain open, and will continue to pay unemployment benefits. If you are a current claimant, please continue filing your weekly certification.

About the Maryland Department of Labor
The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to safeguarding and protecting Marylanders. We're proud to support the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce, and the consuming public with high-quality, customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services. For updates and information, follow the Maryland Department of Labor on Twitter (@MD_Labor), Facebook and visit our website.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Theresa Blaner
Director, Communications and Media Relations
410-230-6241