MD Labor Unemployment Assistance Phone Assistance Updates:
The Maryland Department of Labor has launched a new Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system to expand and improve the features available for unemployment insurance claimants. Using the IVR system, claimants can now file weekly claim certifications for both regular AND pandemic unemployment insurance claims by phone. Claimants can also file a telecert for multiple weeks, reset their PIN number, check their payment status, receive filing instructions, and more without having to connect with a claims agent.
To connect with the IVR system available 24/7, call 410-949-0022 or 1-800-827-4839, toll free. Please listen carefully as the voice message and many prompts, like the weekly certification questions, have changed. Applicants can familiarize themselves with the weekly certification questions before filing a telecert.
If claimants need to connect with a live claims agent to file a new claim or inquire about an existing claim, they should call 1-877-293-4125, toll free. Live claims agents are available from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. Starting June 14th, Labor will have Sunday hours from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
If a claimant calls during business hours, they may now provide a callback number. When an agent becomes available, the system will call the number provided and connect the agent with the claimant. If the claimant stays on hold, they will be offered the opportunity to connect with a virtual agent to have their questions answered. For more information, go here.
Customer-Facing State Agencies Re-Open Today:
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and other customer-facing agencies will begin reopening select branches to customers on a limited basis by appointment only. MVA reopenings here.
SBA Debt Relief for 7(a), 504, and Micro-loan Borrowers:
As part of its coronavirus debt relief efforts, the SBA will pay 6 months of principal, interest, and any associated fees that borrowers owe for all current 7(a), 504, and Micro-loans in regular servicing status, as well as new 7(a), 504, and Microloans disbursed prior to September 27, 2020. Details here.
