The Maryland Department of Labor will be launching the BEACON one-stop application for residents to file claims for all benefit types including the online Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.
Starting on Friday, April 24, the PUA program will be available completely online and available for those who are self-employed, independent contractors, sole proprietors, independent contractors, or have insufficient work history.
From Frederick County’s Office of Economic Development:
When you login to the BEACON Uniform application, you will be in your user portal, where you will be able to receive notices and alerts about your account, including notifications regarding any missing documentation. Additionally, you will be able to select your preferred method of communication, including e-mail, text message, or postal mail. All communications will be available in your portal no matter which preference you select, which will cut down on wait times for you to receive information about your claim.
After reviewing your application and supporting documentation, DUI will notify you of your eligibility through the portal and/or your preferred method of communication selected in the application. If eligible, you will need to visit the BEACON one-stop application every week to request the payment of benefits by filing a claim certification. For more information about filing a weekly claim certification, please visit our frequently asked questions.
The Department of Labor will bring in an additional 200 call an claim takers in order to provide support as the unprecedented number of calls and claims continue. Labor has further extended claim center hours to be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and claim center hours are open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Labor will continue to expand hours and increase accessibility as necessary, so all Marylanders receive the assistance they need.
