Due to the COVID-19 crisis, unemployment has become a reality for many Frederick residents. During these difficult times, we encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities for support in the community around you.
Applying for Unemployment Insurance
Despite increased demand, Maryland’s Unemployment Insurance Program is operational and available to eligible residents. Marylanders may file claims using the online application.
Maryland does not have a waiting period, like many other states do, so if you’ve been laid off, you can file your claim immediately. However, it is not necessarily a race to file your claim either —- No matter when a claim is filed, benefits are calculated from the date of eligibility (not the date of application).
To provide residents with an efficient and hassle-free filing process, the Department of Labor is encouraging claimants to file according to a new system. To file an initial regular unemployment claim online or through call centers, please file your claim according to your last name as detailed below:
If your last name starts with A - F, file your claim on Monday.
If your last name starts with G - N, file your claim on Tuesday.
If your last name starts with O - Z, file your claim on Wednesday.
Claim filing is open to all last names by phone on Thursday and Friday and online Thursday through Sunday.
Filing later in the week will not delay your payments or affect the date of your claim.
On Friday, April 24, 2020 the Department of Labor will be launching a new, one-stop unemployment insurance application to allow Marylanders to file claims for all unemployment programs entirely online — including those who are self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers, or who have insufficient work history.
To learn more about unemployment insurance and other ways Maryland’s Department of Labor is supporting our state’s workforce during this crisis — visit labor.maryland.gov or read through these Frequently Asked Questions.
Finding a New Job
Many businesses are actually hiring right now!
Frederick County Workforce Services is working hard to connect eligible applicants to these open positions. The public organization offers free resume review services, mock interview opportunities, and access to local job openings through the Maryland Workforce Exchange. Unable or uncomfortable leaving home during the public health emergency? They can even help point you towards Work from Home opportunities. Connect with Frederick County Workforce Services here.
The Frederick News Post is also offering free job-matching services to Frederick residents impacted by COVID-19. Learn more here.
Local Job Boards:
Recruitment Due to COVID-19 : The Maryland Department of Labor is tracking companies increasing staff in response to the crisis.
Maryland Workforce Exchange: Opportunities in Maryland
The City of Frederick: Jobs with The City government
Tech Frederick: Frederick-based Jobs in Technology
Bio Buzz: Regional Jobs in Life Sciences
Downtown Frederick Partnership: Jobs in Downtown Frederick
Fort Detrick Employment: Civilian Jobs at The Fort
At-Home learning, Training & Career Development Opportunities
Though unplanned & likely unwanted, this transitional time can be an opportunity to expand your skill-set and positively influence your career trajectory. There are many online resources to take advantage of, including:
Frederick County Public Libraries: Online Learning Database including tools for career/academic test preparation, language learning, IT & software skills, and more
Frederick County Chamber of Commerce: Webinars on leadership, professional development, social media, grant writing, & more
Small Business Development Center: Virtual courses offering practical knowledge for future entrepreneurs & business owners
Our local community college regularly offers courses online — ranging from Accounting to Nutrition to Art to Economics … you name it! Explore summer course offerings here.
Prior Learning Assessment: Prior Learning Assessment allows applicants to earn college credit for relevant work experience. Take the time now to understand the process, organize your work experience portfolio and create a new path forward.
America’s Promise Tech Connect: This program is an accelerated, IT-focused education program funded by a Department of Labor grant. Intended for qualified candidates unable to afford the upfront costs of higher education, Tech Connect pays for the student’s full class tuition and aims to fill today’s IT workforce gap by increasing the number of skilled IT workers in the country. The program currently offers two tracks to choose from: Network Technician & IT User Support Specialist. Additional information & application to the program is available here.
The local private liberal arts college also offers virtual opportunities — most recently establishing two fully online graduate-level programs for Cybersecurity and Information technology. Learn more here.
DEFERRING Important Costs
Provisions have been made to allow Frederick residents to defer some critical costs while money is particularly tight.
In The City of Frederick, due dates for City bills, permits, licensures, and citations will be extended to thirty days after the City State of the Emergency ends. Additionally, daytime meter enforcement has been suspended.
A state-wide executive order further protects residents & families currently unable to make essential payments:
Prohibition on Utility Shut-offs: Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order that prohibits electric, gas, water, sewage, phone, cable TV, and internet service provider companies from shutting off any residential customer’s service, or charging any residential late fees. Read the governor’s emergency order.
Prohibition on Evictions: Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order that prohibits Maryland courts from ordering the eviction of any tenant who can show that their failure to pay rent was the result of COVID-19—for example, because of lost or reduced unemployment, or needing to care for a school-aged child—or because they are diagnosed with, or under investigation for, COVID-19. Read the governor’s emergency order.
The IRS has postponed tax payment deadlines from April 15, 2020 until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest.
Services for those in Need
Frederick is fortunate to have a strong network of support services for those in need of a meal, a bed, and additional help when its needed most. Check out this helpful guide highlighting these local resources, or explore the organizations below:
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Frederick is better together! Citizens are encouraged to stay up-to-date with the most recent community response to the COVID-19 crisis at: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/covid19.
Local businesses can find additional resources at: https://www.businessinfrederick.com/233/Business-Toolkit-COVID-19