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Unemployment Benefits

January 7, 2009 - Some claimants who received unemployment benefits by direct deposit earlier this week may have incorrectly received two duplicate payments. Unemployment is aware of the issue and will notify each individual impacted by the problem. If you notice an extra direct deposit in your bank account, you do not need to take any action now, but you should not spend the over payment.

December 21, 2009 - President Obama has signed legislation to extend the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) and Extended Benefits (EB) programs to February 28, 2010. If you are currently receiving Emergency Unemployment Compensation, you do not need to call or apply for this extension. Click here for more information.

Unemployment Benefit Programs Currently in Effect in Maine

Regular Unemployment

Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC)

Extended Benefits (EB)

High Unemployment Extended Benefits (HEB)

Tier I

Tier II

Tier III

Up to 26 weeks

Up to 20 weeks

Up to 14 weeks

Up to 13 weeks

Up to 13 weeks

Up to 7 weeks

Last Updated: February 8, 2010

The number of weeks identified above is a maximum.  Eligibility is determined based on each individual’s prior earnings.

Federal legislation does provide for additional weeks of benefits in states with an unemployment rate of at least 8.5% average over the previous three months.  These weeks are paid through EUC Tier IV.  At this time, the State of Maine does not meet the 8.5% threshhold, and cannot pay benefits through this program.

EUC and EB programs are effective through February 28, 2010.  To be eligible for EUC Tier I, Regular Unemployment benefits must be exhausted with the week ending February 20 or earlier.  To be eligible for Tier II, Tier III or EB, the previous Tier must be exhausted with the week ending February 27 or earlier.

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