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Unemployment Benefits

May 18, 2012 - March Unemployment Rate 7.2 Percent

March 26, 2012 - Maine Efforts on Unemployment Program Integrity Cited as Best Practice

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"Top 10" Things To Know

Keep these Top 10 key facts in mind when you are filing for unemployment benefits.


Beware of Unemployment Scams

Please visit the unemployment scams page for more information.

Thank you for visiting the Unemployment Benefits website. Below you will find information about benefit programs, federal unemployment extensions, and other items of interest. Please use the links to the right to file a claim for benefits, appeal a decision, or check on the status of your claim. If you can't find the information you need, please call the Claims Center at 1-800-593-7660 Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM. Mondays are high volume days with 20-30 minute wait times. Wait times drop substantially Tuesdays-Fridays.

If you need to apply for unemployment benefits, or reactivate an earlier claim, please click on "Apply for Unemployment" in the right-side column. After applying for benefits, and for each week thereafter, you will need to file a weekly claim in order to receive a benefit payment. To do so, please click on "File a Weekly Claim" in the right-side column.

Unemployment Programs Available in Maine

  • State Unemployment Insurance (UI) - is available to workers who have lost their job for reasons beyond their control.
  • Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) - is a temporary federal program that provides additional weeks of benefits after UI is exhausted. Additional eligibility requirements apply.
  • Extended Benefits (EB) - is a combined state and federal program that provides additional weeks of benefits after UI and EUC have been exhausted.
Program # Weeks
Available		 Last Date
to Begin		 Last Week
for Claims
State UI up to 26 weeks ongoing ongoing
EUC Tier 1 up to 20 weeks 12/23/2012 12/29/2012
EUC Tier 2 up to 14 weeks 12/23/2012 12/29/2012
EUC Tier 3 up to 13 weeks 12/23/2012 12/29/2012
EB up to 13 weeks 2/12/2012 2/18/2012

Click here fore more information on weeks of benefits available.

Information and Resources

What to do when your unemployment is running out

There are two payment options for unemployment benefits:
Direct Deposit or Maine Automated Payment Debit Card (MAP Card)

President Announces Training Opportunity for Laid-off Workers
If you are receiving unemployment benefits, you may qualify for extra assistance in paying for education and training.

Income Tax information (1099G) for workers who received unemployment last year

Overview of the Unemployment Insurance Program

Laws and Rules Governing Unemployment Benefits

Other Special Programs for Laid-off Workers

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