skip to main content

Maine

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on May 20, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Maine, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Response website.

resource search icon

Description of Program and Relief

Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Description of Program and Relief

Maine’s emergency legislation includes temporary measures to enhance flexibility of the Unemployment Insurance program in order to support workers and businesses economically impacted by COVID-19. The legislation waives the work search requirement for individuals still connected to their employer and waives the one-week waiting period so that benefits will be available sooner. The legislation covers situations not typically covered by unemployment insurance, such as where employers temporarily cease operations due to COVID-19, where individuals are quarantined with the expectation of returning to work once the quarantine is over, and where individuals must take a leave of absence to care for a dependent who is affected. Unemployed workers affected by COVID-19 may be eligible for existing Maine unemployment insurance.

Government or Lead Agency

The Maine Department of Labor.

Dates Available

Effective immediately.

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Eligibility requirements can be found at https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1192.html. Basic eligibility requirements include being registered for work, available and able for work, fully or partially unemployed, through no fault of your own, and be actively seeking work by making reasonable efforts to find employment each week. In addition, individuals affected by COVID-19 who are quarantined as a result of COVID-19, individuals who are temporarily laid off or have had their place of work close with the expectation of returning to work, and individuals who take a leave of absence to care for dependents who are affected are also eligible.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

The work search requirement is waived through May 14, 2020 (although individuals still need to file a weekly claim in order to get unemployment payments).

Contact for More Information

Contact (800) 593-7660 or https://www.maine.gov/labor/contact/index.html.

Claims can be filed online or by phone at: https://reemployme.maine.gov/ or (800) 593-7660.

List of Additional Information

For more information or to apply, please visit:

https://www.maine.gov/unemployment


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

© 2024 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Privacy Policy