Maine Unemployment Benefits

1. Overview: The State provides temporary compensation assistance for individuals whom, consequently have involuntarily lost their job. Essentially, these individuals must meet all currently outlined requirments if they wish to collect these benefits during their layoff period. Furthermore, the Federal Government also provides benefits, including Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program. All Government benefit programs are administered and paid via local offices, much like state benefits (for specific information & questions on Federal programs, one can call or visit any local unemployment office location).

2. Amount Determinations: Benefit amounts always vary from person to person. In 2012, State regulations set the maximum benefit amount provided to claimants at 1/2 of the claimant's previous wage earnings. Example: A person who previously earned $900 weekly in salary would typically receive $450 per week in State benefits. *These amounts are subject to change. Periods of economic prosperity can slightly reduce these amounts. Applicants are advised of all entitled benefit amounts during their initial filing process (calculations of benefits cannot be determined via phone claim, but are via online/web claims).

3. Length Determination: In 2012, individuals who file a an initial benefits claim are entitled to 26 weeks of compensation from the State. However, extended benefits are available to eligible claimants by the State (extension of benefits for an additional 13 weeks). Claimants who exhuast the additional 13 weeks of benefits can still extend compensation through the EUC, for a specified period of time.

4. Payment Frequency: All qualified applicants must file bi-weekly claims to continue receiving benefits. Compensation checks are sent to the claimant once every 2 weeks for the duration of the collection period. Typically, there is a 7 day waiting period before receiving your first weekly amount.

5. Payout Methods: Compensation checks (by default) are sent to the claimant's address on file bi-weekly, however, approved applicants have the can choose to receive benefits via direct deposit. In order to receive compensation amounts by direct deposit, individuals must check the "direct payment" option during step 3 of the online filing process.

Unemployment Benefits in Maine

• Mailing address, including Zip Code and phone number.
• Social Security Number and Drivers License information.
• Name, address, phone number and Federal ID number of your last employer.
• Date work started and date ended.
• Salary/Compensation.
• Past employer information at least 2 years.