Maine Unemployment Benefit Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for unemployment benefits in Maine, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Have lost your job or had your hours reduced through no fault of your own. This means that you were not fired for misconduct or disqualified for other reasons, such as quitting your job without good cause.
  • Be actively looking for work. This means that you are applying for jobs, attending job fairs, and networking with potential employers. You must be able to provide evidence of your job search activities, such as copies of job applications or resumes.
  • Be able and available to work. This means that you are physically and mentally able to work, and that you are available to accept a job offer if one is made to you. You cannot be unavailable for work due to vacation, schooling, illness, incarceration, or lack of transportation.
  • Have earned enough wages in the 12 to 18 months prior to filing a claim. The minimum amounts are $6,622.26 in the base period and at least $2,207.42 in 2 of the last 4 quarters.

If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can file a claim for unemployment benefits online, by phone, or in person at your local CareerCenter. You will need to provide information about your employment history, earnings, and job search activities.

The amount of unemployment benefits you receive will be based on your average weekly wage in the base period. The minimum weekly benefit is $171, and the maximum weekly benefit is $683.

Unemployment benefits are typically paid for a maximum of 26 weeks, but you may be eligible for an extension if the unemployment rate is high.

For more information about unemployment benefits in Maine, please visit the Maine Department of Labor website or call 1-800-593-7660.

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