The Law Office of Richard Vaznaugh

Expertise in Workplace Rights for California Workers

The Law Office of Richard Vaznaugh
220 Montgomery Street
Suite 2100
San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone: (415) 593-0076
Fax: (415) 653-8935

Filing an Unemployment Claim – Maine

Please select a topic below:

1. Am I eligible to receive benefits?

You must be totally or partially unemployed through no fault of your own, and you must have earned sufficient wages in your base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before the start date of your claim, or alternatively the last 4 quarters). Also, you must be able and available for full-time work.

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2. How do I apply for benefits in Maine?

You can apply online, by mail, or over the phone at 1-800-593-7660.

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3. How much will I receive?

Your weekly benefit amount (up to the limit provided for under State law) is determined by dividing the average of the wages in the 2 highest quarters of your base period by 22.

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4. How long will I receive these benefits?

The length of time that you will receive benefits is also based on how much you made during the base period, but not more than 26 weeks.

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5. After I start receiving benefits, what do I have to do to remain eligible?

You must continue to file weekly on your ReEmployME account or by telephone. Also, you must continue to be able and available for full-time work. You must actively seek employment, while keeping a record of your work search activities. To be actively seeking employment, you must make employer contacts in person, by mail, or online. Telephone contacts will not be considered seeking employment, unless the employer has specifically asked for this type of communication. Your work search efforts may have to be increased after 12 weeks of receiving benefits. You must register and remain active with Maine JobLink. Finally, you must accept suitable work.

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6. I was turned down for benefits. How do I appeal this decision?

You must appeal within 15 calendar days from the date the decision was mailed to you. Your appeal may be submitted online on your ReEmployME account, in person, by mail, by telephone, or by fax. Also, you must keep filing your weekly claims regularly because you will only be paid for weeks you filed if you win your appeal.

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7. For more information on Maine’s unemployment insurance laws: