Skip Maine state header navigation

Agencies | Online Services | Help

Skip First Level Navigation | Skip All Navigation

Home > Unemployment > Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment is an insurance program that serves as an economic stabilizer to workers, their families and communities when jobs are lost. The program provides temporary, partial wage replacement to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own.

What's New

  • Claims Center Wait Times: During periods of high call volumes, you may have a long wait time on the phone or get a message to call back later in the day. We apologize for the inconvenience. Wait times are typically shorter on Wednesdays and Thursdays and in the afternoon. Your best option for filing an unemployment claim is to file online.
  • 2008 Tax Information: Are you completing your 2008 income tax return and need information on unemployment benefits you received last year? Information on unemployment benefits paid to you last year is available online here. The Maine Department of Labor will also issue a year-end statement (1099-G) on 2008 unemployment earnings by early February 2009.
  • Emergency Extended Unemployment: Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation provides up to 20 additional weeks of benefits to qualified workers. Click here for more information or to download an application.

Apply for Benefits

Information and Resources

Employers: Online Employer Registration

Let us know what you think!

Please help us improve this website by filling out our online website survey. It just takes two minutes of your time.