See the full information sheet from the Maine Department of Labor by clicking here.

On March 17, the Maine State Legislature enacted new emergency legislation that made changes to the legislation to support workers and businesses economically impacted by COVID-19. This enhances the flexibility of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. These temporary measures will help relieve the financial burden of temporary layoffs, isolation, and medically-necessary quarantine by making unemployment benefits available to individuals whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19. This helps not only individuals, but also employers by helping them retain their workforce and stabilizing local economies.

The legislation temporarily revises eligibility requirements to include situations not typically covered, such as:

• An employer temporarily ceases operation due to COVID-19
• An individual is quarantined with the expectation of returning to work once the quarantine is over

Here are the major changes to the law:

• Waives the work search requirement for individuals still connected to their employer
• Waives the one-week waiting period so that benefits will be available sooner.
• Any benefits paid under these provisions would not affect the employer’s experience rating record
• If you have been directed by a medical professional to self-quarantine and you are not receiving paid sick leave from your employer, you may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits

Please note, the legislation is not intended to provide sick leave or short-term disability payments.

More information on UI can be found here:

https://www.maine.gov/unemployment/

Claims can be filed online or by phone at:

● https://reemployme.maine.gov/
● 1-800-593-7660

Contact the Maine Department of Labor:

https://www.maine.gov/labor/contact/index.html