Maine Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide 2024

Looking for tips to access the Maine Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with Maine Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.

We understand.

The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming.

Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help.

You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Why did we create the Maine Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?

Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling.

Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.

Who’s in charge of Maine Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

Maine’s unemployment insurance payouts are administered by the Maine Bureau of Unemployment Compensation. The purpose is to give jobless employees with short-term financial help.

These payments are intended to provide a buffer for jobless Maine employees and their families as they look for new jobs.

Below is what its official website looks like.

Maine Unemployment Contact

Mailing Address:

Maine Department of Labor:

54 State House Station

Augusta, ME 04333-0054

Physical Address:

Administrative Office:

45 Commerce Drive, Augusta,

Maine

General Inquiries

Hotline: (207) 623-7900
TTY: Maine relay 711

Unemployment Claims

Hotline: 1-800-593-7660
TTY: Maine relay 711
Customer service available Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Unemployment Tax

Hotline: (207) 621-5120
Tax representatives are available Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

How To Qualify for Maine Unemployment Benefits

While individual eligibility assessments cannot be made outside of an initial claim, a claimant must fulfill the following standards to be eligible for state unemployment benefits in Maine:

You’ve lost your job due to no fault of your own, and you’re actively looking for a new one.
You are able and willing to work, which means you have made the necessary child care and transportation arrangements.
To be deemed economically qualified, you must have a sufficient job history and make money during the previous five quarters.

If you believe you might be eligible for unemployment benefits but aren’t sure, the state of Maine highly urges you to apply so you can find out.

How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in Maine?

Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
Alt Base Period: Last 4 completed quarters
Duration of Benefits: 15-26 weeks
Weekly Payment: Min $80 to Max $462
Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $11,570 – $17,342

How Do I Apply for Maine Unemployment Benefits?

The quickest approach for a jobless worker to file an initial claim or weekly certification is to do so online.

During your initial visit to the website, you will sign into your ReEmployME account or establish a new account.

To create an account, you’ll need a valid email address, and then you’ll be able to make an original claim or reopen an existing UI benefits claim by following the simple, step-by-step procedures.

You may use your account to check the progress of your unemployment claim and to submit your weekly benefits certification after it’s been set up.

If you don’t have access to the Internet, you can contact 800-593-7660 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to have someone assist you with your initial UI benefits claim over the phone.

However, please be aware that you may be placed on wait during moments of heavy demand. The duration of a hold might vary from a few minutes to a half-hour. It’s critical to stay on the line if you’ve been placed on hold so you don’t lose your place in line.

How do I Manage My Maine Unemployment Benefits

You must confirm your eligibility each week that you apply for UI funds. Answering a few questions and documenting your job search efforts for the preceding week is typically a short and straightforward process.

Have you had any job offers, for example, and if so, did you accept or reject them?

Any earnings from part-time or consultancy employment must also be reported.

Weekly benefit certifications can be filed using the ReEmployME account you created while filing your initial UI benefits claim. Simply choose Weekly Certification from the Quick Links menu. You can also call 800-593-7660 to file your weekly certification.

You must still log in to ReEmployME to provide all important information regarding your weekly job search, even if you opt to submit your weekly certification over the phone.

How Do I Appeal a Maine Unemployment Decision?

Any result connected to your unemployment claim can be appealed by both the employee and the employer.

You can file an appeal request in writing, making sure to include all of the following details:

The number on your letter of determination should be the Deputy’s Decision Number.
Social Security Number of the Claimant
The Benefit Year is Coming to an End

The state of Maine requires you to file your appeal request within 15 calendar days after receiving your decision letter.

You can submit your appeal request in one of the following ways:

Online: ReEmployME System
Email: Admin.Hearings@Maine.gov
Phone: 207-621-5001
Fax: 207-287-5949

The state of Maine requests that you do not mail your appeal request through the US postal service or deliver it to any Maine Department of Labor site by hand.

How Do I Report a Maine Unemployment Fraud?

Unemployment fraud occurs when people collect benefits based on false information. Unemployment fraud is a serious felony in Maine, and the state is dedicated to ensuring that unemployment benefits reach those who need them the most.

You should submit your concerns to the state of Maine’s online reporting form if you suspect someone of falsely receiving unemployment benefits or of stealing your identity to conduct unemployment fraud.

How Do I Talk to a Person in Maine Unemployment Customer Service?

Steps:

Dial 1-800-593-7660
Press 2 (to speak with an unemployment customer service agent)
Stay on the line
The automated phone system will connect you to a live customer service agent from Maine Unemployment

ME Unemployment Voice Main Menu

Press 1 to access self-service, to file a weekly claim or update your personal information.
Press 2 to speak with an unemployment customer service agent.

Maine Unemployment Customer Service Representatives Hours

Live Maine Unemployment Insurance customer service is available from 8am to 3pm Monday-Friday, Saturday-Sunday closed.

Maine Unemployment Support Phone Numbers

ME Unemployment Support Phone Number: 1-800-593-7660. Live Maine Unemployment Insurance customer service is available from 8am to 3pm Monday-Friday, Saturday-Sunday closed.
TTY: Maine relay: 711.
Unemployment Tax: 1-207-621-5120. Live customer service representatives from Maine Unemployment Insurance are available from 8am to 12:30pm Monday-Friday, Saturday-Sunday closed.
Employment Services, CareerCenter, and Foreign Labor Certification: 1-207-623-7981.
CareerCenter Hotline: 1-888-457-8883.
Foreign Labor Certification: 1-207-623-7900.
Labor Standards: 1-207-623-7900.
Rehabilitation Services: 1-800-760-1573.
Center for Workforce Research and Information: 1-207-623-7900.

Maine Unemployment Web Links

Maine Unemployment Insurance (UI) Mailing Addresses

Maine Department of Labor:

54 State House Station

Augusta, ME 04333-0054

ME Unemployment Live Chat Support

Live chat customer service is not available from ME Unemployment. To contact a live customer service representative you need to dial 1-800-593-7660 and follow the instructions above.

ME Unemployment support email

Below are steps to contact Maine Unemployment customer service by email:

Go to the Maine Unemployment Contact page.
Fill in the form.
Press the “Submit Questions or Comment” button.

Maine UI Help Center

You can find more information at the Maine Unemployment Insurance (UI) Support page.

What if I got fired?

You may be disqualified for benefits if the employer can prove you were discharged for work-related misconduct. An employer must prove misconduct before you are eligible for benefits.

What if I quit?

In general, you are not eligible if you leave your work freely.

If you quit for “good cause,” though, you may be able to collect. The state unemployment office determines what constitutes good reason, and you can make your case for getting benefits.

You should be entitled to a hearing if your claim is denied so that you can explain your claim. You should contact your local office because regulations and conditions differ from state to state.

Similar Content

Maine Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

Maine Unemployment Office	Maine Unemployment Office Locations	Maine Unemployment Phone Number
Calais Unemployment Office	One College DriveCalais, ME 04619	207-623-7981
Unemployment Office – Hinkley	23 Stanley RoadHinkley, ME 04944	207-474-4950
Unemployment Office at Lewiston	5 Mollison WayLewiston, ME 04240-5805	207-753-9001
Unemployment Office at Machias	53 Prescott Drive Suite 1Machias, ME 04654	207-623-7981
Portland Unemployment Office	151 Jetport BoulevardPortland, ME 04102	207-822-3300
Unemployment Office at Presque Isle	66 Spruce Street Suite 1Presque Isle, ME 04769	207-768-6829
Unemployment Office at Rockland	91 Camden Street Suite 201Rockland, ME 04841	207-596-2600
York County Unemployment Office	9 Bodwell CourtSpringvale, ME 04083	207-324-5460
Unemployment Office at Wilton	865 US Route 2EWilton, ME 04294	207-645-5800

Final Thoughts

We hope the above info has been helpful to you.

We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.

Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled.
Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself.
- 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay,
- 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits,
- 3) Ask about outplacement resources,
- 4) Request a reference letter from your employer
Review your financial positions, obligations.
Make a weekly or monthly budget. Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.