Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC)

Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) is a temporary program providing additional weeks of unemployment benefits to qualified workers who have run out of Regular Unemployment benefits:

Up to 20 weeks of benefits under EUC Tier 1 - became law in July 2008 and extended in November 2008; and
Up to 14 weeks of benefits under EUC Tier 2 - tier 2 was originally 13 weeks, but a law change in November 2009 added an additional week.
Up to 13 weeks of benefits under EUC Tier 3 - added November 2009 - Find out More
Up to 6 weeks of benefits under EUC Tier 4 - added November 2009 - Find out More

Graphic depiction of weeks available

EUC Program Ends Soon - Unless Congress takes action by the end of 2009, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation will be phased out beginning December 31, 2009. Individuals must begin EUC Tier I no later than December 20, 2009. Subsequent Tiers must be started no later than December 27, 2009. After the end of 2009, you may complete either your Regular Benefits or the EUC Tier on which you are collecting, but cannot begin a new EUC Tier. No Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits will be paid after May 31, 2010.

Who Qualifies?

If you opened an unemployment claim starting on or after May 1, 2006 you may be qualified for Emergency Unemployment Compensation (extended benefits) if:

You are unemployed; and
You have exhausted rights to all regular unemployment benefits.

How to Apply and File Claims

Individuals who are currently filing for benefits will automatically be enrolled in the next available program/tier, as long as you are within the EUC dates described above. Continue filing your weekly claims as in the past.
Individuals who had previously collected, but have exhausted their benefits will be sent an application for the new EUC tiers. If you did not receive an application by mail and believe you may be eligible, you can download an application online. Submit the completed application by mail or fax.

Mail to:

Bureau of Unemployment Compensation
47-EB/EUC State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0047

or Fax to: (207) 626-6231

Once your application is reviewed, you will be sent information regarding your eligibility and the amount you may collect, along with claim cards for weeks ending November 14, 2009 and later. Initially, you must submit these paper claim forms. After you receive your first payment, you may begin filing on the web or through the automated telephone system.

How Much Will I Receive?

Emergency Unemployment Compensation provides extra weeks of benefits on top of your Regular Unemployment benefits. If you are eligible to receive Emergency Unemployment Compensation, you will receive a notice from the Department of Labor showing the amount of benefits you will potentially be eligible to collect.

How Long Will it Take for Me To Receive a Check?

You will not have to serve a waiting week for Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits. Depending on the volume of applications received, it may take one to three weeks to process your initial claim. Once a claim has been opened and a person is determined eligible to collect benefits, checks will be processed within 1 – 3 days after the individual files a weekly claim either by Internet, telephone or mail (providing no eligibility issues are pending).
I am still getting Regular Unemployment benefits. Will my benefits automatically extend after they run out?
Claimants whose Regular Benefits are exhausted with the week ending December 19, 2009 or earlier will automatically be enrolled in the EUC program. No application is required.

What if I run out of Emergency Unemployment Compensation?

If you run out of Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits, you may be eligible for additional weeks of benefits under the Extended Benefits program.

When will the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program End?

Individuals must begin EUC Tier I no later than December 20, 2009. Subsequent Tiers must be started no later than December 27, 2009. After the end of 2009, you may complete either your Regular Benefits or the EUC Tier on which you are collecting, but cannot begin a new EUC Tier. No EUC benefits will be paid after May 31, 2010.

I'm an employer who pays unemployment taxes. Will I be charged more because of the extra benefits paid out under Emergency Unemployment Compensation?

No. Emergency Unemployment Compensation is federally funded. Employers will not be charged for any claims paid out under this program.

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