In-Person Unemployment Filing Assistance Available at Maine CareerCenters Bookmark and Share

January 18, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 18, 2019

Media Contact: Laura Hudson, Maine Department of Labor, 621-5009

AUGUSTA -- Maine Department of Labor is offering in-person assistance to unemployment claimants this January at Maine CareerCenters. Unemployment claim volumes increase in the winter as post-holiday seasonal layoffs occur at businesses around the state. A staff person from the department will help claimants use the ReEmployME online filing system, and can connect them with no-cost job search resources that are available inside the CareerCenter. No reservations are required; customers are assisted on a first-come-first-served basis.

In-person assistance is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 noon, throughout January at the following Maine CareerCenters: Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, Presque Isle, and Skowhegan. Assistance is also available at the following CareerCenters on these dates: January 23 and 29, 8 to 11 a.m. in Rockland; January 23 and 29, 1 to 4:30 p.m. in Brunswick; January 25 and 30, 8 a.m. to 12 noon in Wilton; January 24 and 31, 8 a.m. to 12 noon in Machias; and January 22 and 28, 8 a.m. to 12 noon in Springvale.

Those who cannot make it to a CareerCenter during this schedule can submit online inquires 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at http://www.maine.gov/labor/contact . Customer service is also available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at 1-800-593-7660. TTY/Relay for Deaf and hard of hearing: Maine relay 711. Call volumes are highest, with longer wait times (sometimes 30 minutes or more), on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The "Maine Unemployment Insurance Guide" can help claimants learn about the program, eligibility requirements, and what information they should bring to meet with a representative at the CareerCenter. Download a copy at http://www.maine.gov/unemployment/docs/2018/UIGuide2018.pdf .

People who do not have access to a computer or Internet are encouraged to use a computer at their local CareerCenter or public library. CareerCenter staff can help claimants sign up for a free email address, register for Maine JobLink, learn how to create a resume, and apply for jobs online. Job seekers can find their closest Maine CareerCenter at http://www.mainecareercenter.gov .

The Bureau of Unemployment Compensation contributes to economic stability by providing temporary employer-funded benefits to eligible individuals while they seek re-employment. Visit http://www.maine.gov/unemployment .

Maine Department of Labor is an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

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