New Videos Explain the Unemployment System

November 24, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 24, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: Julie Rabinowitz, 207-621-5009

10 short videos educate claimants and employers about the process and requirements

AUGUSTA?A new series of 10 videos will help both claimants and employers navigate Maine?s unemployment system. They can be accessed on the Department of Labor?s Bureau of Unemployment Compensation website at www.file4UI.com.

Designed for individuals and employers who are new to the unemployment program, these short videos provide guidance and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding unemployment insurance.

?These videos help not only people who have lost their job understand what?s involved with filing for unemployment but also new employers take the right steps to comply with the law,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?Unemployment is a critical safety net for our workers. By helping people understand their rights and responsibilities and how to do things properly, we can increase compliance of both claimants and employers. This makes the system more efficient and reduces fraud.?

For people who have lost their job and are considering filing a claim as well as for people who have filed a few claims but have questions, several videos offer helpful information, covering such topics as filing initial and weekly claims, eligibility requirements for unemployment, looking for work and information on the appeal process.

The videos targeted to employers explain what an employer must do to open an account, keep their experience rate low and file appeals.

Videos for claimants:

• What should I do if I become unemployed? This video provides general information about filing for
• I just filed my first claim, now what? This video reviews how and when to file weekly claims, weekly benefit amounts, payment options and dependency allowance.
• Benefit Rights and Responsibilities. Explains what a claimant is expected to do when participating in the unemployment program, including account security.
• Common Mistakes. An overview of what-not-to-do when filing for on unemployment benefits.
• If I am earning some money, do I have to report it? A guide to reporting earnings and avoiding potential fraud.
• Work Search Requirements. Explains how to meet the work search requirements while filing for unemployment benefits.

Videos for employers:

• How do I register as an employer? A guide for employers on registering as an employer with the Maine Department of Labor.
• Protect your business from higher taxes. Information on tax liability, quarterly filing and independent contractors.

Videos for both claimants and employers:

• How to file an appeal.  This video explains how to file an appeal when you are dissatisfied with the decision you received.
• Hearing Process. How to prepare for an appeal hearing.

The videos have additional versions captioned in English, French Canadian and Spanish. They were funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor with the goals of improving compliance with unemployment regulations and reducing fraud.

The Maine Department of Labor administers the state?s unemployment system. Unemployment is an insurance program providing temporary, partial wage replacement to workers. In order to qualify for benefits, workers must have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, be actively seeking work and be able to accept new work. Workers who do not participate in a suitable, verifiable work search or who do not document their work search risk losing unemployment benefits and could be required to pay back benefits they have received.

For more information about unemployment benefits, please visit http://www.file4ui.com.

The Unemployment Trust Fund is supported through taxes paid by employers based on the first $12,000 in gross wages paid to an individual in a calendar year. For more information about unemployment employer services, please visit http://www.maine.gov/labor/unemployment/tax.html .

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