Unemployment Claimants Reminded to File Online to Avoid Long Wait Times on Phone Bookmark and Share

January 2, 2015

January is the busiest month for our unemployment system. Please be patient if you are calling the department. Many Unemployment services are available on the web at http://www.file4ui.com :

  1. File an initial claim or add/reopen claims: You will need to reopen your claim if you have not filed for two weeks or longer.

  2. File weekly claims: Once you establish a benefit year, you need to file a claim for each week. Do not wait for the department to contact you before you start filing weekly claims.

  3. View recently filed claims activity such as the date of filing or the benefits payment date.

  4. Change your address.

  5. Change your Personal Identification Number (PIN).

  6. Appeal a decision. You may also appeal a decision by calling 207-621-5001. You MUST have the decision number with you when filing an appeal. That number will have been mailed to you with the decision.

  7. Download and print forms.

  8. Obtain general information about unemployment.

Unemployment benefit services available by calling 1-800-593-7660 and using the interactive phone system include:

  • File weekly claims.
  • Check the status of your claims from the last four weeks.
  • Change your address.
  • Change your Personal Identification Number (PIN).

If you are calling to use the interactive phone system, calling before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. on weekdays will ensure faster access to the system.

As part of the process for filing an unemployment claim on the website or by phone, all individuals will soon be checked for an active and complete Job Bank registration.

Coming in January, those who do not have an active or completed Job Bank account will be required to register with the Maine Job Bank before filing their next claim. They will also be required to be using that account to accept referrals and for other activities as part of their search for work.