The Bureau of Unemployment Compensation

If you are self-employed or have exhausted all available benefits, please wait to file. Federal benefits are NOT yet available, but they are coming. Since these programs have not been implemented yet, filing at this point will only result in a denial. We will continue to provide information as it becomes available. Once implemented, benefits will be paid retroactively.

  • IMPORTANT: If you have already enrolled in the current unemployment program, you MUST continue filing your weekly certifications. If possible please avoid filing weekly claims on Sunday or Monday. Please pick Tuesday or later in the week when there is less online traffic.
  • If you need to call the unemployment phone lines, please use the alphabetical call in schedule to help reduce phone line congestion: Last names beginning with A-H should call on Monday, I-Q on Tuesday; and R-Z on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are left unassigned for those who miss their alphabetical day or need to call at that time.
  • A summary of Unemployment Programs: This is a table that summarizes state and federal unemployment programs and status of their availability. (PDF)
  • Status Update of New Federal Unemployment Programs: Review to learn latest information. (PDF)

To review FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, please download the Unemployment Insurance FAQs Regarding COVID-19 document (PDF)

Unemployment Insurance FAQs Regarding COVID-19

Find here Frequently Asked Questions for Employees and Employers about Unemployment and new COVID-19 measures.

Download the Unemployment Insurance FAQs at:

http://www.maine.gov/labor/docs/2020/covid19/covidfaqandui.pdf

Step-by-step videos on how to file for unemployment

To set up and use a ReEmployME account, please view the following videos:

Avoid these common mistakes

IMPORTANT INITIAL CLAIM FILING INFORMATION: If you are unable to work as a result of the Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19) outbreak, do not enter your reason for separation as a suspension, even if your job has been temporarily suspended due to the virus. This will delay your claim for benefits. If your employer closed or reduced your hours, select "Lack of Work/Laid Off".

IMPORTANT WEEKLY CLAIM FILING INFORMATION: On your weekly certification for benefits, if you are unable to work as a result of the Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19), please do not answer the question with No, unless you, yourself, were actually ill during the week (either as a result of the virus, or some other illness). You would need to report your illness, and indicate the number of days of the week you were unable to work.

Don't get locked out of your account!

One of the most common issues reported is being locked out of a benefit account due to failed password attempts. Please click on the document below to download instructions.

http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=2247345&an=1

The fastest method to receive benefits if otherwise eligible is through Direct Deposit

We recommend all claimants opt for this payment method. After creating your account and filing your initial claim for benefits, while logged in to your ReEmployME account: From the home screen navigate to "Benefit Maintenance". Click Update Claimant Profile and Payment Options. Follow the screen prompts to set up Direct Deposit. For a step-by-step walk through of the process, please go to: https://www.maine.gov/unemployment/reemploymeguide/ . You will find the instructions starting on page 27 of the guide.

Federal guidance on new programs


The Bureau of Unemployment Compensation contributes to economic stability by providing temporary employer-funded benefits to eligible individuals while they seek re-employment. We operate an accessible, integrity-driven program in a timely and accurate manner.