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COVID 19 Unemployment & Related Federal Programs
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a federal program that was included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The program provides support for Americans who are unable to work due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but do not qualify for traditional Unemployment Insurance (UI).
PUA covers the self-employed and many others not typically eligible for traditional unemployment, See details (PDF)
Understanding the Programs and Eligibility, See details (PDF)
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA): Up to 39 weeks of benefits, through December 31, 2020
- Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC): Additional $600/week through July 31, 2020 – This program is no longer active
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC): Extends benefits up to 13 additional weeks, through December 31, 2020
How to File
Tips for Filing Unemployment
Videos related to COVID-19
What Should I do if I become unemployed?
Creating an Account
How to file a claim
How to file a weekly certification
Partial Wages?
COVID-19 FAQs (all)
Unemployed due to COVID-19?
How do I know if I’m covered?
How do I apply?
How much and when do I get paid?
How do I answer if I’m self-employed?
Work Search Requirements
How do I know if I’m covered?
What if my employer got a PPP loan?
How long will I get benefits?
PUA Press Releases
- 1/15/2021: Briefing to the Maine Legislature
- 1/14/2021: State Seeks Public Comments on Workforce Development Waivers
- 1/14/2021: Claims for Unemployment Compensation, Week Ending January 9
- 1/7/2021: Claims for Unemployment Compensation, Week Ending January 2
- 1/6/2021: Governor Mills and Maine Dept. of Labor Congratulate Puritan Medical Products on National Recognition as "Company of the Year"
- 12/31/2020: Maine Dept. of Labor Receives Initial Federal Guidance, Working to Implement Federal UI Extensions
- 12/31/2020: Claims for Unemployment Compensation, Week Ending December 26
- 12/28/2020: Maine Dept. of Labor Working to Implement New Federal Unemployment Legislation
Additional COVID-19 Information
Federal Guidance on New Programs Related to COVID-19
State and Federal Wage and Hour Guidance
Other News and Information