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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 50 weeks of benefits. PUA will be available until week ending March 13, 2021 (no new applications), with allowance for four additional weeks of benefits for those who have not reached the maximum number of weeks through week ending April 10, 2021.
- Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC): Additional $300/week between December 27, 2020 and March 13, 2021. A claimant must be eligible through a separate unemployment program to receive FPUC.
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC): Up to 24 weeks of benefits. PEUC is available until week ending March 13, 2021, with allowance of four additional weeks of benefits for those who have not reached the maximum number of weeks through week ending April 10, 2021.
How to File
Tips for Filing Unemployment
Videos related to COVID-19
What Should I do if I become unemployed?
Creating an Account
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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?
Do employees who are discharged or quit for failing to comply with an employer’s policy to get vaccinated for COVID-19 qualify for unemployment benefits?
Answer: In general, “no.” Refusing to comply with an employer’s policies, including a health or safety policy, typically disqualifies a person from being eligible to receive unemployment benefits.
PUA Press Releases
- 9/17/2021: Employment Situation in Maine - August 2021
- 9/17/2021: U.S. Department of Labor Confirms Forthcoming Vaccination or Test Requirement Will Apply to Public Sector Employers in Maine
- 9/16/2021: Maine Dept. of Labor Publishes Findings on Job Seekers' Barriers to Returning to Work
- 9/16/2021: Claims for Unemployment Compensation, Week Ending September 11
- 9/14/2021: Maine's Annual Tea Celebrating Deaf Culture Happening September 16
- 9/9/2021: Claims for Unemployment Compensation, Week Ending September 4
- 9/7/2021: Maine Department of Labor Encourages Employers to Evaluate Hiring Strategies to Remove Barriers
- 9/2/2021: Claims for Unemployment Compensation, Week Ending August 28
Additional COVID-19 Information
Federal Guidance on New Programs Related to COVID-19
State and Federal Wage and Hour Guidance
Other News and Information
