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
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?

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

• 1/20/2022: Maine Featured in National Governor's Association News Brief
• 1/19/2022: Maine Dept. of Labor Contacting Individual Unemployment Claimants Impacted by 1099-G Upload Error
• 1/14/2022: Maine Board of Occupational Safety and Health January 18 Special Meeting Canceled
• 1/13/2022: Mills Administration Launches New Workforce Development Pilot Program to Connect Underserved Maine People to Jobs
• 1/10/2022: As Part of Federal Grant, Gulf of Maine Research Institute to Establish Aquaculture Apprenticeship Program
• 1/4/2022: CareerCenter January Hiring Events and Online Services
• 1/3/2022: Maine Board of Occupational Safety and Health to Meet on January 18 on OSHA's Emergency Temporary Standard Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination or Testing for Public Sector Employees
• 12/17/2021: Employment Situation in Maine - November 2021

Additional COVID-19 Information
Federal Guidance on New Programs Related to COVID-19
State and Federal Wage and Hour Guidance
Other News and Information