Federal Worker Unemployment Insurance FAQ

Unemployment is an insurance program providing temporary, partial wage replacement to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own.

Download the Maine Unemployment Information Guide for Federal Workers (PDF)

Federal civilian employees who become unemployed due to no fault of their own can apply for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE).

You may apply for UI benefits under the UCFE program in Maine if:

  • Your last official duty station was in Maine, or,
  • You are a Maine resident, and your last official duty station was outside of the United States, or;
  • You are a Maine resident who worked for a federal employer in another state, and then worked in non-federal employment in Maine

NOTE: Your duty station is listed on your SF-50.

If none of those three criteria apply to you, you should apply for UCFE in the U.S. state or district where your duty station is located or in your state or district of residence (if your duty station was outside of the U.S. or if you worked for a federal employer in another state and then worked in non-federal employment in another state).

Employees who worked for a private sector employer that contracted with the federal government and who lost their job through no fault of their own are eligible to apply for regular unemployment insurance.

If you lose your job through no fault of your own, you may qualify for unemployment benefits. Quitting without a good reason usually disqualifies you, except in certain cases. The Maine Bureau of Unemployment Compensation will review your reason for separation, along with other eligibility requirements, and will determine if you are eligible. If denied, you can appeal.

While on administrative leave, you are still considered employed. However, if you are separated at a later time from employment due to no fault of your own, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits if you meet the requirements. The Maine Bureau of Unemployment Compensation will review your reason for separation, along with other eligibility requirements, and will make a determination accordingly.

When you apply for unemployment insurance under the UCFE program, you will need your:

  • SF-8, Notice to Federal Employee About Unemployment Insurance form; and,
  • SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action form.
Federal employers provide these forms to their employees upon separation from employment. You will also need your W-2 and recent pay stubs.

In Maine, applicants may apply for unemployment insurance under the UCFE program by calling a claims representative at 1-800-593-7660 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.).

After you apply for unemployment insurance under UCFE, you are required to complete a ES935 affidavit and provide proof of income. The affidavit is available in ReEmployME  under Correspondence and will be sent through your preferred communication method (e-mail notification or mail).

  • The affidavit will ask for the reason you separated from federal employment, wage information, severance pay, etc.
  • W-2s, pay stubs, and the SF-50 are acceptable as proof of income.
  • The SF-50 and SF-8 are acceptable as proof of agency. Please use the agency name included on your SF-50 on the affidavit.

You can select your preferred communication method when you file an initial claim.

The ES-935 affidavit form can be downloaded from ReEmployME under your correspondence tab, or you will receive it in the mail, depending on the communication method you selected on your initial claim.

Mail or fax the completed form to the location listed on the ES935 affidavit OR

Email to UCBenefits.DOL@maine.gov. ES935 needs to be in the subject line.

To access the form, log into ReEmployME and select the “Correspondence” tab at the top of your home page:

Select ES935 from the list of documents:

After you apply, you will receive a benefit determination, both in ReEmployME and through your preferred communication method, which you will select when you apply. This document is formally called a Monetary Determination.

Typically, you will receive a determination with $0 eligibility until your federal wages are confirmed with your employer. Once that happens, you may receive a second benefit determination. The determination will include whether you are monetarily eligible for unemployment insurance , your weekly benefit amount, and more. The second determination typically takes 2-4 weeks.

If it is determined that you are ineligible, you may file an appeal through ReEmployME (the online system) or in writing (by mail, e-mail, or fax). Instructions on how to submit an appeal are included in your benefit determination.

If you qualify for unemployment insurance benefits, your weekly benefit amount will range from $104 (minimum) to $595 (maximum). The amount is calculated based on your earnings during the base period.

NOTE: Unemployment insurance benefits are subject to federal and state income tax. You may choose to have taxes withheld from your benefits (when you file an initial claim).

 If you received UI benefits in Maine , a 1099G tax form will be issued, with the total amount of UI benefits paid.

You should be actively seeking work, able to work, and available to accept suitable employment.

An eligibility issue may result in your benefits being delayed or denied. Contact a claims representative at 1-800-593-7660 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3 :00 p.m.) to check on the status of your claim.

  • Assistance from the Maine Department of Health Human Services: If you are receiving UI benefits, you may be eligible for additional benefits and services, such as supplemental food assistance and energy assistance. Visit https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ for more information.
  • Maine Services Directory- 211 Maine- Call 211 or visit https://211maine.org to find a comprehensive list of services in your area.