Maine Passes Emergency Unemployment Bill

Gov. Janet Mills and the House passed an emergency unemployment bill that will temporarily extend eligibility to unemployment to workers that have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.  The emergency unemployment bill is available to employees where the employer temporarily ceases operations due to COVID-19; if an individual is quarantined and expected to return to work; or leaves employment due to rick of exposure or to call for a family member. They will waive the one week waiting period for benefits and it will not affect the employer’s experience rating.  They are requesting that claims be filed online to limit the phone wait times and have the claims be processed faster.  The link below can be given to any employee to file their claim.

https://reemployme.maine.gov

 The employee will need the following information to file a claim:

• Employee Social Security Number

• The Employer name, address and telephone number

• The job the employee held and dates worked within the past 18-month

• Select “Lack of Work” for reason to file.