How to File for Unemployment in Maine
The money for unemployment insurance benefits comes from the taxes that your employer pays to the state and federal governments and under the right circumstances you are eligible to receive it. If you live in the state of Maine and have been laid of fired from your job, follow these steps to file an unemployment claim. Keep in mind, however, that if you were fired for misconduct at work or quit for medical reason, you might not be eligible.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer with Internet access
- Social Security number or Alien Registration number
- Business name, address and telephone number of each place you worked during past 18 months
- Jobs you held and the dates you worked (for each employer)
Instructions
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Go online to http://www.maine.gov/labor/unemployment/howtofile.html and click “Ways to file a claim” to begin the application filing process. The page will tell you that you can file a claim online, by telephone or through the mail. If you would like to file a claim by mail you must visit http://www.mainecareercenter.com/ and determine which career center is closest to you. At the career center you will need to obtain the following forms: Application Form (B9.2), Income Tax Withholding Form (W4-V) and Dependents Form (B-70). Complete these forms and mail to: PO Box 259, Augusta, ME 04330. To file by telephone, you must call the Unemployment Claims Center toll-free at (800) 593-7660.
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To file online, you will go under the heading “File Online” and click “File New Unemployment Claims.” This will bring you to a page that says “Welcome to the Maine's Department of Labor, Bureau of Unemployment Compensation Internet Claims Filing System." From here you will read the instructions and hit the “Next” button at the bottom of the page.
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On the next page you will answer some initial questions and then hit the “Next” button at the bottom again.
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On the next page, you will complete the personal information and hit “Next” at the bottom of the page.
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The last page of the application will let you know that your claim has been completed and you will receive a confirmation number. Unless you receive this confirmation number, your claim will not be processed.
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Tips & Warnings
There will be a printable summary page available to print including your confirmation number.
You can also call 1-800-593-7660 with any questions regarding your claim.
Wait at least 2 weeks before contacting anyone if you do not receive your unemployment check; sometimes it takes that long for processing.
The first week that you are eligible for benefits is an unpaid waiting week.
You must complete each page of the online application within 30 minutes or you will have to start the filing application from the beginning.
