September 22, 2020
Document: Unemployment Insurance for Workers Impacted by Covid-19
Written by Maine Equal Justice. Often people think they aren’t eligible for Unemployment Insurance when they really are. If you worked for an employer and earned at least $5,141 during the last year, you may be eligible. The best way to find out is to apply.
Read MoreSeptember 15, 2020
I lost my job during the pandemic, but I have not yet applied for benefits. Am I still eligible? How do I apply?
Depending on your previous income, the circumstances of leaving your job, and current unemployment status, you may be entitled to back benefits as far back as February 5, 2020 as long as your claim is COVID-19 related. If you have not filed a claim yet, fill out this form from Maine Equal Justice to get…
Read MoreSeptember 15, 2020
How many weeks will I receive benefits?
As long as your employment status has not changed, and you are meeting the weekly requirements for eligibility–filing your weekly certification, reporting any changes to income, and fulfilling the work search requirements–most workers are eligible to receive 26 weeks of unemployment, plus an additional 13 weeks due to the pandemic. The 13 week extension, known…
Read MoreSeptember 14, 2020
I need to stay home from work because I have coronavirus/I have been advised or ordered to self-quarantine. What can I do to receive income while I am not working?
Under the recently passed Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the Families First Act), which went into effect on April 1, 2020 and expires December 31, 2020, any government employer or employer with fewer than 500 employees is required to immediately provide 10 days of emergency paid sick leave to its employees. This leave is in…
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