Covid-19Gig Work

September 14, 2020

If I am receiving unemployment benefits, and I am working part time or earning money from gig work, How do I fill out my weekly claim?

In general, you cannot receive unemployment benefits if you are being paid to work. However, you may still be entitled to benefits if your hours or earnings are significantly reduced due to COVID-19. When you file your weekly claim, report your gross income the week that it is earned, even if you have not yet…

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Covid-19Gig Work

September 14, 2020

I am self-employed or a gig worker and have been receiving the minimum weekly benefit. How do I know if I am eligible for a higher benefit? How do I submit proof of income?

If your net income (for self-employed workers) or gross wages (for gig workers) in 2019 was below $15,224, you do not have to upload your income information and will continue receiving the minimum benefit of $172 per week. If your earnings were higher than that in 2019, you are eligible for retroactive benefits up to…

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Covid-19Gig Work

April 30, 2020

I am self-employed or an independent contractor and I am unable to work or my income has been reduced for reasons related to COVID-19. What can I do to receive income while I am not working?

Beginning May 1, 2020, the Maine Department of Labor (DOL) began accepting applications for unemployment benefits under the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. Under that program, workers who would not typically be eligible for unemployment under Maine law, such as self-employed workers, “gig economy” workers, independent contractors, and workers with limited work history, are…

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