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…
Read MoreSeptember 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…
Read MoreSeptember 14, 2020
What if I am offered a job, but I cannot start the job due to concerns about exposure to COVID-19 or because I need to care for a child or other family member?
In general, you are no longer eligible for unemployment if you refuse a “suitable” job offer. However, you can still be eligible for unemployment if you show that the job was not “suitable” or if you show that you had “good cause” for refusing a “suitable” job. The Department of Labor has said that it…
Read MoreSeptember 14, 2020
A close family member of mine has COVID-19, and I will stay home from work to take care of them. What can I do to receive income while I’m not working?
As described in FAQ 3 above, under the Families First Act, government employers and employers with fewer than 500 employees are required to provide their employees with 10 days of sick leave, which can be used to care for someone in your household with COVID-19 or who has been advised by a healthcare professional to…
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…
Read MoreAugust 22, 2020
MaineCare Eligibility and Services
Are you confused about how to get health insurance and what it will pay for? You’re not alone. Maine Equal Justice can help navigate MaineCare eligibility and services. MaineCare is Maine’s name for Medicaid, a program that provides health insurance for low-income people. To get any kind of MaineCare you have to show that your…
Read MoreAugust 22, 2020
Consumers for Affordable Health Care Support Hotline
Do you need help with…Finding health coverage you can afford? Understanding your options in the Health Insurance Marketplace? Enrolling in MaineCare? Understanding your health coverage? Filing an appeal or complaint? Finding programs to help with health care and drug costs?
Read MoreAugust 22, 2020
Information on your health care options if you’ve lost your job
Mainers who are worried about losing health insurance or having a hard time paying monthly premiums may have options including Marketplace coverage and MaineCare.
Read MoreAugust 22, 2020
Federal Legislation that Aids Workers
From Family Values At Work. Provides and overview of the federal legislation that impacts workers, including paid sick days, paid family leave and unemployment.
Read MoreAugust 22, 2020
Families First Corona Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights
Information about the paid sick days and expanded family leave created by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act)
Read MoreAugust 22, 2020
Unemployment Insurance FAQs from Maine Dept. of Labor
Frequently asked questions about unemployment eligibility and how to apply. Updated frequently.
Read MoreAugust 22, 2020
Paid Leave & Unemployment Decision Chart
From Family Values At Work and NELP. Helps navigate if paid sick day, unemployment, or family leave are your best option.
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