Maine Unemployment Insurance

Every year, thousands of people in Maine lose their jobs and need financial support until they can find a new position. The Maine Department of Labor helps raise unemployment funds by levying taxes on employers. This helps fund Maine unemployment insurance benefits, which are paid out for up to 26 weeks to employees who qualify.

Maine unemployment insurance taxes vary based on the employer's qualifications. For example, new employers have to pay 2.10 percent on the first $12,000 paid to each employee in their first year in business.

If you become separated from employment through no fault of your own, you have the right to apply for unemployment insurance benefits. You must meet all work and wage criteria in order to qualify. Certain availability limits may disqualify you from collecting benefits. To better understand your rights, it’s best to file for unemployment.

Unemployment insurance is not a welfare program. It is an insurance program and is considered taxable income. You must claim any monetary benefits you receive on your state and federal income tax returns for the year. When you file an initial claim for unemployment, you can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly benefits.