24 March 2020 Maine legislation provides UI benefits for employees impacted by COVID-19; employer accounts will not be charged for benefits The Maine Department of Labor announced that under emergency legislation requested by Governor Mills, the state's unemployment insurance (UI) law is enhanced to provide for flexibility as outlined by the US Department of Labor to support workers and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary measures provided by the legislation will help relieve the financial burden of temporary layoffs, isolation, and medically necessary quarantine by making unemployment benefits available to individuals whose employment has been interrupted by COVID-19. Under the legislation, any benefits paid under these provisions would not affect the employer's experience-rating record. The emergency legislation temporarily revises the UI benefit eligibility requirements to include situations not typically covered, such as:
The legislation also waives the work search requirement for individuals still connected to their employer and waives the one-week waiting period so that benefits will be available sooner. Employer and employee frequently asked questions are available here. Maine unemployment insurance information for employers is available here.
Document ID: 2020-0669 | |||||||||
