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COVID-19: Expanded eligibility for Maine unemployment benefits

From the Maine Department of Labor website: On March 17, Governor Mills and the Legislature enacted bipartisan legislation to increase flexibility in Maine’s unemployment benefits program. It expands eligibility for […]

From the Maine Department of Labor website: On March 17, Governor Mills and the Legislature enacted bipartisan legislation to increase flexibility in Maine’s unemployment benefits program. It expands eligibility for benefits to people who are affected by COVID-19 but have not lost their job. The full text of the legislation can be found at: http://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0789&item=1&snum=129

According to the Sun Journal, a person is now eligible to collect unemployment benefits in the following situations:

  • An employer temporarily ceases operation due to COVID-19.
  • An individual is quarantined with the expectation of returning to work once the quarantine is over.
  • An individual leaves employment due to risk of exposure or infection.
  • An individual leaves employment to care for a family member.

For more information, visit the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation site.