Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

We Provide a Free Guide

Our FREE guide provides helpful information about how to apply for benefits. Learn more about us here.

Clear & Simple
Information
Free and easy
guide
Personalized
Offers
Get the Guide

The only way to get an unemployment benefits extension in Maine is ifthe  federal government reinstates an unemployment benefits extension program. Unless the nation is experiencing high rates of unemployment and the federal government approves an unemployment benefits extension, you must rely on your own funds when your unemployment ends.

In Maine, you can receive unemployment benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks during a 52-week period. The state offers numerous job search resources, and your local Career Center may be able to provide you with a referral for work.

Maine Unemployment Resources

Learn About Requesting an Unemployment Benefits Extension in Maine

A federal unemployment extension may be available to certain Maine unemployment beneficiaries if the federal government decides to implement a nationwide unemployment extension program.

At times, the federal or state governments establish an unemployment benefits extension program. For instance, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program temporarily gave qualified workers additional weeks of unemployment payment in 2008, but it expired in 2013. And in 2020, the federal government initiated the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which ended in 2021.

During times of high unemployment, you may be able to receive an unemployment compensation extension in Maine with the help of the federal government and its Extended Benefits (EB) program. Currently, this program is not available because the unemployment rate in Maine is too low, but it can provide up to 20 additional weeks of unemployment benefits to workers.

Whether or not the government will enact this unemployment extension program depends on the nation’s current unemployment rate. At the moment, no states qualify for this unemployment extension program.

Learn About Maine Extended Benefits and Federal Income Taxes

Any Maine unemployment compensation extension income that you collect from the federal government must be recorded on IRS tax form 1099G. You can request that the government automatically deduct 10 percent of your income to cover tax costs.

If you do not sign up for automatic deductions, you will have to make quarterly estimated tax payments throughout the year.

What to Do If You Cannot Extend Your Benefits in Maine

Many times, an unemployment extension program will not be at your disposal. Unemployment beneficiaries who are asking themselves “What can I do to extend unemployment benefits in Maine?” may find ways to make ends meet until they can find a new job.

If you are unable to get a Maine unemployment compensation extension, please consider taking the following steps:

  • Accept a job that offers lower wages or one that does not utilize your exact skill set. This can be difficult at first, but it can keep you afloat during tough economic times. Check with the Maine Department of Labor to see what jobs they have available.
  • Register with a temp agency. Registering with one of these agencies can be helpful if you cannot find full-time employment. Many of the temporary positions they offer have the potential to turn into full-time roles.
  • You may want to take a career development course to learn how to market yourself to employers more effectively. These courses are sometimes free, and the state of Maine currently offers them. They teach job seekers how to write resumes, dress for jobs, and give stellar interviews.
  • Federal and state governments offer financial assistance to low-income individuals and families. You may want to check the state website to see what the qualifications are for other government aid programs. If you qualify for one of these programs, the state may be able to help you purchase food and pay certain utility bills.

Last Updated: February 28, 2023