Maine freelancers, fishermen can soon get unemployment benefits
A new program will open this Friday that expands eligibility for unemployment benefits to certain categories of workers not typically able to receive them in the past.
After receiving final federal guidelines Monday night, the Maine Department of Labor will begin accepting applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance at 8 a.m. on May 1, according to a news release.
Eligible workers include:
- Self-employed workers
- Farmers and fishermen
- Independent contractors
- Nonprofit employees not already covered by regular state unemployment benefits
- Gig economy workers
- Workers who do not have enough work history and earnings to be eligible for traditional unemployment benefits
Applicants whose claim does not require further review should begin receiving benefits within seven days of filing.
"These uncertain times have been particularly difficult for our small businesses and self-employed Mainers. I know that waiting for unemployment benefits has been a challenge for many, but help is on the way," the department’s commissioner, Laura Fortman, said in the release. “Standing up a completely new unemployment program is complex, and our team worked diligently to get this done.”
Claim payments will be retroactive to the date of business closure or job separation provided on the application, back until March 15.
Claimants filing for the program will be asked to self-attest to their earnings in either 2018 or 2019 when they file their claim. The new program will be subject to rigorous federal audits, and so the department asks that claimants provide accurate information.
The program’s benefits start at 50% of the average weekly state unemployment benefit for self-employed and those who do not meet monetary eligibility for regular unemployment. That calculation is $172 per week.
For those who are self-employed, once the department is able to verify documented earnings, benefits will be adjusted retroactively. The maximum benefit available under the program is $445 per week.
In addition, anyone who receives a benefit also receives the full $600 additional weekly benefit from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program, which is available through July 25. Claimants will also need to file a certification every week in order to receive benefits.
To expedite the benefits process, claimants are not required to send the department paper or electronic copies of documents showing their earnings. The department will let claimants know later in May when those documents should be uploaded to finalize their claims.
Since March 15, the department has paid out benefits to over 70,000 people, totaling about $200 million.
The Labor Department said its employees are working extended hours to process applications, contact claimants and respond to questions. It's also contracted with a Maine-based call center to provide claims assistance. About 100 people are answering calls, up from 13 a month ago. The online unemployment system is available 24/7.
The department recommends that people file their claims online, using a computer rather than a smartphone. The department has also implemented an alphabetical call-in schedule to help reduce phone line congestion.
Claimants with last names beginning with A-H should call on Monday, I-Q on Tuesday; and R-Z on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are available for those who miss their alphabetical day or need to call at that time.
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