Weathering the economic storm

Concerns about Maine’s economy and job losses have been high on the priority list for my colleagues and me as we begin this legislative session. Maine continues to experience the fallout from the national recession, and the impact on the County seems to be particularly harsh. Despite our ability to block the closing of the Maine Revenue Services office in Houlton earlier this year, I have still received a number of calls from community members about filing for unemployment and how to find a new job. I recently spoke with Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman about what options Mainers have when facing unemployment or being laid off from work.
    The most important tool for Mainers who are out of work is the Labor Department’s Web site, http://www.maine.gov/labor. The site has links to search online job banks, file for unemployment, download forms for extended unemployment benefits, and research labor statistics and labor laws.
When you apply for unemployment, you need to have your Social Security number or alien registration number; the name, address and telephone number of each business for which you worked during the previous 18 months, and the jobs you held and the dates you worked for each employer. When you apply, whether online, over the phone or by mail, you will select a personal identification number (PIN). You will need your PIN when you file your weekly claims. If you forget your PIN, it will have to be reset.
While you can file for unemployment through the mail or by phone, the fastest way to file is online. If you do not have access to the Internet at home, the Cary Library in Houlton has computers available for Internet access. Library patrons and guests can sign in at the circulation desk to use a computer. For more information about the library, visit http://www.cary.lib.me.us or call 532-1302.
The online service allows you to file new unemployment claims, reopen an existing account, or file a weekly unemployment claim. When you file online you will need your Social Security number and PIN. Make sure that you get a confirmation number before you close the Internet browser – if you do not receive a confirmation, then the application has not gone through.
If you cannot access the internet to file, you can file by phone at 800-593-7660. I have heard from many constituents that they have had extensive wait times or could not get through at all. The wait times are usually shorter on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, and longer on Monday mornings. You can also fill out a paper application and mail it to the Department of Labor, Bureau of Unemployment Compensation, 97 State House Station, Augusta, Maine, 04333.
It is easier, and probably more desirable, to file online, but if you have run out of your 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits and have not applied for Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits, you can do so only by mail or telephone. The emergency unemployment compensation cannot be filed online.
Emergency unemployment is a federally funded temporary program providing up to 20 additional weeks of unemployment benefits to qualified workers. You can download the application form from the Labor Web site or contact me to send you a copy. Once you have completed the form, mail it to Maine Department of Labor (at the same address as above).
If you have questions or need assistance with unemployment or any other state issue, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached by phone at 563-7526 or by e-mail at rccleary68@hotmail.com.