Important Info for Applying For Unemployment By Phone

If you have tried to call to file an unemployment claim in the last week undoubtedly you have experienced severe delays or even an inability to make any contact by phone. Maine State Department of Labor has received an unprecedented number of unemployment claims due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, MDOL announced a new alphabetical-by-last-name call-in schedule for Maine people filing for unemployment benefits. The new schedule will help reduce phone line congestion as the Department ramps up its capacity to receive and process claims. Starting Monday, April 6, Maine people seeking to file for unemployment by calling the 800 number with last names beginning with A-H should call on Monday; I-Q on Tuesday; R-Z on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday will be left unassigned for those who miss their alphabetical day or need to call at that time.

Another alternative may be to try and apply by registering electronically. You may want to check the MDOL website to do this or find answers to other important questions. You should be able to find an abundance of information here. Go to this link: maine.gov/unemployment/.