We are currently facing the worst pandemic this country has seen in a century. Protecting our own health, and the health of our friends, family and neighbors, has required us all to take drastic measures. It has required most of us to stay home and avoid all but the most essential activities, such as grocery shopping or necessary medical appointments. Major events have been canceled, many businesses in our community have shut down, and many more have had to lay off staff, or reduce hours to remain solvent.
These steps are absolutely necessary to stop further spread of COVID-19 and avoid the most serious impacts of the virus. However, it’s hard to overstate the significance or scale of the economic impact of these disruptions to daily life.
On March 15, Gov. Janet Mills declared a state of emergency, and in the week that followed, 21,459 Mainers filed for unemployment with the state. The next week, 23,761 more workers filed. For context, in 2018 and 2019, the Maine Department of Labor (DOL) received about 800 such claims in a typical week.
For workers who have been laid off, had their hours reduced, or are staying home because of the COVID-19 outbreak, unemployment insurance can help you keep some of your income. Before adjourning, the Legislature expanded Maine’s unemployment insurance program to cover workers affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The Legislature also waived the one-week waiting period and job search requirement for individuals covered under the expanded program. If you are not self-employed, and think you may be eligible for unemployment; don’t wait, apply today.
The best way to apply for unemployment is online at reemployme.maine.gov, but you can also do so over the phone by calling 1-800-593-7660. For those applying by phone, DOL set up a schedule for folks to call in based on the first letter of their last name. If your last name begins with A–H, you should call on Monday; I–Q on Tuesday; and R–Z on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday have been left open for anyone to call. With so many people filing for unemployment, this system helps keep call volumes at a manageable level.
For self-employed workers, relief is also on the way. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress expands unemployment insurance to cover people who are self-employed and wouldn’t normally qualify. The CARES Act also increases the benefit amount and the length of time someone can collect benefits. At the time of writing, DOL was reviewing federal guidance and working on implementing this program. Therefore, if you think you may qualify under the CARES Act, please wait to apply, as doing so early will only result in denial. DOL will post updates on implementation online at www.maine.gov/labor/covid19. Once these changes are implemented, unemployment benefits will be paid retroactively.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever, cough or tiredness, you should call your health care provider. Do not just show up to a health care facility without calling ahead and expect to get tested, as doing so could spread the virus even more.
For information on COVID-19, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website www.CDC.gov or the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention website www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc. For more information, or help accessing needed resources, you can also dial 211, text your zip code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org.
My office is also here for you as a resource. You may call or email me for assistance.
Linda Sanborn is serving her first term in the Maine Senate, representing Senate District 30, which includes Gorham, part of Buxton, and part of Scarborough. She previously served four terms in the Maine House, and practiced family medicine in Gorham for 25 years. Senator Sanborn lives in Gorham with her husband, Jeff, a Gorham native. They have three adult sons and one granddaughter.
(207) 287-1515 | Linda.Sanborn@Legislature.Maine.gov