Weekly benefit amount and weeks in Maine

The weekly benefit

Weekly benefit

$113–$649

Maximum: new initial claims filed June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027

How it is figured

MDOL averages your wages in the two highest quarters of your base period and divides by 22, rounded down to the dollar. For new claims filed June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027, the weekly benefit is at least $113 and at most $649, plus any dependency allowance.

Dependents

$25 a week for each dependent child you support (under 18, a full-time student, or 18 or older and unable to work because of a disability). The total dependency allowance cannot be more than 75% of your weekly benefit amount.

Official

Official table or notice

Law: 26 M.R.S. sec. 1191(2), (6)

The wage test

For claims filed from June 2026, you must have earned at least $2,498.24 in each of two different quarters of your base period and at least $7,494.72 in the whole base period. These amounts are 2 and 6 times the state average weekly wage and change each June.

Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your claim. If you do not qualify that way, MDOL uses the last four completed quarters.

The state's wage tests

• At least $2,498.24 in each of 2 quarters and at least $7,494.72 in total — Each of the two quarters must have at least $2,498.24.

Law: 26 M.R.S. sec. 1192-A(2)(F)

Official source: Source page

Estimate your weekly benefit

Enter the gross wages (before taxes) you were paid in each quarter of your base period. We apply the state's own formula to your numbers.

The state's formula: the average of your two highest quarters ÷ 22, rounded down; at least $113 and at most $649

How long it lasts

Up to 26 weeks.

The most you can get in a benefit year is 26 times your weekly benefit amount or one-third of your total base-period wages, whichever is less, plus any dependency allowance. Not everyone qualifies for all 26 weeks. You can use the weeks at any time during your 52-week benefit year.

Extra weeks and training

Dislocated workers in approved training may get additional weeks of benefits while they attend the training.

Law: 26 M.R.S. sec. 1191(4)

Official source: Source page

Waiting week

The first eligible week you claim is a waiting week, and no payment is made for it. You must file a claim for that week to get credit for it.

Law: 26 M.R.S. sec. 1192-A(2)(E)

Official source: Source page

Working part time

You can get partial benefits in a week you work part time. Report all earnings for the week you did the work. Since June 7, 2026, your first $128 of earnings does not affect your check; anything above $128 is subtracted from your weekly benefit. If your earnings are more than your weekly benefit amount plus $128, you get no benefit that week. The $128 is adjusted each June for the cost of living.

Earnings not deducted (as the data states it)

The first $128 you earn in a week is not deducted.

Law: 26 M.R.S. sec. 1191(3)

Official source: Source page

What applies in every state

• You must have earned enough wages, or worked enough, during a period called the base period. In most states it is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file.
• It generally takes two to three weeks after you file to get your first payment. Some states require a one-week waiting period, so the second week you claim is the first week paid.
• Unemployment benefits count as income for federal income tax. You must report them on your federal tax return.

  Law: 26 U.S.C. 85(a)

Free help

Call 1-800-593-7660. Legal aid and other free help in Maine → Official sources →