Mainers will be unable to file unemployment claims for one week — from Nov. 30 to Dec. 6 — as the state implements a new claims filing system.
The Maine Department of Labor has announced that they are joining the ReEmployUSA partnership — which so far includes Mississippi, Maine, Rhode Island and Connecticut — to streamline processing of claims through a new software system.
The new system, called ReEmployME, is a “faster, more efficient way to file for unemployment insurance benefits,” according to a labor department news release. Maine had a 3.5 percent unemployment rate in October.
“This new system is the result of years of work in collaboration with other states to create a modern, efficient unemployment system,” said Gov. Paul LePage in a written statement. “The focus of unemployment is to get people back to work quickly in a permanent or a temporary bridge job. This system will not only do just that, but it will also save taxpayer money over time because of the ReEmployUSA partnership with other states. ReEmployME is a national model.”
Mississippi, which originated the new claims system, launched its system Aug. 30, while Rhode Island and Connecticut are expected to start their systems within the next two years.
“Claimants will find it easier to access information about their claims, update their account, file weekly certifications for benefits and enter their required work searches,” according to the labor department’s news release.
The current system will be down starting at 4 p.m. Nov. 30.
Those who need help starting an account, can call 623-6765 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,except state and federal holidays.
“Unemployment insurance provides temporary, partial wage replacement to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own,” said Maine Commissioner of Labor John Butera in a statement. “Support for claimants while they search for reemployment is the end goal of the unemployment insurance program. The new ReEmployME system will provide claimants with around-the-clock ability to file for benefits and provide more accurate information to reduce fraud.”
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