How Much Unemployment Pays in Maine
How Maine calculates weekly unemployment benefits, the current minimum and maximum, and how many weeks you can collect.
Short answer: Your weekly benefit amount is the average of your wages in the two highest quarters of your base period divided by 22, rounded down to the whole dollar. Maine Department of Labor, Claimants Frequently Asked Questions
| Weekly benefit amount | Your weekly benefit amount is the average of your wages in the two highest quarters of your base period divided by 22, rounded down to the whole dollar. For new claims filed June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027, the minimum is $113 and the maximum is $649 per week, plus $25 per week for each dependent (dependent allowances cannot exceed 75% of the weekly benefit amount). The minimum and maximum are adjusted every year. |
|---|---|
| How many weeks | Up to 26 weeks of regular benefits, depending on your earnings; not everyone qualifies for all 26 weeks. Weeks do not have to be used consecutively but must be used within the 52-week benefit year. |
| Waiting week | Yes. The first eligible week claimed is an unpaid waiting period week. You must still file a claim for that week to get credit for it. |
Where to get help in Maine
More Maine unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your Maine Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in Maine
- Unemployment After Being Fired in Maine
- Unemployment After Quitting in Maine
- How to File for Unemployment in Maine
- All Maine unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
How much is unemployment in Maine?
Your weekly benefit amount is the average of your wages in the two highest quarters of your base period divided by 22, rounded down to the whole dollar. For new claims filed June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027, the minimum is $113 and the maximum is $649 per week, plus $25 per week for each dependent (dependent allowances cannot exceed 75% of the weekly benefit amount).
How long can you get unemployment in Maine?
Up to 26 weeks of regular benefits, depending on your earnings; not everyone qualifies for all 26 weeks. Weeks do not have to be used consecutively but must be used within the 52-week benefit year.
Is there a waiting week for unemployment in Maine?
Yes. The first eligible week claimed is an unpaid waiting period week. You must still file a claim for that week to get credit for it.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.