What Is The Weekly Benefit Amount?

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What Is The Weekly Benefit Amount?

The amount you earn determines the amount of unemployment benefits you can collect. In other words, the more you earn, the more you can collect. Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) is the benefit amount that you can receive for one week. Your weekly benefit amount is determined by dividing the average of the wages in the two highest quarters of your base period by 22.

The law establishes the maximum amount you may draw during your benefit year. This amount depends on your individual earnings and is limited to a maximum of 26 weeks. The maximum weekly benefit you can earn cannot exceed $283.00, but cannot be less than $49.00

Other Maine Labor and Employment FAQs

Q: How Do I Qualify For Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
A: You must first establish monetary eligibility. This means that you must have adequate wages in your base period to establish eligibility. The base period is the first … More
Q: Can I File A Claim Outside Of Maine?
A: Yes, You can file a claim by telephone from any other state. The number to call from out of state is (207) 7532800. If you live in Canada, you should contact … More
Q: How Do I Claim Weekly Benefits?
A: Claim forms will be sent to you on a weekly basis which must be returned to continue receiving benefits. Weekly claims forms must be filed within 21 days of the date … More
Q: How Long Will It Take To Get My First Unemployment Check?
A: The first valid week is a Waiting Period week and no check is payable for that week. It will take approximately 23 weeks from the date you first file a new claim … More
Q: How Will Earnings Affect My Benefits?
A: You must report all earnings from all jobs for the week the work was performed even if you were not paid that week. Your first $25.00 will not affect your … More
Q: What Can I Do If I Am Denied Unemployment Benefits?
A: You have the right to appeal the denial of benefits to the Office of Administrative Hearings. You must file your appeal within 15 calendar days of the mailing date of … More
Q: When And Where Will My Hearing Occur?
A: The Notice of Appeals Hearing will notify you of the date, time, and location of the hearing about 10 to 7 days before it is to occur. If your hearing is to take … More
Q: Do I Need To Be Represented By An Attorney?
A: You have the right to hire an attorney to represent you at your hearing. However, most parties do not have an attorney or other representation at their appeal. The … More
Q: What Can I Expect To Happen After The Hearing?
A: You will receive a written decision, by mail, from the Hearing Officer approximately 10 days after the hearing. This decision will either affirm, modify, or set aside … More
Q: What Can I Do If I Disagree With The Decision Of The Hearing Officer?
A: If you do not agree with the decision of the Hearing Officer in your case, you can appeal that decision to the Unemployment Insurance Commission. The Commission may … More