Unemployed urged to register online

AUGUSTA—Maine Department of Labor Commissioner Jeanne Paquette urges people who anticipate filing unemployment claims now through early in the new year to file online and to make sure they are fully registered on the Maine Job Bank.

The first week of January is usually the busiest week of the year for unemployment claims as post-holiday seasonal layoffs occur at businesses around the state. Claimants must be registered on the Job Bank before they will be allowed to file an initial or continuing claim.

Paquette stated, “If you are laid off, the best way to apply for unemployment is to file online at the Department of Labor’s unemployment website at http://www.file4ui.com. You must also register with the Maine Job Bank at http://www.mainecareercenter.com.

She added, “Due to required system maintenance, it will be a good idea to check the website a few days in advance of when you plan to file your claim to be able to plan for these periodic outages.” System maintenance is planned for Sunday, Jan. 10.

As part of the process for filing an unemployment claim on the website or by phone, all individuals will be checked for an active and complete Job Bank registration. Those who do not have an active or completed account must have one before filing their next claim. Individuals who have already taken that step will be able to file more quickly.

“We urge you to activate your Job Bank account as soon as possible, even before you are laid off, and to file online for unemployment,” stated the Commissioner. “Although laid-off workers can phone in their unemployment claims, high call volumes mean longer wait times, especially if the systems were scheduled for maintenance on the weekend. Our website offers the most convenient way to file a claim 24 hours a day and also connects job seekers to resources that will help them get a new job,” she explained.

Federal and state law requires all individuals filing for unemployment insurance benefits be registered with the Maine Job Bank or the equivalent for the state in which they reside.

Workers should use the correct website to file their claims. The safest way to file a claim online is by visiting http://www.file4ui.com .

People who do not have access to a computer or Internet are encouraged to use a computer at their local CareerCenter or public library. CareerCenter staff can help claimants sign up for a free email address, register for the Job Bank, learn how to create a resume and apply for jobs online.

Seasonal layoffs most often occur in the tourism, construction and retail sectors. Although claims typically increase right after Christmas, they drop off significantly in late winter as people begin to return to work.

In order to qualify to collect unemployment benefits, workers must have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, be actively seeking work and be able to accept new work. Workers who do not participate in a suitable, verifiable work search, who have not completed their Job Bank registration or who do not document their work search risk losing unemployment benefits and could be required to pay back benefits they have received.