Government Shutdown: UI for Federal Employees

Federal workers can get Unemployment

UI works a little differently if you work for the federal government

If you are a federal employee who lives in Maine, you can apply for Unemployment during the shutdown. Here are a few things to know:

1. To apply, federal workers must call the Maine Department of Labor at 1-800-593-7660 and speak with MDOL staff.
   1. You cannot apply online through ReEmployME.
2. We recommend you read MDOL’s full guidance about unemployment during federal shutdowns before calling:
   1. Program rules can vary depending on your situation, and this will help you decide if applying for UI is right for you.
3. Note: If you receive back pay when you go back to work, you will need to repay the benefits you received.
4. If needed: FAME Maine has no-interest loans to federal workers during shutdowns Talk to your local credit union or bank to see if they offers these loans. More info about this program here.
5. If you are not a federal employee, but you lose hours or get laid off because of the shutdown, you can apply for unemployment through regular channels, either online an reemployme.maine.gov or over the phone.

If you run into problems after you apply, you are welcome to contact the Maine AFL-CIO who can connect you with someone to help! Email info@maineaflcio.org.