2026 · Maine
Maine unemployment benefits
Maine pays up to $623 a week for up to 26 weeks, a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#26 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Maine's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $108 - $623 |
| Maximum duration | 26 weeks (15-26; base max $623, up to $1,090 with max dependents) |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | two high quarters |
| Taxed by Maine? | Yes |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Maine
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $577 a week (within Maine's $108-$623 range). Over 26 weeks that's up to $15,002 in total. Maine has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
Maine against its neighbors
Maine's $623 weekly cap is the highest among its bordering states. Benefits come from the state where your wages were reported, so a recent move doesn't change which formula applies to you.
Worked in a bordering state? Its rules apply instead: New Hampshire .
Questions about Maine unemployment
How much does Maine pay in unemployment?
Between $108 and $623 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (two high quarters). The $623 maximum is a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#26 of 51).
How long does Maine unemployment last?
Up to 26 weeks15-26; base max $623, up to $1,090 with max dependents. At the $623 weekly maximum that caps total potential benefits at $16,198. The duration and the weekly amount are set separately, Maine sizes the check off two high quarters but counts weeks on its own rules, so low earners may qualify for fewer weeks, and two people with the same weekly benefit can exhaust at different times.
Is Maine unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Maine also taxes it on the state return.
Does severance affect my Maine unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Maine's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Unemployment Compensation before you file, since it is a real-money decision. Confirm the timing with Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Unemployment Compensation before you file rather than after, a difference of one week in when the claim starts can change whether a severance payment offsets the benefit. The tax side of the severance itself is on the Maine severance page.
File with Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Unemployment Compensation. This is an estimate, Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Unemployment Compensation determines your actual benefit.
Your Maine layoff toolkit
- Maine severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Maine paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Maine 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Maine's agency determines your actual benefit. Figures from the verified 2026 dataset, last verified 2026-07-24. Nothing you enter is stored. Not tax or legal advice.