Maine: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 11 topic we track for Maine on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Maine compares.

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Workers' comp deadlines · Workers' comp benefits · Paid leave programs · Minimum wage · Final paycheck rules · Unemployment benefits · Meal break laws · Tipped minimum wage · Payday frequency · Rest break laws · Noncompete laws

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Workers' comp deadlines Under review

Tell your employer	30 days (up to 90 days if late by mistake)
File a claim	2 years from injury or employer's first report, whichever is later

Workers' comp benefits Single detailed source

Waiting period	7 days
Waiting days paid back	After more than 14 days
Max weekly benefit (2026)	–

Paid leave programs

State program	Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave
Status	Paying benefits since May 1, 2026

Minimum wage Checked on official source

State minimum wage	$15.10
Next change	$15.70 on Jan. 1, 2027

Final paycheck rules Single detailed source

If you are fired	Next regular payday
If you quit	Next regular payday

Unemployment benefits Single detailed source

Maximum weekly benefit	$649 ($1,135 with dependents)
How long it lasts	15 to 26 weeks

Meal break laws Checked on official source

Meal break required	30 minutes after 6 consecutive hours

Tipped minimum wage Checked on official source

Minimum cash wage	$7.55
Most tips can count	$7.55 (50%)

Payday frequency Checked on official source

Required frequency	At least every 16 days

Rest break laws Checked on official source

Paid rest break	No state requirement

Noncompete laws

Noncompetes	Restricted by pay level or job