How do you claim unemployment in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts pays about 50% of your average weekly wage, up to $1,105 a week, through the Department of Unemployment Assistance. Start with a MyMassGov account, because that is how you get into Unemployment Services for Workers to file.
Apply by phone with the TeleClaim Center: (877) 626-6800
The Department of Unemployment Assistance decides every Massachusetts claim, and one online account carries the whole of it: applying, filing each week, and sending in documents.
Who the benefit is for
DUA's own test for a new claim:
- You lost your job, or had your hours cut significantly, through no fault of your own
- You earned at least $6,300 over the last 12 months
- You are authorized to work in the United States
- You earned that income in Massachusetts
- You are able to work, available for work, and actively looking for it
Anyone unsure about their own case is told to apply anyway and let DUA decide. Who qualifies works through the wage tests and the reasons a job ending can block a claim.
The first steps, in order
- Create a MyMassGov account. An old UI Online account cannot log in to the system claimants use now.
- File the claim in Unemployment Services for Workers, or by phone on (877) 626-6800, Monday to Thursday. How to file lists what to have in front of you.
- Start filing a weekly claim the week after you apply, even while your application is still under review.
- Watch your Action Center and your mail for requests from DUA, and answer them quickly.
Getting help face to face
DUA takes appointments at the Boston Re-Employment Center, and offers limited appointments at MassHire Career Centers in Brockton, Fall River, Greenfield, Holyoke, Pittsfield, Salem, Southbridge, Springfield, Taunton, and Worcester. Offices and phone numbers has the addresses, along with the separate lines for payment status, PINs, and direct deposit.
Massachusetts unemployment guides
- How to fileThe account you need first, what to have ready, and the notices DUA sends
- Who qualifiesThe wage test, the base periods, and the quits and firings that block a claim
- How much it paysThe weekly figure, the $25 dependency allowance, and what part-time work does
- How long it lastsThe 30-week maximum, how your own number is set, and when it can drop to 26
- Weekly claims and work searchFiling each week, the work search rules, and working part time
- Denials, appeals, and overpaymentsThe 10-day deadline, hearings, the Board of Review, and overpayments
- TaxesFederal and state tax on benefits, withholding rates, and Form 1099-G
- Offices and phone numbersWhich DUA line to call, its hours, and where to get help in person
- DisabilityPaid medical leave, SSDI and SSI, and how each meets a claim
- JobsThe state job bank, career center help, and training while you claim
- Questions and answersThe questionnaire, a pending claim, closing one, and other help you can get