How Your Benefits are Determined

There are two determinations made on your claim to determine your eligibility. One is called a monetary determination.

Claimants receive a weekly benefit of approximately 50 percent of their average weekly wage, up to the maximum set by law. The maximum benefit rate is $674 a week (effective October 7, 2012).

To be eligible for benefits, you must have been paid benefits in the base period of at least 30 times your weekly benefit rate as calculated below.

The monetary amount of your unemployment insurance (UI) claim, how much you may be able to collect if you meet all eligibility requirements, is determined by the earnings paid to you over a period of time of up to 52 weeks, as defined by Massachusetts law. This is known as your base period.

If you are the whole or main support of your children, you may be eligible for a weekly dependency allowance.

In most circumstances, severance pay is considered income. You cannot collect UI benefits for the same weeks you are receiving severance pay unless you sign a release of claims.

Your benefits may be affected by any pension benefits you are receiving. Receipt of a Social Security retirement benefit will have no effect on your eligibility.