TeleCert is the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance's weekly telephone filing system for claiming weekly unemployment insurance benefits.
  • When you choose to use TeleCert, you will call weekly to certify your eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits by answering questions using the numbers on a touch-tone telephone.
  • When you use TeleCert, you file for benefits every week that you are unemployed or working part-time.
    (If you worked full-time, you are not eligible for benefits for that week and should not call.)

Not only can you "sign" for your benefits by telephone, but TeleCert will also tell you:

  • If you are eligible for benefits for that week.
  • The amount of your check if you are eligible for payment.
    If you have part-time earnings, TeleCert will compute the amount of your check.
  • If there is a problem that affects your eligibility.

What do you need to sign up for TeleCert?

  • You must have selected a DUA Personal Identification Number (PIN)
  • You must have use of a touch-tone telephone

Here's how TeleCert works.

  • Call: 617-626-6338
  • Days/times to call: Sunday to Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
    Sunday is the first day of the week you can call to claim benefits for the prior week. Calls are not accepted on Saturdays or legal holidays. Sunday hours extended to 10 p.m.
  • Shorter wait times can be expected after 2:00 p.m. and later in the week.
Information you will need:
  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your DUA 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN)
  • The amount of your gross earnings (your wages before taxes) if you worked during the week claimed.

Answer these three questions :
You are answering these questions only for the week that you are claiming benefits.

  • During the week claimed, did you look for work?
    If Yes, press 1. If No, press 9.
  • During the week claimed, were you able to work and available for work?
    If Yes, press 1. If No, press 9.
  • During the week claimed, did you work?
    If Yes, press 1. If No, press 9.

(If you answer "yes" to this question, you will be asked to enter the amount of your gross earnings in dollars and cents. Include holiday pay. If you do not know how much you earned, you will need to call again to report your earnings. This may delay your benefits.)

If you make a mistake or want to hear the question repeated, press the * button.

Be sure to stay on the line until you are told your weekly claim filing is complete.

Make a note of your TeleCert calls in the space provided in your pamphlet -- and remember to call every week that you are claiming benefits.

Please review our Tips for Weekly Claim Certification to help you certify for weekly benefits more effectively.


To reactivate your claim
If you do not claim benefits for even one week because you returned to work or for another reason your claim will "close." You may reactivate it by calling the DUA TeleClaim Center, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Call one of these numbers to speak to a claims agent:

  • Call 1-877-626-6800 from area codes 351, 413, 508, 774 and 978.
  • Call 1-617-626-6800 from any other area code