After you file a claim, a number of actions will be set in motion - some actions need to be taken by the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) while others need to be taken by you as a claimant.

In general, it takes approximately 3 weeks to process a claim; however, you will still need to claim benefits every week. Once a determination is made, and if you are eligible, you will get retroactive checks for the weeks that you previously claimed. If you do not claim benefits while your claim is being processed, you will have to speak with a representative to re-open your claim, and you may not be eligible to collect benefits for those weeks.

DUA Actions:

DUA will take the following steps to process your unemployment claim:

  • DUA sends a request for wage and separation information form to all the employers on your claim. Each employer has 10 days to respond to the request for wage and separation information. If after 10 days, wage and separation requests are not returned, DUA contacts employers and/or the claimant for missing wage information.
  • Once the wage and separation forms are returned and processed, DUA calculates your benefit entitlement and sends you a Benefit Determination Form detailing the amount and duration of potential benefits.
  • If the reason you are no longer employed by your most recent employer is other than lack of work, one of DUA's Customer Service Representatives will contact both you and your former employer to take statements regarding your employment separation. A determination is made based on the law and a determination of your eligibility for benefits is issued.
  • If any other additional information is required, DUA will contact you.
  • If you are eligible for unemployment benefits and there are no issues with your claim, DUA will issue your first payment in 3 - 4 weeks.

Mailings from DUA and Actions You Must Take:

Within the next few weeks you will receive several mailings from DUA. Some of these documents have application/response deadlines. Please review all the information carefully and respond immediately, if requested. Be sure to keep these documents as a reference of your claim.

A Guide To Benefits and Employment Services: You will receive this guide, together with an Acknowledgement of your claim and a brochure Claiming Unemployment Insurance Benefits with WebCert and TeleCert, shortly after filing your claim.

  • Action: Please review the guide carefully, as it provides an overview of benefits and services provided by DUA, as well as, your rights and responsibilities.

Medical SecurityProgram (MSP) package: Within 10 days of your filing date, you will receive detailed information about temporary health insurance benefits, and an application form. If you meet income eligibility and other guidelines, you and your family may qualify for health insurance coverage.

  • Action: If you meet income guidelines, and would like to apply for MSP assistance, return the completed application as soon as possible. If you do not receive the MSP package, call 1-800-908-8801.

Benefits Determination Form 1075: Within 3 weeks, you will receive your Monetary Determination, listing your previous employer(s) and wages, calculated benefit rate based on your base period earnings and earnings exclusion.

  • Action: If you disagree with the wages listed or your benefit rate, you need to contact DUA or file an appeal within 10 days of the date listed on the form.

Career Center Seminar Attendance: You will be asked to attend a mandatory Career Center Seminar at a Massachusetts Career Center near you to assist you with your re-employment efforts. Your attendance at the seminar is part of your unemployment insurance work search activity.

  • Action: Call the Automated Career Center Seminar Scheduling System at 1-800-653-5586 or call the Career Center nearest you to schedule your attendance.

Weekly Actions You Must Take:

Unemployment insurance is a temporary income protection program for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. In order to collect unemployment benefits, you must be able to work, available for work and looking for work.

Required weekly actions:

  • Claim Weekly Benefits. Beginning on the Sunday after you file your claim, you must claim for the previous week by certifying three questions. If you do not claim benefits for even one week because you returned to work, or for other reasons, your claim will be closed. You may reactivate it by calling the TeleClaims Center.
  • Conduct Weekly Work Search: Federal regulations require that UI claimants conduct an active work search while collecting UI benefits. Work Search Activity instructions and Work Search Activity Logs can be downloaded from our website: .

As a condition of continued eligibility, DUA requires that you do the following each week:

  • Make a minimum of three work search contacts in each week for which benefits are claimed.
  • Keep a written log of those work search contacts.
  • Provide a work search log to DUA upon request.

Important:If your wages or personal information changes, please notify DUA as soon as possible. If you become employed, simply stop claiming weekly benefits.

DUA Recommendations for Claimants:

Initiate Tax Withholding: Your UI benefits are taxable and you are responsible for paying federal and state taxes on your UI benefits.

Register for Online Services:

  • If you have Internet access, you can certify for weekly benefits online via WebCert. Once online, you can also access these services: check the status of your claim, verify the amount and date of your most recent payment, and more.

Set up Direct Deposit to receive your benefits payments:

  • Direct Deposit is a fast, safe and reliable way to access your benefit payments. Sign up for Direct Deposit by phone at 1-617-626-6800 or online.

Apply for Approved Training: If you think you need training to help you find new employment, you can apply for approved training under Section 30 of the Unemployment Insurance Law.