1.How much am I eligible to draw in weekly benefits?
2. How long can I collect UI benefits?
3. When do I start collecting unemployment checks?
4. How do I claim my benefits?
5. Do social security benefits, pensions and other retirement payments affect my Unemployment Insurance benefits?
6. What other benefits are provided under unemployment insurance?
7. What if I need more training in order to get a new job?
8. Can I get help in conducting my search for a new job?


1. How much am I eligible to draw in weekly benefits?
You may receive approximately 50% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $674 per week.  There’s an additional dependency allowance of $25 per dependent child if you provide whole or main support of your child(ren).  You must have worked in Massachusetts and earned at least $3,500 during the last four quarters and at least 30 times the amount you would be eligible to collect weekly in UI benefits. After you initiate a claim, you will receive a Benefit Determination Form indicating your weekly benefit rate. 
 


2. How long can I collect UI benefits?
The maximum number of weeks is 30 (capped at 26 weeks during periods of extended benefits).  However, many individuals qualify for less than 30 weeks of coverage.  The amount of your benefits and the number of weeks that you can collect those benefits depends on your earnings during the 15 months prior to filing your claim. 

Claimants may be eligible to receive additional weeks of benefits under the Federal Extended Benefits program, if it is still in effect.  Learn more about extended benefits. 


3. When do I start collecting unemployment checks?
Massachusetts Law requires a ‘waiting period’ ’, the first week of each new claim for which no benefits are paid.  If otherwise eligible, every effort is made to pay benefits three weeks from the week you filed your claim.  Reopened claims are not subject to the waiting period.


4. How do I claim my weekly benefits?
You may claim your benefits by telephone using TeleCert, or on the Web using WebCert. When you certify your eligibility via TeleCert or WebCert, you will receive a payment every week.  For the fastest and most reliable way to receive your payment, sign up for direct deposit.  


5. Do Social Security benefits, pensions and other retirement payments affect my Unemployment Insurance benefits?
Social Security retirement benefits: Receipt of a Social Security retirement benefits will have no effect on your eligibility or reduction in weekly benefits.

Pension and other retirement benefits: Your benefits may be affected by any pension benefits you are receiving.  You must report to DUA that you are receiving a pension. You will also need to provide documentation to DUA.  The DUA service representative who makes a determination on your claim will explain the law as it applies to you.  You will be asked to provide the amount and source of any type of pension or retirement payments when you file your claim. The DUA service representative who makes a determination on your claim will explain the law as it applies to you.

In all cases, you must be able to work, available for work and looking for work in order to collect unemployment benefits.


6. What other benefits are provided under unemployment insurance?
In addition to weekly monetary benefits, you may be eligible for these additional benefits:
- Health insurance coverage through the Medical Security Program
- Extension of UI Benefits if you attend approved training under Section 30
- Help finding a job through re-employment services.


7. What if I need more training in order to get a new job?
If you need new skills in order to become re-employed, you may be approved to attend training while you are collecting unemployment insurance benefits.

Section 30 of the Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance Law allows the Department of Unemployment Assistance to waive the "active worksearch" requirement for claimants who meet certain eligibility requirements. This means that claimants can continue to collect their UI benefits while in agency-approved training. Claimants must apply to DUA for Section 30 benefits before the end of their claim benefit year.

Under certain circumstances, claimants may be eligible for up to an additional 26 weeks of UI benefits while attending approved training. While Section 30 Training Opportunities may provide additional weeks of unemployment benefits, this does not include payment of actual training costs.


8. Can I get help in conducting my search for a new job?
Help is available at One-Stop Career Centers located throughout Massachusetts. You can learn new job search skills, find out about available training programs, and search for current job opportunities through a variety of resources. Sign up for the Career Center Seminar to learn about the wide variety of services available to help you with your job search.


Review additional FAQs related to:
>Eligibility
>Filing or Reopening a Claim
>Medical Security Program (MSP)
>Taxes
>Issues with Claims
>Disqualification due to the receipt of remuneration 
>Direct Deposit
>General Unemployment Questions
>Assistance with Job Search