1. How do I apply?
2. What information do I need when I apply?
3. How do I claim my benefits?
4. I received severance pay.  Can I file for Unemployment Insurance at the same time?
5. Can I file if I receive a pension, or other retirement payments or social security benefits? 
6. I worked in another state.  How do I file for Unemployment Insurance benefits?
7. I was laid off twice in a year.  Can I file twice?
8. How do I close or reopen my claim?
9. I need to travel for a week during my unemployment claims period.  What should I do?
10. What do I have to do to maintain my eligibility?


1. How do I apply?
To file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits call the Unemployment Insurance TeleClaim Center.

Call the TeleClaim Center at 1-877-626-6800 from area codes: 351, 413, 508, 774, and 978 or 1-617-626-6800 from any other area code. 
 

Expanded Hours:  7:30am to 4:30pm Monday - Friday.

You may file your claim during your first week of total or partial unemployment—to delay may cost you benefits.  Step-by-step guidelines are provided on How to File Your Initial Claim.


2. What information do I need when I apply?
When you are separated from your job, your employer will provide you with a pamphlet How to File for Unemployment Insurance Benefits PDF. It will give you information on how to file your claim.

You should have the following information when you file, whether you file in person or over the telephone.

  • Your Social Security Number
  • The year you were born
  • Your home address and telephone number
  • Whether you have filed an Unemployment Insurance claim in Massachusetts or in any other state during the past 12 months
  • Your last day of employment
  • The names and addresses of all of the employers you have worked for during the 15 months prior to filing your claim and the dates you worked for each of these employers. If you are reopening a claim, be ready with the same information for the past 8 weeks.
  • The reason that you are no longer working or that your hours have been reduced
  • The names, dates of birth and social security numbers for any dependent children, if you are going to apply for dependency allowance
  • Your alien registration number if you are not a U.S. citizen


3. 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.  


4. I received severance pay.  Can I file for Unemployment Insurance at the same time?
In most cases you cannot collect severance pay and UI benefits for the same weeks.  If you are disqualified from receiving UI benefits because of severance pay, your benefit year will be extended for the number of weeks for which you received severance pay.  If your employer required you to sign a “Release of Claims” in order for you to receive your severance pay, you may be able to receive Unemployment Insurance benefits for the same weeks you receive severance pay.


5. Can I file if I receive a pension, or other retirement payments or social security benefits?  
Receipt of a Social Security retirement benefit will have no effect on your eligibility or reduction in weekly 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. I worked in another state.  How do I file for Unemployment Insurance benefits?
If you worked solely in another State you will need to file your claim against that State.  Some states allow you to file your claim by phone or Internet, while others require you to visit an office in person.  


7. I was laid off twice in a year.  Can I file twice?
Once your claim is filed, it remains the same for one year.  Your claim can be opened and closed during that year depending on your employment and availability status.  It is available until you exhaust all your benefits or until your benefit year has expired, whichever comes first.


8. How do I close or reopen my claim?
If you wish to close your claim, do not call and claim weekly benefits.  That will stop your claim automatically.  If you wish to reopen your claim, you will need to call the TeleClaim Center at 1-617-626-6800 or toll free 1-877-626-6800 from area codes 351, 413, 508, 774, 978).

 
9. I need to travel for a week during my unemployment claims period.  What should I do?
If you are not available and not actively seeking work, do not claim that week. When you return, you can call the TeleClaim to reopen your claim.   If you are out of town because of a job interview(s), just file your weekly claim as usual and keep track of your worksearch.  


10. What do I have to do to maintain my eligibility?
To remain eligible, you must actively look for work and be ready and able to accept a job. This means that you must let DUA know if you were ill, injured, or were unable to work during any week you are claiming benefits.

To show DUA that you are actively seeking full-time work, you must establish a worksearch plan, maintain records of your worksearch, and report this information to DUA when asked to do so.  You must also report any earnings you have while you are collecting UI benefits.

 

 

 

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