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Applying for Unemployment Benefits

If you’ve lost your job or have had your hours greatly reduced, you may qualify for unemployment benefits.

If you’re out of work and able to work, you may be eligible for temporary income called unemployment insurance (UI). If you qualify, you receive weekly payments to help cover your living expenses while you search for new employment. The amount you receive is based on what you were paid in the last year. The UI program for Massachusetts is managed by the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

First time? Start here.

Guide:
What to do if you’ve become unemployed in Massachusetts 
Check eligibility 

What would you like to do?

Top tasks

Apply for unemployment benefits  Log in to your UI Online account  Unemployment foreign language online application 

All other tasks

Request weekly unemployment benefits  Respond to requests for information about your unemployment claim  Submit additional information to support your unemployment claim  Appeal your unemployment benefits decision  Find a job with MassHire JobQuest  Request attorney fee approval from the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) 
See all 10 of the what would you like to do section 

What you need to know

Your rights and responsibilities as a claimant  Report unemployment benefits fraud  How your unemployment benefits are determined  Receiving your unemployment benefits by direct deposit or DUA debit card  UI Online computer requirements  Taxes and deductions for unemployment benefits 
See all 8 of Applying for Unemployment Benefits 

Contact Information

Phone

Call Center (877) 626-6800

Open 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, 8 a.m–12 p.m. Saturday. Multilingual call agents are available.

TeleCert Line (Automated system is operational*) (617) 626-6338

To request weekly benefits, daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m.

Payment Status Line (Automated System is operational*) (617) 626-6563

To check your claim or benefit payment status (*please do not transfer to an agent while in the system-this is not staffed at this time)

Online

To access UI Online from a computer: Log in as a claimant 
Reset your password 
UI Online computer requirements 
Learn more about this organization 

More Information

Related Services

See all 8 

Additional Resources

Information About Energy and Utility Help (DOCX 12.3 KB)
COVID-19 Unemployment Handbook (Initial claims filed on or after March 15, 2020) (PDF 28.98 MB)
A Guide to Benefits and Employment Services (PDF 2.21 MB)
How to Apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits (Form 0590A) (PDF 156.1 KB)
Work Search Activity Log (PDF 319.05 KB)
Unemployment Insurance Claims Process (PDF 293.96 KB)
Image credits:  Shutterstock
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