offered by
Department of Unemployment Assistance
related to
Unemployment Information for Workers

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 

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  Report unemployment insurance fraud 
See all 8 of What would you like to do? 

What you need to know

Your rights and responsibilities as a claimant  Schedule a callback from DUA  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 What you need to know 

Contact Information

Address

Boston Walk-In Center
Charles F. Hurley Building, 19 Staniford St., Boston, MA 02114
directions 

Phone

TeleClaim Center (617) 626-6800

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Voice Relay 711

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

TeleCert Line (617) 626-6338

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

Payment Status Line (617) 626-6563

To check your claim or benefit payment status

Online

To access UI Online from a computer: Log in as a claimant 
Reset your password 
UI Online computer requirements 
For questions about your claim: Schedule a callback from the TeleClaim Center 
Learn more about this organization 

More Information

Related Services

See all 7 

Additional Resources

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 193.14 KB)
Unemployment Insurance Claims Process (PDF 293.96 KB)
Image credits:  Shutterstock
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