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Apply for unemployment benefits

Have you lost your job? You may qualify for Unemployment Insurance (UI), which is temporary income to support you while you look for a new one.
You should apply for unemployment benefits during your first week of total or partial unemployment. Most claims are processed within 21-28 days after filing. It may take longer if there is an issue with your claim.
Apply for unemployment benefits online 

Contacts

Department of Unemployment Assistance

Phone

Call Center Call Department of Unemployment Assistance, Call Center at (877) 626-6800

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

TeleCert Line (Automated system is operational*) Call Department of Unemployment Assistance, TeleCert Line (Automated system is operational*) at (617) 626-6338

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

Payment Status Line (Automated System is operational*) Call Department of Unemployment Assistance, Payment Status Line (Automated System is operational*) at (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)

The Boston Re-Employment Center Call Department of Unemployment Assistance, The Boston Re-Employment Center at

By appointment only, visit mass.gov/RECappointment to make an appointment.

Online

To access UI Online from a computer: Log in as a claimant 
Reset your password 
To visit the Re-Employment Center, make an appointment at mass.gov/RECappointment 
UI Online computer requirements 
Learn more about this organization 

DUA Payment Status Line

Phone

Call DUA Payment Status Line at (617) 626-6563

To check your claim or benefit payment status

The Details   of Apply for unemployment benefits

How to apply   Apply for unemployment benefits

To file a claim online, you must create an account on the UI Online portal. Please follow the steps below to create your UI Online account. 

  1. Go to the UI Online.
  2. When prompted, you will be asked to enter your Social Security number twice.
  3. Proceed with the application by following the computer prompts.
  4. You will eventually be prompted to set up a password as well as a security verification question in case you forget your password. You will use the password you created every time you log in to UI Online.

If you have previously filed for unemployment benefits and forgot your password, follow these instructions to reset your UI Online password.

You can also apply for unemployment benefits or get help with your application by calling the TeleClaim Center at (877) 626-6800, Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm.

After Filing for Unemployment Assistance   for Apply for unemployment benefits

Here's what you need to know after filing a claim

If you received a confirmation number, your claim has been successfully submitted, and we are processing it. There’s no need to call for a status update. Claims are typically processed within 3–4 weeks. If we need additional information, we will contact you through UI Online, by mail, or by phone. 

Find out what happens during this time and what you need to do to stay eligible while your claim is under review. 

Instructional videos   for Apply for unemployment benefits

Contact   for Apply for unemployment benefits

Address
Boston Re-Employment Center (By appointment only, visit mass.gov/RECappointment to make an appointment.)
2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111
Directions 
Phone
Call Center Call Department of Unemployment Assistance, Call Center at (877) 626-6800

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

TeleCert Line (Automated system is operational*) Call Department of Unemployment Assistance, TeleCert Line (Automated system is operational*) at (617) 626-6338

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

Payment Status Line (Automated System is operational*) Call Department of Unemployment Assistance, Payment Status Line (Automated System is operational*) at (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)

The Boston Re-Employment Center Call Department of Unemployment Assistance, The Boston Re-Employment Center at

By appointment only, visit mass.gov/RECappointment to make an appointment.

Online
To access UI Online from a computer: Log in as a claimant 
Reset your password 
To visit the Re-Employment Center, make an appointment at mass.gov/RECappointment 
UI Online computer requirements 
Learn more about this organization 
Phone
Call DUA Payment Status Line at (617) 626-6563

To check your claim or benefit payment status

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