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File for an initial WorkShare claim as a worker

WorkShare allows you to avoid getting laid off. You work fewer hours and receive your reduced wages, while unemployment insurance benefits will help make up the difference. Your employer will file weekly benefits but you must open the initial claim.
Most claims are processed within 21-28 days after filing. It may take longer if there is an issue with your claim.
File a WorkShare claim in UI Online  WorkShare eligibility and benefits 

Contacts

DUA WorkShare Department

Phone

WorkShare Department Call DUA WorkShare Department, WorkShare Department at (617) 626-5521

For questions about WorkShare

Revenue Service Information Line Call DUA WorkShare Department, Revenue Service Information Line at (617) 626-5075

Select option 1 for questions about activating your UI Online employer account or registering for an Employer Account Number (EAN).

WorkShare claimant contacts

Phone

TeleClaim Center Call WorkShare claimant contacts, TeleClaim Center at (617) 626-6800

From any area code, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 pm

TeleClaim Center Call WorkShare claimant contacts, TeleClaim Center at (877) 626-6800

From area codes 351, 413, 508, 774, or 978, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Online

To access UI Online: To log in to your UI Online account 

The Details   of File for an initial WorkShare claim as a worker

What you need   for File for an initial WorkShare claim as a worker

To apply for a WorkShare unemployment insurance claim, you need to provide personal information including Social Security number, birth date, home address, email address, and phone number.

You also need information about your employment history from the last 15 months, including:

  • Names of all employers, addresses, and phone numbers
  • Reasons for leaving those jobs
  • Work start and end dates

You may need additional information in the following certain situations:

  • If you are not a U.S. citizen — your alien registration number
  • If you have dependent children — their birthdates and Social Security numbers
  • If you're in a union — your union name and local number
  • If you were in the military — your DD-214 Member 4 form. If you don’t have it, you can request your DD-214 online.
  • If you worked for the federal government - your SF8 form (optional)

How to file   File for an initial WorkShare claim as a worker

To apply online, you can create an account on the UI Online portal. The website will walk you through filling out your application. Once you file your initial application, you’ll be able to log into your account to check your status.

Don’t have a computer? Visit a MassHire Career Center where you can use one of theirs to file your claim and get help finding a job.

    You can file for unemployment benefits or get help with your application by calling the TeleClaim Center. The number you call depends on your area code:

    • (877) 626-6800 from area codes 351, 413, 508, 774, and 978
    • (617) 626-6800 from any other area code
    • 711 for Voice Relay

    The TeleClaim Center hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

    Next steps   for File for an initial WorkShare claim as a worker

    1. DUA reviews your application

      Once you’ve applied for unemployment benefits, DUA will review your application and confirm with your last job how much you earned.

    2. DUA notifies you about your benefits

      After DUA has confirmed your income with your former employers, they’ll send you a letter called a monetary determination that tells you how much you’ll receive in unemployment. The letter will detail:

      • The total amount of unemployment insurance benefits you’re eligible for (up to 30 weeks)
      • What your payment each week will be (up to $1033)
      • What support you’ll get for dependents ($25 for each eligible dependent)
      • The number of weeks you can claim benefits (no more than 30 weeks)

      If you receive a notice of denial, you can appeal the decision within 10 days.

    Downloads   for File for an initial WorkShare claim as a worker

    Open PDF file, 492.3 KB,  Worker's Guide to WorkShare (English, PDF 492.3 KB)
    Open PDF file, 660.95 KB,  Participating in WorkShare for Workers (English, PDF 660.95 KB)
    Open PDF file, 982.69 KB,  What to do if you’ve become unemployed in Massachusetts (English, PDF 982.69 KB)

    Contact   for File for an initial WorkShare claim as a worker

    Phone
    WorkShare Department Call DUA WorkShare Department, WorkShare Department at (617) 626-5521

    For questions about WorkShare

    Revenue Service Information Line Call DUA WorkShare Department, Revenue Service Information Line at (617) 626-5075

    Select option 1 for questions about activating your UI Online employer account or registering for an Employer Account Number (EAN).

    Phone
    TeleClaim Center Call WorkShare claimant contacts, TeleClaim Center at (617) 626-6800

    From any area code, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 pm

    TeleClaim Center Call WorkShare claimant contacts, TeleClaim Center at (877) 626-6800

    From area codes 351, 413, 508, 774, or 978, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

    Online
    To access UI Online: To log in to your UI Online account 

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