General questions
What is unemployment insurance?
Unemployment insurance (UI) provides temporary income to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. If you worked in Massachusetts within the last 15 months and lost your job, you may be eligible for UI benefits, up to 30 weeks.
Learn more about navigating the unemployment process
When should I apply for unemployment insurance?
You can apply for unemployment insurance benefits as soon as you lose your job or your hours are significantly reduced. After you apply, you need to file a weekly claim for each week that you need benefits. You can start doing this the week after you apply.
Learn more about applying for unemployment insurance
How do I apply for unemployment insurance?
- Online: You can apply online anytime with an Unemployment Services for Workers account.
- By phone: Call the TeleClaim Center at (877) 626-6800, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Learn more about applying for unemployment insurance
What is the difference between filing an initial claim and filing a weekly claim?
- Your initial claim for benefits is your application for benefits. This is when you share information about your employment history and wages so DUA can determine if you are eligible and how much money you may qualify for each week. Find out how to apply for benefits.
- Your weekly claim is when you request benefits each week that you need them. Each week, you need to tell DUA that you still need benefits, and certify that you are completing your work search requirements. You can start filing a weekly claim the week after you apply.
Where can I get help with my unemployment insurance claim?
You can call the DUA Call Center Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or you can make an appointment at the Boston Re-Employment Center (REC) to get help with your claim, connect with job search services, and update your unemployment services account.
Eligibility and requirements
Am I eligible for UI benefits?
You may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits if you lost your job or your hours were significantly cut through no fault of your own.
Learn more about unemployment eligibility
How much will I receive each week I’m unemployed?
Your benefit amount is based on your wages. You can use the Unemployment Benefits Calculator to see an estimate.
I live in Massachusetts but work in another state. Where should I file for unemployment?
If you live in Massachusetts but work for an employer located in a different state, you must file your claim in the state where your employer is based.
Am I eligible if my hours were significantly reduced?
If your hours were reduced through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for benefits. On weeks that you earned income, you must report those earnings when requesting benefits for the week prior. If your earnings are more than one-third of your weekly benefit amount, the extra income will be deducted from your payment. Example: If your weekly benefit is $300 and you earn $105, your benefit payment will be reduced to $295
Learn more about working while receiving unemployment benefits
Am I eligible if I’m self-employed or an independent contractor?
Income earned through self-employed or independent contracting usually can’t be used to establish an unemployment benefits claim. In some cases, your employer may have incorrectly hired you as an independent contractor or a 1099 employee. If this is the case, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits.
Learn more about unemployment eligibility
Am I eligible for UI benefits as a federal government employee?
Yes, federal employees who have lost their jobs or had their hours significantly reduced may be eligible for benefits.
Learn more about how to apply as a federal employee
Why would I be denied unemployment insurance?
- Some types of income can't be used to establish an unemployment claim
- If you quit your job without good cause
- If your employer reports that you were fired for misconduct or violating a company policy
If your application for benefits was denied, you can file an appeal.
Can I track the status of my application?
Log in to your Unemployment Services for Workers account for updates on your claim and payments. You can track weekly certifications, eligibility, and payment status more easily than before.
What your status means:
| Waiting for Response | Action required. We need more information to decide if you qualify for benefits. Log in and respond to the request in your account. |
|---|---|
| In Progress | We are reviewing your information. You’ll get a notification once we make a decision. |
| Determined Ineligible | We decided you do not meet the requirements to receive benefits. If you disagree, log in and choose “File an appeal.” |
| Determined Eligible | We decided you do meet the requirements. You’ll receive benefit payments each week you certify—if you continue to meet program requirements. |
| Monetarily Eligible | You earned enough to qualify for benefits. If you disagree with the benefit amount, log in and choose “File a wage correction.” |
| Monetarily Ineligible | You haven’t earned enough to qualify for benefits. If you believe this is incorrect, log in and choose “File a wage correction.” |
I’m still not sure if I’m eligible. What should I do?
If you’re not sure about your eligibility, you should still apply for benefits.
Why did a receive a notice to participate in RESEA and attend Career Center Seminar?
Federal guidelines require states to randomly select UI claimants to participate in the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program and a Career Center Seminar. If you do not participate, your benefits may be delayed or stopped. Attend your RESEA appointment and complete any required activities to keep receiving benefits. They can also help connect you with resources to find work more quickly.
Benefits and payments
What is the maximum benefit amount I can receive?
The current maximum weekly benefit in Massachusetts is $1,051. Your exact benefit amount is based on your wages over the last 15 months.
Calculate your estimated benefit amount
How long can I receive benefits?
As of April 20, 2025, eligible claimants can receive benefits for up to 30 weeks. In Massachusetts, maximum benefit weeks can be reduced to 26 weeks during periods with low unemployment levels. If you filed your claim when 30 weeks were available, we cannot reduce the number of weeks you will receive.
What can I do if my unemployment benefits run out?
Currently, there are no federal unemployment benefit extension programs available. If your benefits are ending, you can explore local resources for support, including services listed through mass211.org, which can help connect you to housing, food, and other assistance programs.
I received a Notice of Monetary Determination. Does that mean my claim was approved?
No. This letter shows an estimate of how much money you may be able to receive, based on your wage history over the last 15 months.
Learn more about what to expect after you apply for unemployment benefits
How long does it take for an application to be processed?
Every application is unique, so processing times can vary. Most applications are processed in about 4 weeks.
During that time:
- Your employer needs to verify your employment and wage history. They have 10 business days (two weeks) to do this.
- You may need to respond to a request for more information about your claim from DUA. You can do this online in your Unemployment Services account.
- You need to start filing a weekly claim for benefits. If you do not do this, your benefits may be delayed or stopped.
Learn more about what to expect after you apply for unemployment benefits
Q: How can I track my payment status?
Log in to Unemployment Services for Workers for updates on your claim and payments.
What your benefit payment status means:
| Claim Closed | Your claim closed because you didn’t request benefits for 3 weeks in a row. Log in and choose “Reopen your claim” to continue. |
|---|---|
| Paid | Your benefit payment of $[Amount] was sent on [Date]. It should appear in your debit card or direct deposit account shortly. |
| Denied | You didn’t meet the requirements for benefits for a certain week or for a longer period. If you disagree, log in and choose “File an appeal.” |
| Excess Earnings | You earned too much money this week to qualify for benefits. |
| Pending | We’re reviewing your claim for this week. You’ll receive a notification once we make a decision. |
| No Benefit | You’re either not eligible for benefits or have used all your benefits. You can appeal this decision in the system. |
| Ready to Request Benefits | You must file your weekly certification to receive payment. Log in and choose “Request benefits.” |
| Not Filed – Claim Closed | Your claim closed because you didn’t request benefits. Choose “Reopen your claim” to continue. |
| Overpayment | You were paid benefits for this week but were later found ineligible. You must repay the funds or request a waiver. You can also file an appeal. |
| Payment in Progress | Your benefit payment is on the way. You should receive it within 2 business days. |
| Pending – Payment Returned | We tried to send your payment, but your bank returned it. Please update your direct deposit info by calling us at (877) 626-6800. |
| Penalty Week | You received benefits for weeks that you were working, and you did not tell us. As a penalty, you won’t receive benefits for the same number of weeks. Keep certifying each week you are unemployed. You may appeal. |
| Processing | Your weekly claim is being reviewed. We’ll notify you if more info is needed. |
| Payment Returned | Your benefit payment was returned by your bank and cannot be reissued. |
| Waiting Week | This is your one-time “Waiting Week.” No payment is issued per Massachusetts law for the first eligible week of a new claim. You need to certify for the waiting week. |
What is a waiting week?
The first week that you file a weekly claim for benefits is a waiting week. You will not get paid for that week. Your first payment will be for the second week you claim benefits.
Can I work part-time while receiving unemployment benefits?
You may be eligible for partial UI benefits, depending on how much you earn if you work part-time. The amount is adjusted based on your weekly earnings.
Learn more about situations that may change your eligibility
Do I need to report part-time earnings?
Yes. While you can work part time and receive unemployment, it may change your weekly benefit amount.
Filing weekly benefits
When do I need to file my weekly claim?
You can file your weekly claim for the previous week when the new week begins on Sunday. You can file anytime that week, Sunday through Saturday, and for up to three weeks after that, but it is best practice to request benefits as soon as possible.
What if I forget to file my weekly claim?
You can file your weekly claim for the previous week anytime during the new week, Sunday through Saturday. If you don’t file by Saturday, you have up to 21 days to file a claim for the week you missed. If you do not file a weekly claim for 3 weeks in a row, your unemployment claim will be closed. You can re-open it if you still need benefits.
How long does it take to receive UI benefits after completing work search activities?
If your application for benefits is approved, payments are usually issued two business days after you file your weekly claim, which includes submitting your work search activities.
Learn more about how to file your weekly unemployment claim
How many work search activities do I need to do?
Each week you are requesting UI benefits, you need to complete three work search activities. This notifies DUA that you are actively looking for work.
Learn more about how to file your weekly unemployment claim
Where do I submit my work search activities?
- Log in to Unemployment Services for Workers
- From your dashboard, select "Request benefits"
- Follow the prompts to answer questions about your week and provide proof of work search activities
Learn more about how to file your weekly unemployment claim
Do I need to upload the paper work search log?
No. The paper work search log is no longer required. All work search activities can be entered online in your Unemployment Services for Workers account.
Learn more about how to file your weekly unemployment claim
Can I keep using a paper work search log?
If you file your weekly claim over the phone, you may want to keep a written record in case DUA requests it.
You will not be able to upload a paper work search log to your online account.
Learn more about how to file your weekly unemployment claim
Do I need to search for work if I’m in a training program?
If you are in a DUA-approved Training Opportunities Program (TOP), you do not need to search for work. If your program is not approved under TOP, you must complete work search activities.
What happens if I don’t complete three work search activities?
You won’t be eligible for benefits for that week.
Determinations, delays, and appeals
How can I track my application status?
Log in to Unemployment Services for Workers for updates on your claim and payments.
What your claim status means:
| Saved as Draft | You started your application but didn’t finish it. Submit it before Saturday of this week to avoid starting over. |
|---|---|
| Processing | DUA is reviewing your application. You may get a fact finding request at this stage. Respond quickly so your benefits aren’t delayed. |
| Pending | DUA is reviewing your application, but you need to verify your identity. Check your messages for instructions and complete the steps right away. |
| Your Claim is Closed | Your claim may be closed if you haven’t submitted a request for weekly benefits for 3 weeks in a row. You can reopen your claim if you still need benefits. |
What if my application status has been pending for several weeks?
Some applications take longer to process while DUA confirms eligibility or gathers additional information. While your application is in review, you should continue to file your weekly claim for benefits.
Common reasons your application may be pending:
- DUA is waiting on information from your former employer(s)
- DUA is verifying your identity or work history
- DUA is reviewing additional documents you submitted
- DUA is working to resolve an eligibility issue or appeal
To help reduce delays and get benefits to eligible people faster, DUA launched a three-month pilot program that went into effect on Friday, August 1, 2025. On Fridays, staff will focus on processing open claims instead of answering calls. DUA may call you to get more information to process your claim.
I was denied benefits. What are my options?
If you disagree with a decision about your claim, you can file an appeal.
Taxes
When are 1099-G forms available?
1099-G forms are issued by the end of January for the previous tax year.
What if I lost my 1099-G form?
You can log in to your Unemployment Services for Workers account and reprint your 1099-G form at any time. You can also call (617) 626-5647 and follow the prompts to request your 1099-G.
Other
I can’t log in because my log in code is sent to my old phone number or email address. What should I do?
If you no longer have access to the phone number or email address linked to your MyMassGov account, you’ll need to update your MyMassGov multi-factor authentication (MFA) settings. DUA can’t do this—you need to contact MyMassGov to update it.