Apply for unemployment benefits
Am I eligible for benefits?
You may be eligible for UI benefits if you lost your job or your hours were reduced through no fault of your own.
If you aren’t sure if you’re eligible, you should apply anyway.
Learn more about unemployment eligibility
How do I apply?
You can apply for UI benefits as soon as you lose your job or your hours are reduced.
You can apply online or over the phone.
What information do I need to apply?
You’ll need information about yourself and your work history.
This includes your Social Security number, contact information, and information about your recent employers.
If you want to use direct deposit, you’ll also need your bank account and routing numbers.
What if I live in Massachusetts but worked in another state?
If you live in Massachusetts but worked for an employer located in another state, you must file your claim in the state where your employer is located.
Can I work part-time while receiving unemployment benefits?
Yes, but you must report this income when you file your weekly claim for benefits.
Learn more about working while receiving benefits
How much will I get paid?
Your benefits are based on your wages over the last year.
After you apply
How long does it take to process an application?
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
How do I check the status of my claim?
Log in to Unemployment Services for Workers to check for updates on your application for benefits.
How to check your unemployment claim status
What if my claim 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
How do I know if DUA needs something from me?
Log in to your Unemployment Services for Workers account and check for notices or requests for information.
If DUA asks you for more information, respond by the deadline in the notice.
I got 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 how your benefit amount is determined
Learn more about what to expect after you apply
Why was my application denied?
There are a few reasons why your application for benefits may be denied:
- 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 company policy
If you disagree with an unemployment determination, you can file an appeal.
Send documents or respond to DUA
How do I upload documents?
If you need to upload documents when applying for benefits, follow the instructions in the online application. Documents can be uploaded from a phone or computer.
Sometimes, DUA will request additional documents after you apply. You can respond to those requests online.
DUA asked me for more information. What should I do?
Follow the instructions in the notice you received.
If the request is available online, you can respond through your Unemployment Services for Workers account.
Make sure you respond by the deadline in the notice.
Respond to a request for information
I got a letter in the mail from DUA. What should I do?
Read the entire letter and check if you need to respond.
The letter should tell you what DUA needs, how to respond, and the deadline.
If you need to respond online, log in to your Unemployment Services for Workers account and follow the instructions.
Report unemployment benefits fraud
Where can I find notices from DUA?
Log in to your Unemployment Services for Workers account to check for notices and information about your claim.
You should also check your mail or email, depending on how you receive communications from DUA.
I need help with my DUA PIN. What should I do?
Call the DUA PIN Selection Line at (617) 626-6943 to select or reset your 4-digit PIN.
File your weekly claim
How do I file my weekly claim for benefits?
You can file your weekly claim for benefits online or over the phone. You need to file a claim each week that you need benefits, starting the week after you apply for benefits.
Learn more about how to file your weekly unemployment claim
When should I file my weekly claim for benefits?
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.
Do I need to file weekly claims while my application is pending?
Yes.
Start filing weekly claims the week after you apply, even if DUA is still reviewing your application.
If you are approved, you can only be paid for weeks that you properly claimed.
Do I need to report work search activities each week?
Yes, you need to report at least 3 work search activities each week when you file your claim for benefits. If you don’t complete 3 work search activities, you won’t be eligible for benefits that week.
The only time you don’t need to report work search activities is if you are participating in a training program that’s approved by DUA.
What counts as a work search activity?
Eligible work search activities include (but are not limited to):
- Submitting an application, resume, letter of interest, etc., through an employer or an employment website, such as MassHire JobQuest
- Making in-person visits with employers who might be hiring
- Attending private or MassHire Career Center sponsored job fairs, networking events, employment workshops, and much more
- Interviewing with potential employers in person, by phone, or online
- Registering for work with private employment agencies or placement services
Do I still need to use the paper work search log?
No. DUA used to require a paper work search log each week, but it’s not required anymore. All work search activities can be reported online in your Unemployment Services for Workers account. You can’t upload a paper work search log in your online account.
If you file your weekly claim over the phone, you may want to keep a written record of your work search activities in case DUA requests it.
Learn more about how to file your weekly unemployment claim
What is RESEA?
Federal guidelines require states to randomly select some unemployment claimants for the Re-Employment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program.
If you are selected, you must participate to collect benefits.
Get your unemployment payments
How will I get paid?
You can receive unemployment benefits by direct deposit or on a DUA-approved U.S. Bank ReliaCard.
You can choose your payment method when you apply for benefits.
Learn more about unemployment payment options
How long does it take to receive benefits after I file my weekly claim?
If your application is approved, payments are usually issued about 2 business days after you file your weekly claim and submit your work search activities.
Federal holidays may cause an extra day of processing time.
Learn more about unemployment payment options
How do I set up or change direct deposit?
You can change your direct deposit information online.
Log in to Unemployment Services for Workers. From your dashboard, go to Benefit details, select Update payment method, and follow the instructions.
You can also call the Direct Deposit Line at (617) 626-6570.
It can take about 9 business days to verify new bank account information. Keep filing your weekly claims while you wait.
How can I check my payment status?
Call the Payment Status Line at (617) 626-6563 to check your claim or benefit payment status.
You can also log in to your Unemployment Services for Workers account for information about your claim.
My payment was issued, but I haven't received it. What should I do?
First, check your payment status and payment method.
You can call the Payment Status Line at (617) 626-6563.
If you still need help, call DUA at (877) 626-6800.
Why is my payment less than I expected?
Your payment may change based on your income, taxes, or other information related to your claim.
Check your Unemployment Services for Workers account for information about your payment.
If you still don't understand why your payment changed, contact DUA.
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.
What if my benefits run out?
Right now, there aren’t any benefit extension programs available. If your benefits are ending, mass211.org can help connect you to local resources for housing, food, and other assistance programs.
Start a new job or work while receiving benefits
Can I work part-time while receiving unemployment benefits?
Yes, but you must report your income when you file your weekly claim for benefits.
Learn more about working while receiving benefits
What if I'm working part-time or my hours were reduced?
You may still be eligible for unemployment benefits if you are working reduced hours.
You must report your work and income when you file your weekly claim.
You may also need to meet the weekly work search requirements.
Learn more about working while receiving benefits
I got a new job. What should I do?
Continue to report your work status and any income when you file your weekly claim.
Once you are working and no longer need unemployment benefits, you can stop filing weekly claims.
I accepted a job but haven't started yet. Can I still receive benefits?
You may still need to meet the weekly eligibility requirements until you start working.
Continue to report your work status accurately when you file your weekly claim.
Do I need to close my unemployment claim when I go back to work?
You do not need to keep filing weekly claims once you no longer need benefits.
If you need unemployment benefits again later, your options will depend on your claim and benefit year.
Appeal a decision
Can I appeal a decision about my claim?
Yes.
If you disagree with an unemployment decision, you can file an appeal.
In most cases, you must file your appeal within 10 days of the mailing date on your determination letter.
Appeal an unemployment decision
What happens after I file an appeal?
DUA will send you a confirmation that your appeal was received.
DUA will also send you a Notice of Hearing with information about when and how your hearing will take place.
Your hearing may be by phone, online, or in person.
Keep filing your weekly claims while you wait for your appeal.
Do I need to file weekly claims while I appeal a decision?
Yes.
Keep filing your weekly claims while your appeal is pending.
If you win your appeal, you can only receive benefits for weeks that you properly claimed.
How long will it take to get a decision after my appeal hearing?
A review examiner will make a decision after your hearing.
If you have not received a decision within 30 days after your hearing, contact the DUA Hearings Department to ask about the status of your appeal.
What if I disagree with the decision after my appeal hearing?
You may be able to appeal the hearing decision to the Board of Review.
You generally have 30 calendar days from the date of the hearing decision to file this appeal.
Taxes and your 1099-G
Do I need to pay taxes on unemployment benefits?
Yes.
You are responsible for paying state and federal taxes on unemployment benefits you receive.
Learn more about paying taxes on unemployment income
When does DUA send 1099-G forms?
DUA sends 1099-G forms at the end of January for benefits paid during the previous year.
Get help with your claim
Where can I get help with my unemployment claim?
You can get help over the phone or in person.
By phone: Call DUA at (877) 626-6800, Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
The Call Center is closed on Fridays so DUA staff can work on open claims and requests.
In person: You can make an appointment with DUA for help with your claim.
Where can I get help with my online account?
Depending on what you need help with, MyMassGov or DUA can help you access or update your Unemployment Services for Workers account.
Learn more about logging in to Unemployment Services with MyMassGov
Who should I contact for help?
Here are some ways to get help:
- Questions about your claim: Call DUA at (877) 626-6800
- Check your claim or payment status: Call (617) 626-6563
- File a weekly claim by phone: Call (617) 626-6338
- Select or reset your DUA PIN: Call (617) 626-6943
- Set up or change direct deposit: Call (617) 626-6570
- Help with an appeal: Contact the DUA Hearings Department
- In-person help: Make an appointment with DUA
If you can, check your Unemployment Services for Workers account before calling. There may be a notice or request that explains what you need to do next.
Contact
Online
Phone
Monday–Thursday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
To request weekly benefits, daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
To check your claim or benefit payment status
Select or reset your 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN)
Set up, change, or cancel direct deposit