General Questions
What is unemployment insurance?
Unemployment insurance (UI for short) provides temporary income assistance to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. If you have worked in Massachusetts within the last 15 months and lost your job, you may be eligible for UI.
When should I file my claim?
You should file your claim after you have lost your job or had your hours significantly reduced. Please note, if you are laid off at the end of any given week, you may have earned too much money during that week to qualify for a weekly benefit. For example, if you were separated on a Friday morning but were paid for the entirety of the week, you would want to file the week after your layoff. Our weeks go from Sunday through the following Saturday.
How do I file for unemployment insurance?
You can file a claim online or calling the TeleClaim Center at (877) 626-6800, Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Due to larger than normal call volume, we strongly encourage individuals to file a claim online.
What is Unemployment Services for Workers and when should I start using it?
Unemployment Services for Workers is an online portal where you file your unemployment benefits claim and certify for benefits every week you’re unemployed.
Eligibility and Requirements
What information will I need to file a claim?
You can find this information by visiting our webpage that explains what information you need to file a claim.
I live in Massachusetts but work in another state. Where should I file for unemployment?
You should file a claim in the state in which you work.
I still have a job, but my hours were significantly reduced. Am I eligible for any benefits?
In certain circumstances, yes, if your hours were reduced through no fault of your own. Learn more about eligibility for unemployment.
I am self-employed or an independent contractor. Am I eligible for UI?
Currently, most self-employed workers and independent contractors working in Massachusetts are not authorized to obtain UI benefits. You should be aware that even if your employer says you are an independent contractor or issues you a 1099, DUA may consider you to be an employee, and you could be entitled to unemployment benefits. Learn more about independent contractors.
I am a federal government employee. Am I eligible for UI?
Yes. Federal employees who lose their jobs or experience a reduction in hours may qualify for unemployment assistance. Learn more about federal worker eligibility.
What are the wage requirements?
To qualify for UI, you must meet the following wage and eligibility requirements:
- Earn at least $6,300 (rounded to the nearest hundred dollars) during the last four completed calendar quarters.
- Earn at least 30 times the weekly benefit amount you’re eligible to collect.
Learn more about eligibility for unemployment.
Why would I be denied unemployment insurance?
You may not qualify for benefits if you lose your job for reasons other than a lack of work. Here are some common situations where benefits may be denied:
- Quitting without good cause – If you leave your job without a valid reason, you won’t qualify for benefits until you find new work, earn at least eight times your benefit rate, and become unemployed through no fault of your own.
- Being fired for misconduct – If you are fired for proven misconduct, you must meet the same work and earnings requirement before becoming eligible again.
Learn more about eligibility for unemployment.
I’m still not sure whether or not I’m eligible. What should I do?
You should still apply; there’s no penalty for applying. Fill out the online application and we will let you know.
Benefits and Payments
What is the maximum benefit I can receive?
A worker's benefit rate is based on the recent wages they received from their employer(s). The current maximum weekly benefit rate is $1,051 in Massachusetts.
How long do unemployment insurance benefits last?
Currently, the maximum number of weeks is 30. The number of weeks you qualify for is based on your length of time worked and wages earned from your recent employment.
I received a letter of monetary eligibility, does that mean I will receive assistance?
No. Everyone who files a claim receives this letter notifying them how much they may be eligible for based on wages they received from their previous employer(s). In some cases, this letter may inform them that they do not qualify for any assistance as they did not earn enough wages from their employer(s). Learn more about how unemployment benefits are determined.
I received a letter of non-monetary eligibility, does that mean I will receive assistance?
Each individual claim is unique, therefore, if you received a letter of non-monetary eligibility, you may be eligible. You need to found both monetarily eligible and eligible on your separation from employment (non-monetary eligibility) to be eligible to receive assistance.
If I qualify for assistance, when can I expect my first payment?
If you are eligible for UI, your first payment will generally be made within 21 to 28 days from the time you file your initial claim. In cases, additional information must be obtained before payment can be made and your first payment may take longer as a result.
Why didn’t I receive benefits for the first week I was unemployed?
Typically, the first full week of a claim is an unpaid waiting week. This means you are not paid. You must start requesting weekly benefits the week after you file your initial claim for unemployment benefits. For more information, visit mass.gov/dua/weeklyrequirements.
How much will I receive if I work part-time?
In certain circumstances, if you find work, you may still qualify for UI benefits. The weekly benefit amount you receive may be adjusted based on how much you earn. For more information, please visit mass.gov/dua/part-time
It’s your responsibility to report any income you receive while collecting UI. Not reporting income or under reporting income, may lead to an overpayment.
How do I report any earnings I made working part-time?
When you use UI Online, you must report the gross wages you earned Sunday through Saturday of the prior week.
Can I collect unemployment insurance if I’m receiving a pension? If I owe child support?
Any private pension that you are receiving from a base period employer (an employer that you worked for 12-15 months prior to filing your claim, you may be subject to a full or partial deduction from your benefit rate.
If you owe child support payments, a deduction may be made from your weekly benefit and sent to the Department of Revenue, Child Support Services. When you file your claim, you must indicate that you are required to pay child support.
Can I collect unemployment insurance while collecting Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits?
No. You cannot collect both programs at the same time. In order to collect Unemployment Insurance you must be able, available and actively looking for work.
Can I collect unemployment insurance while collecting Workers’ Compensation benefits?
Depending on the type and amount of Worker’s Compensation you are receiving, you may be eligible to receive benefits. However, you must indicate you are receiving this type of pay when you file for benefits. Failure to notify us of collecting Worker’s Compensation benefits may result in an overpayment.
Work Search Requirements
To receive unemployment benefits, you must actively look for a full-time job. This means completing at least three work search activities per week. You must report these activities to DUA when requesting benefits.
How do I meet the work search requirement?
Each week you request benefits, you must:
- Complete at least three work search activities.
- Certify your work search online or by phone.
- Keep a detailed log of your job search efforts.
If you don’t meet this requirement, you may not receive benefits for that week. Keep your records for one year in case DUA requests proof.
How do I track my work search?
For each job search activity, record:
- Date of contact
- Job title and pay rate
- Company name and contact details
- How you applied
- Outcome of the activity
Where can I get help finding a job?
Visit your local MassHire Career Center for job search assistance, training, and career resources. You can also search for jobs, including remote work, on MassHire JobQuest.
Do I need to complete work search activities if I have a return-to-work date?
If you have a confirmed return-to-work date within four weeks, you do not need to complete job search activities. If it’s more than four weeks away, you must continue your job search.
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. Learn more about the Training Opportunities Program (TOP).
What happens if I don’t complete three work search activities?
You won’t be eligible for benefits for that week.
Claims Processing, Delays, and Appeals
My claim still hasn’t been processed. What should I do? Should I call the DUA call center?
If you received a confirmation message, your claim has been successfully submitted, and we are processing it. There’s no need to call for a status update immediately. Claims are typically processed within 3–4 weeks. If we need additional information, we will contact you through Unemployment Services for Workers, by mail, or by phone.
When will my claim be processed?
Your claim will start the day you were separated from your employer. Please, do not call the call center immediately. We process initial claims within 3-4 weeks. For the latest updates, check your claim status online at Unemployment Services for Workers.
Why is my claim taking so long to process?
There are a few reasons your claim may be delayed:
- Waiting for employer confirmation – Your employer has 10 business days to confirm your wages and why you stopped working. If they don’t respond, we may need additional information from you.
- We need more information – If there are questions about why you left your job or other details, we may ask for more information or schedule an interview.
How do I appeal a decision about my claim?
It’s your right to appeal a decision about your claim. You can request an appeal online through Unemployment Services for Workers or by mail. For more information, please visit mass.gov/dua/appeals.
Taxes
Where do I request a 1099-G form?
- Log in to your Unemployment Services account
- Select the "Additional Services" tab
- Find the box titled "1099" and use the link to get your form
You can also call (617) 626-5647 and follow the prompts to request your 1099-G.
Maximum Allowable UI Benefit Weeks
Why did the maximum allowable benefit weeks for new and eligible existing unemployment claims increase from 26 to 30 weeks?
Massachusetts law provides that if the twelve-month average unemployment rate in any of the state’s measured metropolitan areas is greater than 5.1%, the maximum number of weeks for which a claimant may receive unemployment benefits is 30 weeks.
When will the change be in effect?
All eligible UI claimants with a benefit year that includes the week beginning April 20, 2025 and who would otherwise be eligible for benefits can certify for and collect UI for those additional weeks. In the coming weeks, claimants will be notified by DUA of the change in eligibility and their next steps in claiming the additional weeks.
Do I need to take any action?
Not yet. Claimants should file claims and complete weekly certifications through DUA’s online system as they normally would do. If you’ve claimed 26 weeks of benefits, you’ll be notified by DUA of the next steps to claim the additional weeks in the new, modernized system.
Will I need to report my work search activities for the additional weeks?
All individuals filing for benefits are required to complete at least three work search activities per week. Starting on May 6, 2025, you will be required to record your work search activities each week when you request your weekly benefits. Start recording these activities now to avoid delays.
What if the unemployment rate decreases during my claim?
A reduction to the maximum weeks allowed would only apply to claims filed after the date on which the twelve-month average unemployment rate is equal or below 5.1%.
Will the change in allowable benefit weeks lower my weekly benefit amount?
The statute doesn’t change the formula for calculating the weekly benefit amount.