If learning new skills will help you find a new job, you may be eligible for TOP.
While enrolled in TOP, you can:
- Attend a full-time, approved training program
- Continue to receive unemployment benefits without needing look for a job
- Collect unemployment benefits after your initial benefits period (up to 26 additional weeks if you are still in training)
The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) can't help pay for training programs, but the MassHire Career Center may be able to help you find grants, loans, or other funding sources.
What to expect while in training
While you're enrolled in an approved training program you must:
- Continue to file your weekly claim for benefits
- Attend and complete your approved training program
- You must complete the training within two years or three years if you take basic skills courses
- You will continue to receive benefits each week, even if your training program lasts longer than your unemployment claim:
- For example, if you begin an 18-week training program after claiming 18 weeks of unemployment benefits, you can claim unemployment benefits for a maximum of 36 weeks
- Depending on the length of your training program, you may receive up to 26 additional weeks of benefits
You can’t continue to collect TOP benefits after you’ve completed your training
Eligibility
You may qualify for TOP if:
- Learning new skills will help you find a job
- You are able to attend a full-time training program
- You apply before your 20th paid week of unemployment benefits
- Log in to your Unemployment Services for Workers account to see how many weeks you have left to apply
You may also apply for TOP if you need to take basic skills courses to prepare for your training:
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Adult Basic Education (ABE)
- High School Equivalency Test (HiSET, also known as a GED)