Unemployment Insurance Eligibility

Find out if you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits.

Most Massachusetts workers are covered by the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program, although workers in some jobs may not be eligible for benefits. When you apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI), your initial eligibility for benefits is based on your earnings and your reason for leaving your job. Ongoing eligibility requirements include being able to work, available for work, and actively searching for work.

Table of Contents

Who is Eligible

To qualify for unemployment benefits, you must:

  • 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.
  • You must have authorization to work in the United States.
  • Be unemployed or working significantly reduced hours through no fault of your own.
  • Be able and ready to start suitable work immediately when offered.

Who Isn't Eligible

You may not be eligible for unemployment benefits if your only source of employment is from working as:

  • An employee of a non-profit or religious organization
  • A worker trainee in a program run by a nonprofit or public institution
  • A real estate broker or insurance agent who work only on commission
  • A consultant working independently
  • A student in a work-study program
  • An elected official
  • A member of the legislative or judiciary body
  • A seasonal employee who works a distinct function that has been certified as seasonal employment by DUA

Non-U.S. Citizen Eligibility

If you are not a U.S. citizen and you are applying for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) must verify that you are legally authorized to work in the United States.

Verifying your legal authorization to work

If you’re a non-U.S. citizen filing for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, DUA must verify that you are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Your legal authorization to work will be verified through a computer match with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The information received from the USCIS may affect your eligibility for unemployment benefits.

Required documentation

When you apply for unemployment benefits, you will be asked to provide your Alien Registration Number. If you fail to provide this information, your benefits may be delayed or you may be disqualified from receiving benefits.

You may also be asked to provide a copy of the papers that establish your authorization to work. These papers may include:

  • Resident Alien Card
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Any other information that you believe makes it possible for you to work in the United States

Please note that you are not required to provide this information. However, if you choose not to prove to DUA that you are legally authorized to work, DUA will not be able to pay you unemployment benefits, even if you meet all other eligibility requirements.

Work authorization fraud

The USCIS may take action on any papers that they determine to be false or altered for criminal purposes. This includes any paperwork used to falsify eligibility for unemployment benefits.

Recently Separated Service Member Eligibility

As a member of the military, you need to submit your DD-214 Member 4 form. If you don’t have it, you can request your DD-214 online.

Your eligibility for unemployment benefits will be primarily based on the information provided from the military and/or on your DD-214 including your length of service and separation reason.

If you need assistance looking for a job, contact a Veteran Employment Representative located in all of our MassHire Career Centers.

What Affects Your Weekly Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment benefits amounts are based on the wages you earned during your primary or alternate base period. If eligible, you can receive about 50% of your average weekly wage, up to the legal maximum.

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