Establish Online Access
Employers are encouraged to establish an online account even if the employer works with a Third-Party Administrator (TPA). This ensures that the employer always has access to correspondence and account information. Establishing online access is easy and takes only a few minutes. Details for establishing access to the new Unemployment Services for Employers portal will be available on September 12, 2023.
Automatic ACH Payments Available for Payment Plans
When an Employer sets up a new payment plan, the Employer can choose automatic payments to have installment amounts automatically deducted from its bank account. This new feature ensures on-time payments and eliminates the need for Employers to make payments manually for each installment.
Online Services for Employers to Support Notifications for Multiple Email Addresses
Authorized users associated with the employer’s account will receive notifications via email of new correspondence available to review. Multiple authorized users can be added as part of the Unemployment Services for Employers registration process. Previously, only one user could be listed.
These notifications will be sent to any authorized users designated by the employer. Notifications will also be displayed in the Action Center, pictured below, where users can quickly view the unread letters associated with the account.
Please note that effective September 12, 2023, a new multi-factor authentication method (MFA) will be required to access your account. Employers will receive an authentication code via text, phone call, email, or an authentication application. Due to this new method, every authorized user email login should be associated with one person and should not be shared.
Seasonal Employer Applications Available Online
Employers can now apply for certified seasonal status online, replacing the current email application process. The online application significantly improves the certification review process and gives Employers more insight into the application review status.
Filing Multiple Quarters in a Wage Report
Employers can now upload wage files containing multiple quarters. This enhancement expedites and streamlines quarterly filings. If the file upload contains errors, any quarters without an error will still be accepted. For example, if an employer submits Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 in the same file, and Quarter 1 has an error, Quarter 2 will still be accepted. The Employer will be notified that it must resolve the error in Quarter 1.
The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) will continue to support the existing wage filing formats. No changes will be made to the file or data structures:
- EFW2
- ICESA
- Massachusetts CSV
Watch the video below for more information about wage reporting.
Video: Bulk Upload Wages as an Employer
Skip this video Bulk Upload Wages as an Employer.Online Services for Employers to Support Spanish / Servicios en linea para empleadores in Espanol
A new feature, called Ver en Español, converts on-screen information to Spanish. Employers have the option to receive correspondence in Spanish and the ability to toggle between English and Spanish in the new system.
New Appeals Options on Unemployment Services for Employers
The Unemployment Services for Employers portal will provide additional options to employers related to the appeals process. Employers will be able to complete the actions below through their online account, minimizing the need for external emails, phone calls, etc.
- File An Appeal: Employers can easily file an appeal using their online account and provide supporting documents.
- Request Hearing Changes: After a hearing is scheduled, employers can request a postponement or a format change (e.g., in-person hearing, phone hearing, virtual hearing) through their online account to be reviewed by DUA.
- Subpoena: Employers can request documents, witnesses, or a witness and document subpoenas through their online account to be reviewed by DUA.
- Reinstatements: Employers can request to reinstate a previously withdrawn appeal or an appeal where the hearing was missed through their online account to be reviewed by DUA.
- Participants: Employers can add, edit, and remove hearings participants (e.g., attorney, representative, witness, etc.).
- Withdrawals: After submitting an appeal request, employers can withdraw the appeal through their online account.
Note: Employer participation in benefit claim appeals will continue to be managed in the UI Online system until Phase 2 of the EMT program launches.
Questions about the upcoming changes?
If you have any questions regarding this upcoming change, please email the Department of Unemployment Assistance at duasystemmodernization@mass.gov