You need to request benefits each week you want to receive them. You can do this online or over the phone.
- This page, File your weekly unemployment claim, is offered by
- Department of Unemployment Assistance
File your weekly unemployment claim
Contacts
Department of Unemployment Assistance
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.
Payment Status Line
Call Department of Unemployment Assistance, Payment Status Line at (617) 626-6563
To check your claim or benefit payment status
Select or reset your 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN)
Direct Deposit Line
Call Department of Unemployment Assistance, Direct Deposit Line at (617) 626-6570
Set up, change, or cancel direct deposit
Online
Unemployment Services for Workers
Log in as a claimant
The Details
What you need
You must request benefits every week you need unemployment. This is also called "weekly certification."
Start submitting requests the week after you apply for benefits, even while we're reviewing your application.
Each week, we'll ask you if you are able to work, available to work, and actively looking for work. If you are, you'll also need to:
- Provide proof of at least 3 job search activities each week
- Report changes in your income or current work status
- Report changes in your ability and availability to work
Reporting work search activities
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
If you complete your claim online, you no longer need to fill out a paper work search log.
If you complete your claim over the phone, we recommend keeping a written record of work search activities (including the type of activity and when you did it) in case staff need to verify this information.
How to file
To submit your weekly claim request online:
- Log in to Unemployment Services for Workers
- From your dashboard, select "Request benefits"
- Follow the prompts to answer questions about your week and provide proof of work search activities
You can submit your request by phone, 7 days a week, 6 a.m.–10 p.m. You will need a 4-digit TeleCert PIN.
When you're ready to submit your weekly claim, call the TeleCert line at (617) 626-6338.
Weekly eligibility
Some situations that may change your eligibility
- Going to school full time
- Travel for non-work purposes
- Working part time
- Receiving other income
- Refusing, quitting, or being fired from a job
- Being self-employed
Contact
Address
Boston Re-Employment Center (by appointment only)
2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111
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.
Payment Status Line
Call Department of Unemployment Assistance, Payment Status Line at (617) 626-6563
To check your claim or benefit payment status
Select or reset your 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN)
Direct Deposit Line
Call Department of Unemployment Assistance, Direct Deposit Line at (617) 626-6570
Set up, change, or cancel direct deposit
Online
Unemployment Services for Workers
Log in as a claimant