File your weekly unemployment claim

You need to request benefits each week you want to receive them. You can do this online or over the phone.

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.

To check your claim or benefit payment status

Select or reset your 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN)

Set up, change, or cancel direct deposit

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:

  1. Log in to Unemployment Services for Workers
  2. From your dashboard, select "Request benefits"
  3. Follow the prompts to answer questions about your week and provide proof of work search activities

Watch video about filing your weekly claim online

Watch video about how to report 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.

To check your claim or benefit payment status

Select or reset your 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN)

Set up, change, or cancel direct deposit

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