Meet the weekly requirements
You can collect unemployment benefits for each week you are totally or partially unemployed, eligible for benefits, and you are:
- Capable of working, meaning you have no physical or mental impairment that would cause you to be unable to do some kind of suitable work with or without reasonable accommodations
- Available for work, meaning you can accept suitable work if it is offered to you
- Actively seeking work, meaning you are meeting your work search responsibilities each week
Make sure you request benefits for each week you want to receive them. Start requesting benefits during the first week after you file your initial claim.
Important: You must report any earnings each week. If you do not, we can require you to repay DUA for benefits you should not have gotten. DUA can impose interest and penalties on the overpaid amount.
Your work search responsibilities
You must do at least three work search activities during each week if you want to request benefits. You must report the activities to us. We will ask you about this when you do your weekly certification.
Video: Report Work Search Activities in the Massachusetts Unemployment Services for Workers System
Skip this video Report Work Search Activities in the Massachusetts Unemployment Services for Workers System.Work Search Examples
- Submitting an application, resume, letter of interest, etc., through the employer or an employment website, such as MassHire JobQuest
- Making in-person visits with employers who may reasonably be expected to have openings
- Attending private or MassHire Career Center sponsored job fairs, networking events, or employment workshops, such as Resume Writing, Interviewing Preparation, Salary Negotiations, and much more
- Interviewing with potential employers in person, by phone, or online
- Registering for work with private employment agencies or placement services
File your weekly request for benefits
For every week that you want to receive benefits, you must file your weekly request for unemployment benefits online or over the phone. You start requesting benefits the week after you file your initial unemployment claim.
Video: File a Weekly Certification in the Massachusetts Unemployment Services for Workers System
Skip this video File a Weekly Certification in the Massachusetts Unemployment Services for Workers System.Report changes in your employment status
You must report any changes in your unemployment status while you are receiving benefits.
It is your responsibility to:
- Stop requesting benefits once you return to full-time work. You do not need to call DUA, but you must stop requesting weekly benefits or select the "Close my claim" link in the dashboard. You cannot receive benefits after you have started full-time work, regardless of when you get paid.
- Report all your earnings when requesting weekly benefits if you get a part-time job. Earnings greater than 1/3 of your weekly benefit amount will be deducted from your weekly benefit payment.
- Inform DUA if you are sick, injured, attending school, traveling outside of the area or are otherwise unable to work during any week for which you request benefits. You are not eligible for benefits for any period of time you are outside of the United States, its territories, or Canada.
Contact
Online
Phone
Monday-Friday 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