- Department of Unemployment Assistance
The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) determines eligibility for unemployment benefits for workers in a labor dispute on a case-by-case basis. If you are involved in a labor dispute you should apply for unemployment benefits, and keep filing your weekly certification while you are waiting for a determination.
The fastest option is to apply online. You can create a UI Online account at www.mass.gov/dua. You should apply for benefits within your first week of partial or total unemployment. Claims will not be backdated.
To be eligible for unemployment benefits, individuals must:
Have earned at least:
- $4,700 during the last 4 completed calendar quarters, and 30 times the weekly benefit amount
- Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Be unemployed, or working significantly reduced hours
- Be able and willing to begin suitable work without delay when offered
M.G.L. Chapter 151A, Section 25(b) establishes the process by which DUA determines employee eligibility for UI during a labor dispute. DUA will obtain information from your union representatives and your employer to inform an evaluation of whether, under the UI law, the particular facts of the labor dispute affect your eligibility for benefits.
Once you’ve filed a claim for unemployment insurance benefits, you should request benefits for each week you are out of work. Benefits can be requested each week Sunday through Saturday between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (EST) by visiting www.mass.gov/dua and logging into your UI Online Account or, calling DUA TeleCert at (617) 626-6338.
