Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits
Are you physically able to work? 
Are you willing to actively look for a job?
Did your employer pay unemployment taxes ("Covered Employment")?
Did you earn at least $3500 in the base period in Massachusetts? Base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. If you are filing today, base period is Jan 2012 - Mar 2012 to Oct 2012 - Dec 2012
 How did you lose your job? 
Did you quit your last job due to unsafe working conditions, not being paid, discrimination and / or health and safety risks?
Were you fired for no fault of your own?
Were you laid off for no fault of your own?
Apply Online:
Applying online is the easiest and fastest way to claim benefits. Check for more specific details such as timings and requirements to claim benefits in your state. 
CALL: 617-626-6560; TDD/TYY number : 800-439-2370; Unemployment check status
617-626-6563 ; Unemployment claim wages : 617-626-5039;
Visit UC Center:
You can’t seem to find assistance on call? No worries. Visit one of the UC center and let the specialist help you out. Please note that wait times can be longer but assistance is guaranteed. you are not eligible | |||||||||
What is the Eligibility Criteria in Massachusetts?There are some basic rules for eligibility. Even if you meet some of these rules partially, you should still apply for unemployment because state offices make a reasonable attempt to process your claim, as long as you provide a good justification. To learn more check unemployment eligibility article A "base period" is four consecutive calendar quarters that fall within the 18 month period before establishing a new benefit year. Claim your benefits
How to File Your Initial Claim in Massachusetts?Information needed is as follows: If You Are Not a United States Citizen You must give verification that you were legally eligible to work in your state and that you are presently eligible to begin a new job. How to File Your Weekly Claim?After you file your application for unemployment benefits, you must start filing your weekly claims. You require filing each week, even though you are: You can file your weekly claim: File every week that you want to claim benefits and keep on filing until you go back to work, run out of benefits or stop seeking work. You should claim at least one week before we can make a decision on your eligibility. How to Claim for an Extension?If you are presently filing weekly claims for unemployment benefits; carry on filing your weekly claim if you are jobless or working reduced hours. You will be informed by mail of your eligibility for the added benefits. In case you have been filing weekly claims and are still laid off or working reduced hours, you will have to file an application for these extra benefits online or by telephone. You will be alerted by mail of your eligibility for the additional benefits. To be eligible for EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits you must: To be eligible for EB benefits you must: View all questions Massachusetts Unemployment QuestionsWill I be eligible for UI benefits if I am fired? You may be eligible if you were fired for poor performance. However, if your employer is able to show that you were fired for deliberate misconduct or violation of a company rule, you may be disqualified. Can I collect Unemployment Insurance if I have received severance pay? In most cases you cannot collect severance pay and UI benefits for the same weeks. If you are disqualified from receiving UI benefits because of severance pay, your benefit year will be extended for the number of weeks for which you received severance pay. If your employer required you to sign a “Release of Claims” in order for you to receive your severance pay, you may be able to receive Unemployment Insurance benefits for the same weeks you receive severance pay. My work hours have been reduced. Am I eligible to claim unemployment benefits? If your schedule of working hours is reduced, you are typically eligible. You can receive a full benefit for weeks when there is no work or a partial benefit for weeks when there is less than the normal full-time schedule. Generally, you must experience a reduction of at least 1/3 of your hours/earnings in order to receive even a minimal benefit but a reduction of that much or more will usually qualify for receipt of some benefit. The greater the reduction the higher the payable benefit. Your actual eligibility cannot be determined until you file a claim. How does part-time work affect my unemployment benefits in MA? Individuals who are receiving unemployment benefits often work at part-time jobs while receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits. In some cases individuals file claims when they are separated from their primary or full-time jobs but continue to work at a part-time job. In other cases individuals are able to obtain a part-time job after filing their claims. The law provides a mechanism for individuals to receive benefits while working in part-time employment. Once the amount of your weekly unemployment benefit is established, a formula is used to determine how much is payable to you for any week in which you work part-time. You can earn up to one third of your unemployment benefit amount and still receive your full benefit. Any earnings in excess of the one-third limit result in a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your benefit for the week. Am I eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits if I have worked for for non-profit organization? Most workers are covered under law by the Unemployment Insurance program. However, workers in the following categories generally are not eligible to collect benefits: employees of churches and certain religious organizations; worker trainees in a program administered by a nonprofit or public institution; real estate brokers or insurance agents who work on a commission basis only; consultants working independently; elected officials and certain government officials in policy-making and advisory positions; and members of a legislative body or the judiciary. I worked in another state. How do I file for Unemployment Insurance benefits? If you worked solely in another State you will need to file your claim against that State. Some states allow you to file your claim by phone or Internet, while others require you to visit an office in person. I was laid off twice in a year. Can I file twice? Once your claim is filed, it remains the same for one year. Your claim can be opened and closed during that year depending on your employment and availability status. It is available until you exhaust all your benefits or until your benefit year has expired, whichever comes first.
How Benefits are calculated?To calculate your weekly benefits amount click here The minimum benefits amount in Massachusetts is $33. The maximum benefits amount in Massachusetts is $653 A "base period" is four consecutive calendar quarters that fall within the 18 month period before establishing a new benefit year. To learn more Unemployment benefits article |
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I have hired a previously unemployed contractor who was receiving unemployment comp. this contract may end soon. After more than year can he go back on the previous employer’s unemployment comp?
This is in Massachusetts .
Thanks
This is totaly useless and I am leaving mass because of the stupidity running things.
I was recently laid off from Fidelity Investments. Live in Mass and but work in NH. Job was transferred. Was annoucned that I am being released from work on June 30. I will obtain some serverance but need to know the rules on where to apply for unemployment insurance. Can you assist me? Thank you.
I have relocated to GA in hopes of starting a job. The job fell through. How do I file for unemployment now that I am in GA/
my hours have been cut, how do I apply for unemployment to subsidise the lost hours
You can normally receive unemployment if your hours or earnings are cut back by at least 1/3rd. You will obtain only partial benefit. The higher the cutback the greater your benefit. You must file a claim to see if you are qualified for the sum of your unemployment benefit.
i would like to get a copy of my empolyment for the last 7 yrs for an application i am filling out for a federal job.
I have been trying for 2 days to get thru to the unemployment office and cannot. I need a call back at 413 224 1831. Why cannot I get thru? And why can I not file me claim over the phone any longer?
Hi
I only work per diem and did not work last week or this coming week. I did claim the week I worked two days and now when I call the teleclaim center I can’t claim for last week. How do I expedite my claim again
Hi, I graduated from Bachelor of Science in Health in July 2012. But I have been looking for a full time or part time job and cant find any. I currently have a perdiem job which means I only work as needed, sometimes I get called and sometimes i go without hours. Do I QUALIFY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS?
I collected benefits in 2011 and need to know how much I collected
If you are collecting unemployment benefits from Massachusetts can you look for a job in another state?
I was laid of from my job as an overseas contractor. My home is in Lousinna. The company I worked for provided an W-2 from MA. I did not receive any income from my state of resident how do I apply fo un-employment ins. from MA.
I have not received a total unemployment benefits that I have received.
I need it to do my taxes.
Thank You
I am retiring in October in the state of Massachusetts, do I qualify for unemployment? I have heard yes and no, I want a concrete answer.
Thank you for your support.
Alicia.
i am about to be discharged honorably from the us army 30 may 2013, what do i need to bring to start my claim.
Can I receive unemployment benefits while receiving a 6 month monthly severance package from my company?
My hours at work were just reduced from 40hrs. aweek to 26hrs.aweek . Will i be able to collect a partial benifit or does it also depend on the hourly pay you are still getting , thanks .
I have a question. I have been on unemployment since last april and I started school in Jan. It goes until Dec of next year. I filled out the paper work for section 30 and was approved. My last claim ended on April 6th, and I was told to call and file a new claim. I have been working parttime but not going over the allowed money to make to lower my unemployment benefits, so why am I now being penalized when opening the new claim they are only taking my parttime earnings to give me unemployment which makes it go down to 121.00 a week! I never went over my allowed earnings on my part time job and I have section 30 which is suppose to kick in!! I will not be able to stay in school and be retrained. I just don’t understand this. Help please
My adult daughter is pregnant and due to deliver in October,2013. Her workplace allows 8 weeks leave, without losing her job, but she will not be paid. Since she cannot receive any pay for her time off will she be able to collect Massachusetts unemployment benefits during this time?
Hi Scotty,
Your daughter might not be allowed to receive unemployment benefits as it is necessary to be able and available to work while receiving unemployment benefits. She can check if she qualifies to receive temporary disability benefits. All the best.
I started work in Mass April 3rd and got laid off April 23rd. I have just exhausted my unemployment claim in Minnesota and am wondering if I can open a claim in Mass?
Hi Bruce,
You can check by applying in Mass. There is a possibility where you may not receive benefits as you have not worked sufficiently before getting laid off.
I have been unemployed since Dec 2011 I applied for unemployment a year later and got denied. I’ve exercised all my savings including my 401K to pay for rent and utilities the last 2 years and wanted to know if I can apply for unemployment again, and if so are there any chances I get approve this time.
Kind Regards,
Yves
Hi Yves,
I doubt if you are eligible to receive benefits. You might want to check with the unemployment office for a formal verdict on your eligibility.
I’m 61 years old. After working at a Temple for more than 10 years, they fired me for what they claim was a violation of their policy concerning nepotism. My attorney thinks that it is more likely because of my age. Am I able to collect unemployment benefits?
Hi David,
If you can prove that you were fired for no fault of your own, then there is a possibility to receive benefits. Please not that you should be able and available to work. Please check for other eligibility requirements before proceeding to apply.
I live in mass, I had to leave my job to take care of my mother, have been waiting 9 weeks to hear on my approval of benefits, how long do you have to wait to receive an approval or denial of benefits
Hi Linda,
You might want to check with the unemployment office as it should not take more than a week or two to receive a determination letter.