Frequent Questions On Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance Benefits

To apply for MA Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, you need:

Your Social Security number, birth date, home address, email address (optional), and phone number.
Names of all your employers, plus their addresses and phone numbers.
The reasons you left your jobs.
Your work start and end dates.
Any recall date if you were laid off but have a set date to return to work.
If not a U.S. citizen; your Alien Registration number.
If you have children; their birth dates and Social Security numbers.
Your union name and local number if in a union.
If you were in the military; your DD-214 Member 4 form.
If you worked for the federal government — your SF8 form (optional).

You must request weekly benefits every week
You must look for at leas 3 jobs each week documenting on you Work Search Activity Log.
The MA Department of Unemployment Assistance will review and confirm the details in your application.
DUA will send you a Monetary Determination which states if you have been approved for (UI) benefits.
If approved you will receive your benefit payment according to the payment option you selected; debit card or direct deposit.
It take a few weeks to process your claim. You should request your weekly benefits as you wait.

You can apply for UI benefits with MA Department of Unemployment Assistance by:

Creating an account on the UI Online Portal and apply
OR call the TeleClaim Center at (877) 626-6800, Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm.

As of October 3 2021, the maximum benefit you can receive in MA is $974 per week.
The maximum weeks you can receive regular UI benefits is 30 weeks during your benefit year.
Your “benefit year” is 52 weeks after the effective date of your UI claim.

Yes! You can file an appeal within 10 calendar days of the mailing date on your notice of determination.

You can log in to your UI Online account and file an appeal.
Or you can complete a written appeal postmarked no later than the 10th day of your mailing date.
If your claim is approved, your former employer has the right to appeal the decision.
If your former employer files an appeal, the DUA will schedule a hearing and will notify you.

Yes! MassHire Career Center System has a network of Career Centers which provides:

Job search assistance
Basic computer training.
Career planning information services.
Workshops on job search techniques.
Tools to help you conduct effective job searching.
Interviewing, networking, and resume writing services.
Connect with hiring employers through job fairs job listings, and referrals.
Internet access, telephones, fax machines, and copiers are available for your use.
Referral to vocational training or study programs that will increase your chances of becoming re-employed.

Main office Address:

Charles F. Hurley Building, 19 Staniford St., Boston, MA 02114

Phone: Call MassHire Department of Career Services contact information at(617) 626-5300

Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdays

Email Email MassHire Department of Career Services contact information atDCSFeedback@MassMail.State.MA.US

Address: 19 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114

Phone: Call Center Call Department of Unemployment Assistance, Call Center at(877) 626-6800

Call Center Hours: Open 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. Multilingual call agents are available.

TeleCert Line: Call Department of Unemployment Assistance, TeleCert Line (Automated system is operational*) at(617) 626-6338 To request weekly benefits, daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m.

Payment Status Line: (617) 626-6563

Hearing Impaired Voice Relay: 711

Fraud line: (877) 626-6800

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