Massachusetts Unemployment

Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance Benefits

The unemployment insurance benefits program for the commonwealth of Massachusetts is managed by the Department of Unemployment Assistance. 

The program is designed to provide temporary financial assistance for Massachusetts residents who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and is funded by Massachusetts employers.

Massachusetts Unemployment Services

Website	mass.gov/topics/unemployment
Private Website	Massachusetts Unemployment
Phone	877-626-6800
Apply Online	File a Claim
Weekly Certification	File a Weekly Claim
Appeal a Denial	Request a Hearing
Find a Local Office	Career Center Locations
Report Fraud	Benefits Fraud
Coronavirus Updates	COVID-19 Assistance

How To Qualify for Unemployment Benefits in Massachusetts

While no determination about unemployment eligibility can be made until you submit your initial unemployment claim, a claimant who meets the following eligibility criteria is likely to be approved for benefits:

• Earned appropriate income during the base period for review
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Unemployed, or working only part time, through no fault of the claimant
• Able and willing to accept suitable work if and when it is offered

Benefit Payments and Duration

Base Period	First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
Alt Base Period	Last 3 completed quarters

Duration of Benefits	Weekly Payment		Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year)
	Min	Max
10-26 weeks	$98	$823	$24,690 – $37,020

How To Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Massachusetts

The commonwealth of Massachusetts prefers that initial UI benefits claims be submitted online. To do so, you must create an account on the UI online portal. Through this process, you will be prompted to set up a password and a security verification question. You will use this password every time you log in to UI Online, so make sure it’s something you can remember.

You can also submit a new claim for unemployment benefits by calling the Massachusetts TeleClaim Center. The number you call depends on your area code, as outlined below:

• For area codes 351, 413, 508, 774, and 978: 877-626-6800
• Any other area code: 617-626-6800
• For Voice Relay: 711

TeleClaim Center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Please note that it’s not uncommon to experience long wait times when making your initial claim by phone.

Managing Your Unemployment Benefits

Once you have applied for UI benefits, you must continue to request unemployment compensation for each week you remain unemployed. Each time you request weekly benefits, you’ll be expected to answer questions about your unemployment status and your job search activities for the previous week.

When requesting your weekly benefit online in Massachusetts, it is recommended that you use a laptop or desktop computer instead of a smartphone. You’ll log into the same UI online account you created when submitting your initial claim in order to file your weekly benefits claim.

You may also call the TeleCert line at 617-626-6338, between the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily in order to submit your weekly benefits claim. Please note that you may be required to register with a career center or to complete mandatory seminars in order to remain eligible for unemployment benefits.

How Do I Appeal a Decision?

You may appeal a decision regarding your claim if you disagree with the determination. You are encouraged to submit your appeal online using your UI Online account.

In Massachusetts, You may also submit your appeal by mail using one of the methods outlined below:

• Complete the Appeal Request Information form that was included with your Notice of Disqualification
  
• Write a letter formally requesting an appeal. Include your telephone number, your claimant ID, and signature. Mail your completed form or letter to the following address:

Department of Unemployment Assistance
Hearings Department
19 Staniford St.
Boston, MA 02114

Reporting Fraud

The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance is dedicated to protecting unemployment claimants and preventing fraud. Unemployment fraud has tremendous potential to divert benefits away from the Massachusetts workers who need them most.

If you believe someone has fraudulently applied for unemployment benefits, you are strongly encouraged to use the state’s secure fraud reporting form to voice your concerns about the fraudulent claim.

You may also call DUA customer service at 877-626-6800 to share any information you have regarding potential UI benefits fraud in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Unemployment Office Locations

Attleboro Unemployment Office	95 Pine Street Attleboro, MA 02703	508-222-1950
Boston Unemployment Office	1010 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA 02119	617-541-1400
Downtown Boston Unemployment Office	75 Federal Street 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02110-1913	617-399-3100
Greater Brockton Unemployment Office	34 School Street Brockton, MA 02301	508-513-3400
Unemployment Office – Cambridge	186 Alewife Brook Parkway # 310 Cambridge, MA 02138	617-661-7867
Unemployment Office – Chelsea	4 Gerrish Ave Chelsea, MA 02150	617-884-4333
Fall River Unemployment Office	446 North Main Street Fall River, MA 02720	508-730-5000
Framingham Unemployment Office	1671 Worcester Rd Ste. 205 Framingham, MA 01701	508-861-7993
Unemployment Office – Gloucester	5 Pleasant Street Gloucester, MA 01930	978-283-4772
Unemployment Office – Greenfield	One Arch Place Suite 2 Greenfield, MA 01301	413-774-4361
Unemployment Office – Haverhill	160 Merrimack Street Haverhill, MA 01830	978-241-4730
Holyoke Unemployment Office	850 High Street Holyoke, MA 01040	413-532-4900
Unemployment Office Hyannis	372 North Street Hyannis, MA 02601	508-771-5627
Merrimack Valley Unemployment Office	255 Essex Street Lawrence, MA 01840	978-722-7000
North Central Unemployment Office	100 Erdman Way Leominster, MA 01453	978-534-1481
Lowell Unemployment Office	107 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01852	978-458-2503
Unemployment Office – Lynn	300 Broad Street Room LE-102 Lynn, MA 01902	781-477-2167
Greater New Bedford Unemployment Office	618 Acushnet Avenue New Bedford, MA 02740	508-990-4000
Berkshire Unemployment Office	160 North Street Pittsfield, MA 01201	413-499-2220
South Shore Unemployment Offices	1515 Hancock Street Suite 101 Quincy, MA 02169	617-745-4000
North Shore Unemployment Office	70 Washington St 1st Floor Salem, MA 01970	978-825-7200
Unemployment Office – Salem	70 Washington Street Salem, MA 01970	781-691-7430
Southbridge Unemployment Office	5 Optical Drive Suite 200 Southbridge, MA 01550	508-765-6430
Springfield Unemployment Office	95 Liberty Street, 3rd Floor Springfield, MA 01103	413-858-2800
Taunton Unemployment Office	72 School Street Taunton, MA 02780	508-977-1400
Unemployment Office – Woburn	100 TradeCenter Suite G-100 Woburn, MA 01801	781-932-5500
Worcester Unemployment Office	340 Main Street Suite 400 Worcester, MA 01608	508-799-1600