Collecting Unemployment Benefits in Massachusetts

If you're out of work in Massachusetts through no fault of your own, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits.

The state's unemployment program provides a temporary safety net while you search for new work. But whether you qualify, how much you can get, and how long benefits last depend on a number of rules specific to Massachusetts.

This article walks through eligibility, benefit amounts, the application and appeals process, and more.

Eligibility for Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits

To collect unemployment benefits in Massachusetts, you must satisfy several eligibility requirements set by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

Out of Work Through No Fault of Your Own

You must be unemployed for a reason that isn't your fault under Massachusetts law.

If your employer laid you off, eliminated your position, or reduced staffing, you generally meet this requirement.

What If I Quit?

If you quit your job, you usually won't qualify for unemployment unless you had good cause to leave.

Good cause means you had no reasonable alternative but to quit, such as unsafe working conditions, persistent harassment, or a serious health issue. Domestic violence or other compelling personal circumstances might also qualify.if documented.

What If I Was Fired?

If you were fired for poor performance or lack of fit, you'll generally still be eligible. But if you were fired for deliberate misconduct related to your job, such as knowingly violating a reasonable workplace rule, you might be disqualified.

Employers are more likely to challenge an unemployment claim after an employee has quit or was fired. Keep thorough documentation of the circumstances surrounding your departure in case you need to support your version of events.

Meeting the Base-Period Earnings Requirement

Massachusetts uses a "base period" to assess whether your prior earnings qualify you for benefits. The base period consists of the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim.

To be eligible, you must have earned at least $3,500 in gross wages during that base period. In addition, your total base-period earnings must be at least 30 times the weekly benefit amount that will be calculated.

If you worked in only two quarters, DUA uses your higher quarter's wages in the formula.

Able, Available, and Actively Seeking Work

Even after initial eligibility is established, you must satisfy ongoing requirements:

• You must be able to work.
• You must be available for work.
• You must actively search for work.

Massachusetts typically requires that you engage in at least three separate work search activities in three different days each week.

You also must accept a suitable job offer when one is made. What is considered suitable depends on the similarity to your past job, pay, skills required, and commuting distance. Over time, you may be expected to accept jobs outside your prior field or at lower wages.

You may be asked to provide proof of your work search activities, so keep detailed records.

How Unemployment Benefits Are Calculated in Massachusetts: Amount and Duration

Once DUA approves your claim, it calculates your weekly benefit amount. The basic formula is to take your average weekly wage from your two highest-paid quarters of the base period, or from the highest quarter if you only worked in two, and divide it by two.

Your benefit cannot exceed the maximum weekly benefit amount, which is $1,051 per week. If you have dependents, you can receive an additional $25 per dependent per week.

• Example 1. Suppose you earned an average of $1,000 per week in your two highest-paid quarters. Your weekly benefit amount would be half of that, or $500. If you have two children, you would receive an extra $50 per week, for a total of $550.
• Example 2. If your average weekly wage was $2,400, half of that would be $1,200. However, since the maximum weekly benefit amount is $1,051, your benefit would be capped at $1,051. If you had one dependent, you would receive an additional $25, for a total of $1,076 per week.

In most cases, Massachusetts allows benefits for up to 26 weeks. However, under state law, if the average unemployment rate in one of the state's metropolitan areas exceeds 5.1%, new claims may be eligible for up to 30 weeks.

In April 2025, Massachusetts triggered this extension, so eligible claimants can receive up to 30 weeks of benefits.

How to File for Massachusetts Unemployment

You can file your unemployment claim online through the DUA portal or by phone through its call center.

When you apply, you will need to supply identifying information such as your Social Security number, photo ID, address, and past employer information.

After applying, DUA will send a Benefit Determination Notice that shows your tentative weekly benefit amount and total benefit credit. To receive payments, you must certify weekly for each week you want payment. This can be done online or by phone.

You can file your weekly certification for the prior week starting the Sunday after that week. The first week you file is a wait week, meaning you must certify for it but will not receive payment.

If you fail to certify for three consecutive weeks, your claim becomes inactive and you must reopen it. You also must report any wages you earned. Part-time wages exceeding one-third of your weekly benefit amount will reduce your payment.

Appealing a Denial or Dispute

If DUA denies your claim or disqualifies you, you must file an appeal within ten days. Your case will be assigned to a Review Examiner who will schedule a hearing in person or by phone.

You may testify, present witnesses, and submit evidence. If you disagree with the examiner's decision, you may appeal to the Board of Review, and then to state court if needed.

If DUA determines that you were overpaid benefits, it may demand repayment. You can argue that paying back would cause financial hardship and request a waiver. DUA must show that you were at fault to require repayment.

FAQs About Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits

How much will I get each week?

Your benefit is normally half of your average weekly wage from your two highest quarters, up to the state maximum, which is currently $1,051 per week.

Can I get more money if I have children?

Yes. For each qualifying dependent, you receive an extra $25 per week.

How many weeks of benefits can I receive?

Under normal conditions, you can receive up to 26 weeks. However, during times of higher unemployment, eligibility can extend to 30 weeks for new claims.

What if I work part time while collecting benefits?

You must report your income. If your part-time earnings exceed one-third of your weekly benefit amount, the excess will reduce your payment.

Can I refuse a job offer and still keep benefits?

You can only refuse a job offer if the job is not suitable. If the job is reasonable given your skills, wage expectations, prior work, and commuting distance, refusing it may disqualify you.

What is the wait week?

The first week you file your claim is a non-payable wait week. You must still certify for it, but you will not be paid for that initial week.

How do I appeal a denial?

You must file an appeal within ten days of receiving the decision. A hearing will be held with a Review Examiner. You can further appeal to the Board of Review and then to state court if needed.

What happens if DUA finds I was overpaid benefits?

DUA may demand repayment. You can argue that paying back would cause hardship and request a waiver. DUA must show you were at fault to require repayment.