Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide

By Sabrina E.
Published on

Looking for tips to access the Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance Benefits? 

In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with Massachusetts Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.

We understand.

The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming. 

Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help. 

You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Why did we create the Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?

Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling. 

Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.

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Who’s in charge of Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance is in charge of administering the state’s unemployment insurance program. 

This program provides temporary financial assistance to Massachusetts residents who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and is funded by Massachusetts employers.

Image: Official Massachusetts Unemployment Website

Massachusetts Unemployment Contact 

Call Center 

  • Phone: (877) 626-6800
  • Open 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. Multilingual call agents are available.

TeleCert Line (Automated system is operational, please do not transfer to an agent within the system) 

  • Phone: (617) 626-6338 (To request weekly benefits), 
  • Daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m.

Hearing Impaired Voice Relay: 711

Payment Status line (Automated system is operational, please do not transfer to an agent within the system) 

  • Phone: (617) 626-6563

How To Qualify for Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits

While no decision on unemployment eligibility may be made until you file your initial claim, claimants who fulfill the following criteria are more likely to be eligible for benefits:

  • You earned an adequate amount of money.
  • You are authorized to work in the United States on a legal basis.
  • You are unemployed due to fault of your own.
  • If and when suitable job is given, you able and prepared to accept it.

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How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in Massachusetts? 

  • Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
  • Alt Base Period: Last 3 completed quarters
  • Duration of Benefits: 10-26 weeks
  • Weekly Payment: Min $98 to Max $823
  • Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $24,690 – $37,020

How Do I Apply for Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits?

Initial UI compensation claims should be made online, according to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. To do so, go to the UI online portal and establish an account. You’ll be asked to create a password and a security verification question as part of this procedure. Make sure it’s a password you can remember because you’ll use it every time you log in to UI Online.

You can also phone the Massachusetts TeleClaim Center to file a new unemployment compensation claim. The phone number you dial is determined by your area code, as shown below:

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

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., TeleClaim Center. Please keep in mind that extended wait periods are not unusual when filing your first claim over the phone.

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How do I Manage My Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits

Once you’ve filed for unemployment benefits, you’ll need to keep requesting it for each week you’re jobless. You’ll be asked questions regarding your unemployment status and job search efforts for the previous week each time you apply for weekly benefits online.

It is advised that you use a laptop or desktop computer rather than a smartphone to seek your weekly benefit online in Massachusetts. To file your weekly benefits claim, connect to the same UI online account that you used to submit your first claim.

You can also submit your weekly benefits claim by calling the TeleCert line at 617-626-6338 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. everyday.

You may be required to register with a career center or to attend mandatory seminars in order to remain eligible for unemployment benefits.

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How Do I Appeal an Massachusetts Unemployment Decision?

If you disagree with a decision made on your claim, you have the right to appeal it. You are urged to use your UI Online account to file your appeal.

You may also file your appeal by mail in Massachusetts, using one of the ways listed below:

Fill out the Appeal Request Information form that came with your Disqualification Notice.

Formally request an appeal in a letter. 

Include your phone number, claimant identification number, and signature. Your completed form or letter should be mailed to the following address:

Department of Unemployment Assistance

  • Hearings Department
  • 19 Staniford St.
  • Boston, MA 02114

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How Do I Report a Massachusetts Unemployment Fraud?

The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance is committed to safeguarding job seekers and fighting fraud. Unemployment fraud has the ability to siphon benefits away from those who need them the most in Massachusetts.

If you feel someone has claimed for unemployment benefits falsely, you are strongly encouraged to report the fraudulent claim using the state’s secure fraud reporting form.

You may also contact DUA customer support at 877-626-6800 if you have any information on possible UI benefits fraud in Massachusetts.

How Do I Talk to a Person in Massachusetts Unemployment Customer Service?

Steps:

  1. Dial 1-877-626-6800
  2. Press 1 (for English)
  3. Press 1 (if you are calling for assistance regarding a regular Massachusetts Unemployment claim)
  4. Press 8 (for all other calls)
  5. Press 2 (for customer assistance)
  6. Stay on the line
  7. The automated phone system will connect you to a live customer service agent from Massachusetts Unemployment

Massachusetts Unemployment Voice Main Menu

  • Press 1 for information on filing a claim.
  • Press 2 if you want to reach the PUA call center.
  • Press 3 if you have received notification from the Department of Unemployment assistance, that a claim was filed in your name and you did not file a claim.

Massachusetts Unemployment Voice Sub-Menu (if you press 1)

  • Press 1 to set up your PIN.
  • Press 2 if you received a fact-finding questionnaire and need assistance.
  • Press 3 to check a status.
  • Press 4 if you need to certify for this week.
  • Press 5 to set up change or cancel your direct deposit.
  • Press 6 for password reset.
  • Press 8 for all other calls.
  • Press 9 if you would like to hear these options again.

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Massachusetts Unemployment Customer Service Representatives Hours

  • Live Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance (UI) customer service is available from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday-Friday, 
  • Saturday-Sunday closed.

Massachusetts Unemployment Support Phone Numbers

  • MA Unemployment Support Phone Number: 1-877-626-6800. Live Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance (UI) customer service is available from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday-Friday, Saturday-Sunday closed.Automated Telecert Line: 1-617-626-6338. Live customer service representatives are available from 6am to 10pm Monday-Sunday.
  • Check your claim or benefit payment status: 1-617-626-6563.
  • Department of Unemployment Assistance: 1-617-626-5075.

Massachusetts Unemployment Live Chat Support

Live chat customer service is not available from Massachusetts Unemployment. To contact a live customer service representative you need to dial 1-877-626-6800 and follow the instructions above.

MA Unemployment support email

  • Employers can report fraud-related issues: UIReturntowork@detma.org
  • Employer Charge: EmployerCharge@DETMA.ORG
  • Employer Liability: UIEmployerHelp@DETMA.ORG
  • Employer Reports: UIEmployerReports@DETMA.ORG
  • Employer Rates: UIEmployerRates@mass.gov
  • Intercept: EOLEmployerIntercept@mass.gov

Massachusetts UI Help Center

You can find more information at Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance (UI) Support page.

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What if I quit?

In general, you are not eligible if you leave your work freely.

If you quit for “good cause,” though, you may be able to collect. The state unemployment office determines what constitutes good reason, and you can make your case for getting benefits.

You should be entitled to a hearing if your claim is denied so that you can explain your claim. You should contact your local office because regulations and conditions differ from state to state.

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Massachusetts Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

Massachusetts Unemployment  OfficeMassachusetts Unemployment Office LocationsMassachusetts Unemployment Phone Number
Attleboro Unemployment Office95 Pine StreetAttleboro, MA 02703508-222-1950
Boston Unemployment Office1010 Harrison AvenueBoston, MA 02119617-541-1400
Downtown Boston Unemployment Office75 Federal Street 3rd FloorBoston, MA 02110-1913617-399-3100
Greater Brockton Unemployment Office34 School StreetBrockton, MA 02301508-513-3400
Unemployment Office – Cambridge186 Alewife Brook Parkway # 310Cambridge, MA 02138617-661-7867
Unemployment Office – Chelsea4 Gerrish AveChelsea, MA 02150617-884-4333
Fall River Unemployment Office446 North Main StreetFall River, MA 02720508-730-5000
Framingham Unemployment Office1671 Worcester Rd Ste. 205Framingham, MA 01701508-861-7993
Unemployment Office – Gloucester5 Pleasant StreetGloucester, MA 01930978-283-4772
Unemployment Office – GreenfieldOne Arch PlaceSuite 2Greenfield, MA 01301413-774-4361
Unemployment Office – Haverhill160 Merrimack StreetHaverhill, MA 01830978-241-4730
Holyoke Unemployment Office850 High StreetHolyoke, MA 01040413-532-4900
Unemployment Office Hyannis372 North StreetHyannis, MA 02601508-771-5627
Merrimack Valley Unemployment Office255 Essex StreetLawrence, MA 01840978-722-7000
North Central Unemployment Office100 Erdman WayLeominster, MA 01453978-534-1481
Lowell Unemployment Office107 Merrimack StreetLowell, MA 01852978-458-2503
Unemployment Office – Lynn300 Broad Street Room LE-102Lynn, MA 01902781-477-2167
Greater New Bedford Unemployment Office618 Acushnet AvenueNew Bedford, MA 02740508-990-4000
Berkshire Unemployment Office160 North StreetPittsfield, MA 01201413-499-2220
South Shore Unemployment Offices1515 Hancock Street Suite 101Quincy, MA 02169617-745-4000
North Shore Unemployment Office70 Washington St 1st FloorSalem, MA 01970978-825-7200
Unemployment Office – Salem70 Washington StreetSalem, MA 01970781-691-7430
Southbridge Unemployment Office5 Optical Drive Suite 200Southbridge, MA 01550508-765-6430
Springfield Unemployment Office95 Liberty Street, 3rd FloorSpringfield, MA 01103413-858-2800
Taunton Unemployment Office72 School StreetTaunton, MA 02780508-977-1400
Unemployment Office – Woburn100 TradeCenter Suite G-100Woburn, MA 01801781-932-5500
Worcester Unemployment Office340 Main Street Suite 400Worcester, MA 01608508-799-1600

Final Thoughts

We hope the above info has been helpful to you. 

We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.

  • Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled. 
  • Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
  • Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself.
    • 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay, 
    • 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits, 
    • 3) Ask about outplacement resources, 
    • 4) Request a reference letter from your employer 
  • Review your financial positions, obligations. 
  • Make a weekly or monthly budget. Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
  • Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
  • Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.

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Editor
Sabrina E.
Sabrina is a former campaign manager who has decided to focus her effort to help people contact senators and get help. She leads our Editorial Team with Ronald and Lawrence to curate content and resources that help us navigate the system.

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