If you've been laid off in Massachusetts, you're likely eligible for unemployment insurance benefits through the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Massachusetts offers one of the most generous unemployment programs in the nation, with maximum benefits of $1,033 per week (plus dependent allowances up to 50% more). This guide covers everything you need to know about filing for and receiving Massachusetts unemployment benefits.
Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits Overview
Benefit Amounts
Category
Amount
Weekly minimum
$121
Weekly maximum
$1,033
Dependent allowance
$25/week per dependent
Maximum with dependents
~$1,550/week
Benefit duration
26-30 weeks
How Benefits Are Calculated:
Your weekly benefit amount is approximately 50% of your average weekly wage in the base period (the last four completed calendar quarters), capped at $1,033.
Dependent Allowances:
$25 per week for each dependent (children under 18, spouse)
Can increase total benefit by up to 50%
Maximum weekly benefit with dependents: approximately $1,550
Example: If your average weekly wage was $2,500:
$2,500 × 0.50 = $1,250, capped at $1,033
Add 2 dependents: $1,033 + $50 = $1,083/week
Duration of Benefits
Massachusetts offers extended duration:
Standard: 26 weeks
Extended: Up to 30 weeks if you earned sufficient wages
Duration based on total wages in base period
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Massachusetts unemployment:
Earned sufficient wages in your base period (at least 15× your weekly benefit in the last 2 quarters)
Lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force)
Be able and available to work full-time
Actively seek suitable work each week
Be legally authorized to work in the United States
How to File for Massachusetts Unemployment
Before You File
Gather the following information:
Social Security number
Massachusetts driver's license or ID number
Mailing address, email, and phone number
Last employer information:
Company name, address, phone number
Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN) if available
Dates of employment
Reason for separation
Work history for past 18 months (all employers)
Direct deposit information (routing and account numbers)
Note: Phone wait times can be long. Online filing is faster and available 24/7.
Filing Timeline
Event
Timeframe
File initial claim
First week of unemployment
Waiting week
First week (no payment)
First weekly request
Week 2
First payment
~2-3 weeks after filing (if approved)
After You File
The Waiting Week
Massachusetts has a one-week unpaid waiting period. Your first week of unemployment serves as the waiting week—you must meet all requirements but won't receive payment.
Requesting Weekly Benefits
Massachusetts requires weekly benefit requests:
When to Request:
Available Sunday through Saturday
Request for the previous week
Must complete each week to receive benefits
What You'll Report:
Were you able and available to work?
Did you work or earn money?
Did you complete work search activities?
Did you refuse any work?
Any changes to your situation?
Important: Missing a weekly request forfeits benefits for that week.
Work Search Requirements
Massachusetts requires you to actively seek work:
Weekly Work Search Activities:
Applying for jobs
Submitting resumes to employers
Interviewing for positions
Attending job fairs
Registering with employment agencies
Attending approved training programs
Networking with job leads
You Must Also:
Keep detailed records of job search activities
Be able to provide proof if requested
Accept suitable work offers
Register with MassHire Career Centers (recommended)
Receiving Your Benefits
Payment Methods
Direct Deposit:
Fastest payment method
Set up during application
Funds available within 24-48 hours of processing
Massachusetts Debit Card (Bank of America):
Default if no direct deposit
Card mailed after claim approval
Takes 7-10 days to arrive
Can use at ATMs or for purchases
Payment Schedule
Request benefits weekly
Payments processed within 24-48 hours of request
Direct deposit arrives 1-2 business days after processing
Taxes on Unemployment
Unemployment benefits are taxable income at both federal and state levels.
Federal Tax:
Optional 10% withholding
Massachusetts State Tax:
Subject to MA income tax (5% flat rate)
Optional state withholding available
Recommendation: Have taxes withheld to avoid a large bill at tax time.
Working While Receiving Benefits
Partial Benefits
Massachusetts allows part-time work while receiving reduced benefits:
Earnings Formula:
You can earn up to 1/3 of your weekly benefit without reduction
Earnings above 1/3 reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar
If you earn more than 1.33× your weekly benefit, no payment
Example:
Weekly benefit: $900
1/3 earnings allowance: $300
Your earnings: $500
Excess: $200 ($500 - $300)
Benefit paid: $700 ($900 - $200)
Total income: $1,200
Reporting Requirements
When requesting benefits:
Report all work, including part-time and gig work
Report gross earnings (before deductions)
Report for the week worked, not when paid
Report job offers and refusals
Dependent Allowances
Massachusetts has one of the best dependent allowance programs.
Who Qualifies
Spouse:
Must be unemployed or earning less than $150/week
Children:
Must be under 18 (or under 24 if full-time student)
Must depend on you for support
How Much
$25 per week per dependent
Up to 50% of your weekly benefit in total dependent allowances
Can significantly increase your weekly payment
Example:
Base weekly benefit: $800
Maximum dependent allowance: $400 (50%)
With 3+ dependents at $25 each: $75
Total: $875/week
How to Claim
Include dependent information when filing
Provide dependent names, dates of birth, SSNs
DUA may request documentation
Common Issues and Solutions
Claim Under Review
Your claim may need review if:
Your employer disputes the separation
You quit or were fired
Wages need verification
Previous claims had issues
What to Do:
Respond promptly to all DUA requests
Attend scheduled phone interviews (fact-finding)
Provide documentation (termination letter, etc.)
Continue requesting benefits during review
Benefit Denial
If your claim is denied:
You'll receive a Determination letter
You have 10 business days to request a review/hearing
File appeal through UI Online
A hearing will be scheduled with a Review Examiner
Many denials are reversed on appeal
System Issues
If you encounter problems online:
Try different browsers
Clear cache and cookies
File during off-peak hours
Call TeleClaim Center as backup
Special Situations
Boston Tech and Biotech Workers
If you were laid off from Boston's tech or biotech sector:
Your wages likely qualify you for maximum benefits
Massachusetts' benefits are among the highest nationally
Boston has strong tech and life sciences job market
Consider Cambridge, Route 128, and remote positions
Massachusetts pays up to $1,033/week (plus up to 50% more for dependents)
Duration is 26-30 weeks—potentially longer than most states
File immediately during your first week of unemployment
One waiting week before benefits begin
Request benefits weekly—not biweekly
Claim dependent allowances for significant additional income
Part-time work allowed—1/3 earnings disregard
Severance doesn't affect your benefits
Appeal if denied—you have 10 business days
Use direct deposit for fastest payment
Massachusetts offers one of the best unemployment programs in the nation. Take full advantage of dependent allowances, file promptly, and maintain your weekly benefit requests.
