With the Massachusetts Unemployment rate at 6.9%, more and more working class people are having a difficult time finding work. This is a challenging and confusing time. Thankfully, the Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance program is available to help keep you afloat. Undoubtedly, you have many questions about this program and how to access Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits. The purpose of this blog is to provide answers to frequently answered questions. Sign up at the right receive free tips and information on how to make it through this tough economic period.
What is the Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance Program?
Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance is a state/federal funded program that provides temporary financial assistance for unemployed workers.
Do I qualify for assistance?
Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits are available for eligible workers who have become unemployed through no fault of their own, and who are able to work and are actively looking for a job. You must also have earned at least $3,500 during a specified period of time set by law.
How do I apply?
There are two ways to file a claim for Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance Benefits—either by calling the Unemployment Insurance TeleClaim Center or by reporting in person to a Walk-In claims center, located in communities throughout the state.
To file by phone: Call the TeleClaim Center at 1-877-626-6800 if you are calling from the following area codes: 351, 413, 508, 774, and 978. Call the TeleClaim Center at 617-626-6800 if you are calling from any other area code. Filing hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
You may file your claim during your first week of total or partial unemployment—to delay may cost you benefits.
What information do I need when I apply?
You should have the following information when you file, whether you file in person or over the telephone:
1) Your Social Security Number
2) The year you were born
3) Your home address and telephone number
4) Whether you have filed an Unemployment Insurance claim in Massachusetts or in any other state during the past 12 months
5) Your last day of employment
6) The names and addresses of all of the employers you have worked for during the 15 months prior to filing your claim and the dates you worked for each of these employers. If you are reopening a claim, be ready with the same information for the past 8 weeks.
7) The reason that you are no longer working or that your hours have been reduced
The names, dates of birth and social security numbers for any dependent children, if you are going to apply for dependency allowance
9) Your alien registration number if you are not a U.S. citizen
How much can I collect in benefits?
You may collect a check for approximately half of your earnings before deductions, up to the current state maximum benefit amount of $628 a week. The maximum number of weeks is 30. Some workers may qualify for Federal Extended Unemployment Benefits, which adds up to another 33 weeks of benefits. The amount of your benefits and the number of weeks that you can collect those benefits depends on your earnings during the 15 months prior to filing your claim. There is also a $25 dependency allowance for each child who meets the eligibility requirements set by law. Also, the 2009 Federal Stimulus Bill provides for an additional $25 a week, effective 2/22/2009 through 12/31/2009.
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