Unemployment Insurance (Massachusetts DUA)

Unemployment insurance in Massachusetts is run by the Department of Unemployment Assistance, the DUA, for workers who lost a job through no fault of their own. Apply online by creating an Unemployment Services for Workers account through MyMassGov, then file your claim from the dashboard. You can also apply by phone through the TeleClaim Center at 877-626-6800, Monday through Thursday.

The weekly benefit is about 50 percent of your average weekly wage, up to the legal maximum. As of October 5, 2025, that maximum is $1,105 a week, among the highest in the country. It corrects a widely repeated older figure of about $1,033.

Massachusetts adds money for dependents. If you mainly support dependents, you may get a dependency allowance of up to $25 per child. Dependents must be under 18, under 24 and a full-time student, or over 18 and unable to work due to disability. Spouses are not included.

Duration is generous but varies. The maximum in Massachusetts is 30 weeks, though many claimants qualify for fewer, often 24 to 30, because duration equals your total benefit credit divided by your weekly amount. Budget for the lower end until your determination arrives.

Two things can reduce your check: child support you owe in any state, so report it when you apply, and recovery of prior overpayments, up to 50 percent. Part-time work and other income can also change the weekly amount, and if your employer has an approved WorkShare plan, your benefit is based on the hours you lost rather than a full layoff.

Get your details together before you start: your Social Security number, dependents' Social Security numbers and birth dates, bank account for direct deposit, and each past employer with dates and reasons for leaving. Questions go to the DUA Call Center at 877-626-6800. And stack support: SNAP, MassHealth, and 2-1-1 all help between jobs.