How to File for Unemployment in Massachusetts
Updated July 2026
Quick Answer
In Massachusetts, unemployment claims are filed through Department of Unemployment Assistance. Most initial claims are processed within two to three weeks, though it can take longer if there's an issue with your claim.
The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance handles claims through an Unemployment Services for Workers account tied to MyMassGov, and gives claimants a dedicated TeleCert phone line just for weekly certifications, separate from its general call center.
What You'll Need
- Social Security number
- Driver's license or state ID number
- Bank account and routing number for direct deposit
- Employment history for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, phone numbers, dates, separation reasons)
- DD-214 (if you served in the military)
- SF-50 and SF-8 (if you were a federal employee)
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1
Review eligibility first
Check DUA's eligibility rules before applying, since being fired for cause or quitting without good reason can affect your claim.
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2
Pull together your records
You'll need your SSN, birth date, contact info, driver's license or state ID, direct deposit details, and full employment history — including a recall date if you expect to be called back to your old job.
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3
Log in or create a MyMassGov account
Sign up for Unemployment Services for Workers, then select 'File an unemployment insurance claim' from your dashboard to start the application, or 'Reopen your unemployment insurance claim' if you've filed before.
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4
Call if you get stuck
The DUA Call Center is (877) 626-6800, open Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (it's closed Fridays so staff can process claims), and multilingual agents are available.
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5
File weekly certifications
Once your claim is active, request your weekly benefits online or through the dedicated TeleCert line at (617) 626-6338, available daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
File Your Claim
Compare Other States
Unemployment rules, benefit amounts, and filing steps are set state by state. These share Massachusetts's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the program.
Helpful Guides
Unemployment Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies
The three tests every state uses to decide unemployment eligibility, and the separation reasons that typically help or hurt your claim.
Learn more →How Unemployment Benefits Work
A plain-English overview of how the joint federal-state unemployment insurance system works, from filing your first claim to your last payment.
Learn more →Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed and Gig Workers
Regular unemployment insurance is built around W-2 payroll taxes, which is why freelancers and gig workers usually do not qualify — here is what does apply.
Learn more →Partial Unemployment Benefits: Working Part-Time While on Unemployment
Taking part-time work does not automatically end your unemployment claim — most states let you keep a reduced payment if you report your earnings correctly.
Learn more →