Massachusetts Unemployment

Most workers in Massachusetts are covered under law by the unemployment insurance program.

However, workers in the following categories are not eligible to collect benefits:

• employees of churches and certain religious organizations;
• worker trainees in a program administered by a non-profit or public institution;
• real estate brokers or insurance agents who work on a commission basis only;
• consultants working independently;
• elected officials and those in policy-making and advisory positions;
• and members of a legislative body, or the judiciary.

Generally, 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 file for unemployment benefits?

Step1

Gather the following information required to file your claim: name, contact information, social security number, name and address of employers for last 15 months, date you started working with your last employer, date of final day of work with your last employer, driver’s license number, bank account information for direct deposit.

Step2

You must first file an unemployment claim by calling the Massachusetts Office of Labor and Workforce TeleClaim Center at 1-877-626-6800 or you can visit an unemployment claim Walk-In Center in Massachusetts.

Step3

Once you have filed an initial claim, you can go to the Massachusetts Office of Labor and Workforce Development website and access the Unemployment Insurance Benefits online claims system at https://ipasssecurity.detma.org/ipass/loginnew.asp

https://ipasssecurity.detma.org/ipass/loginnew.asp

Contact Information

For customer service assistance for the following areas, please call the numbers listed:

New Extended UI benefits        888-998-8418

Unemployment claim status, general eligibility,

benefit checks, claim issues/adjudication

Expanded Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am – 6:30pm,

Saturday 8:00am – 1:30pm       617-626-6800

877-626-6800

Workers’ compensation claim status, eligibility, issues    617-727-4900

800-323-3249

Occupational safety and health programs, including lead, asbestos, employment agency, prevailing wage617-626-6975

Employer services (revenue services, contributions)       617-626-5075

Question regarding Labor Board or laws regarding employment (State Attorney General’s Office)          617-727-3465

Unemployment check status      617-626-6563

Unemployment claim wages      617-626-5039

Unemployment tax withholding (Form 1099)     617-626-5647

Interstate (moved out-of-state) unemployment claim      617-626-6140

Training Opportunities Program/Section 30       617-626-5375

Career center services, job search assistance,

recruitment and hiring    617-626-5300

Apprentice training        617-626-5409

Medical Security Program         800-908-8801

Unemployment insurance problem resolution     617-626-5400

If You Need to Contact the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development or Specific Agencies:

Division of Unemployment Assistance

for questions and issues related to Unemployment Insurance

Charles F. Hurley Building

19 Staniford Street

Boston, MA 02114

Tel: 617-626-6560

(do not include confidential information such as your social security number in your email) webmaster@detma.org

Department of Industrial Accidents

for questions related to Workers’ Compensation  

600 Washington Street; 7th Floor

Boston, MA 02111

Tel: 617-727-4900; 1-800-323-3249

(only Workers’ Compensation calls please)

Info2@dia.state.ma.us

Division of Career Services

for questions and issues related to job search assistance, career services, training and One-Stop Career Centers

Charles F. Hurley Building

19 Staniford Street

Boston, MA 02114

Tel: 617-626-5300

Email: DCSCustomerfeedback@detma.org

Division of Apprentice Training

for questions related to apprentice training, sponsorship and programs

Charles F. Hurley Building

19 Staniford Street

Boston, MA 02114

Tel: 617-626-5409

Department of Labor

for questions regarding Labor issues

1 Ashburton Place

Room 2112

Boston, MA 02108

Tel: 617-626-7100

Division of Occupational Safety

for questions regarding work place safety

19 Staniford Street, 2nd Floor

Boston, MA  02114

Tel:  617-626-6975

Fax:  617-626-6944

Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

for questions related to labor and workforce development, policies, workforce investment and other key issues:

One Ashburton Place

Suite 2112

Boston, MA 02108

Tel: 617-626-7122

TTY: 617-727-4404

Fax: 617-727-1090