How to file in Massachusetts, step by step
- Gather your documents. Massachusetts asks for the items in the checklist below.
- File your claim online at mass.gov or by phone (numbers and hours).
- Meet the work search rule. Three work search activities a week while you claim, unless you are in DUA-approved training.
- Request benefits for each week you are unemployed, as your claim instructions say. See how weekly claims work.
- Answer any reemployment appointment. Some claimants are selected for a RESEA session at a job center.
Documents Massachusetts asks for
- SSN, date of birth, address, email and phone; SSNs and birth dates of dependents
- Driver's license or state ID and expiration, if you have one
- Account and routing number for deposit; past jobs: name, address, phone, dates, reason you left and return date if known
- DD-214 Member 4 if military; SF-50/SF-8 if federal; work authorization if not a citizen
Source: mass.gov. Lists can be partial; follow the instructions in your claim.
How much Massachusetts pays and for how long
All statesMaximum effective October 4, 2026, per mass.gov. The state calculates your weekly amount from your past wages when you file. How long unemployment lasts
Massachusetts unemployment phone
DetailsHours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Closed Fridays for claims processing; online services stay available.
Where to log in
The official place to start a claim or reach your account is mass.gov, run by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance. Only enter your Social Security number or PIN on the official state site. This guide is independent and cannot see or change your claim.
If your claim is denied
Federal law requires every state to offer a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal to anyone whose unemployment claim is denied (Social Security Act, sec. 303(a)(3)). The determination letter from Massachusetts tells you the deadline and how to file the appeal. How unemployment appeals work.
Job centers in Massachusetts
All 24In-person unemployment help is at the Boston Re-Employment Center, 2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, by appointment only.
MassHire Downtown Boston Career Center
75 Federal Street, 3rd Floor, Boston
MassHire Greater Brockton Career Center
34 School Street, Brockton
MassHire Metro North Career Center - Cambridge
Fresh Pond Mall, 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 310, Cambridge
MassHire Metro North Career Center - Chelsea
4 Gerrish Avenue, Chelsea
MassHire Fall River Career Center
446 North Main Street, Fall River
MassHire Framingham Career Center
39 Grant Street, Suite 150, Framingham
MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center
Greenfield Corporate Center, 101 Munson Street, Suite 210, Greenfield
MassHire Holyoke Career Center
208 Race Street, Holyoke
MassHire Cape and Islands Career Center
372 North Street, Hyannis
MassHire Merrimack Valley Career Center
439 South Union Street, Suite 208, Lawrence
MassHire North Central Career Center
100 Erdman Way, Leominster
MassHire Lowell Career Center
107 Merrimack Street, Lowell
Massachusetts unemployment questions
How do I file for unemployment in Massachusetts?
Online on the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance website or by phone at 1-877-626-6800. Have your Social Security number and your employers from the last 18 months ready.
What is the Massachusetts unemployment phone number?
1-877-626-6800. Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Closed Fridays for claims processing; online services stay available.
How much is unemployment in Massachusetts?
Up to $1,154 a week. Your own amount depends on your past wages.
How long does unemployment last in Massachusetts?
Up to 30 weeks; the federal table lists a range of 10-30 weeks depending on your situation. Your weeks are set when the state reviews your claim.
Where do I log in to Massachusetts unemployment?
Use the official site (mass.gov) to start a claim or reach your account. We do not handle logins or claims.
What if my Massachusetts unemployment claim is denied?
Federal law requires every state to give claimants whose claims are denied the chance of a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal. Your determination letter explains how and by when to appeal.
Related guides
Sources
Claim website: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Claims phone: mass.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Documents: mass.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Work search: mass.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
In-person policy: mass.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Weekly maximum: mass.gov (dated October 4, 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Maximum weeks: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Right to a fair hearing: 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(3), checked October 31, 2026.