What Benefits Will I Get?
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
How much will I get?
If you are eligible for UI, you will get about half of your average weekly wage in benefits, up to the state maximum weekly benefit in effect when you filed your claim. The state maximum benefit in Massachusetts, effective October 4, 2009, is $629 per week. The maximum weekly benefit is recalculated each year, effective the first Sunday in October.
If you have children and you are their main support, you will also get a dependency allowance. This allowance is usually $25 per child per week. The dependency allowance cannot be more than half of your weekly benefit amount, no matter how many children you have.
For claims with an effective date no later than May 23, 2010, you will also get an additional Federal Additional Compensation payment of $25 per week as part of the federal Economic Stimulus Plan.
Note: For a detailed explanation of how benefits are calculated, see How Your Benefits Are Determined on the DUA web site.
For how long will I get benefits?
You will get state UI benefits for a maximum of 30 weeks. You may also get a federal extension of benefits during periods of high unemployment. See Can I get extended benefits? below.
During a time of federal extended benefits, the state maximum goes down to 26 weeks.
The actual number of weeks you will get state benefits might be less than the maximum, depending on how much money you earned during your base period. (Your base period is a recent 1-year period before you lost your job.)
Can I get extended benefits?
There are two ways to get extended benefits:
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Federal extension of unemployment benefits:
When the unemployment rate is high, the federal government offers extended benefits to workers whose state UI benefits have run out.
 When state unemployment is high, Massachusetts residents may be eligible for up to 99 weeks of unemployment benefits:
- up to 26 weeks of regular benefits from the Massachusetts unemployment program
- up to 53 weeks of extended benefits from the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC)
- up to 20 weeks of extended benefits from the Extended Benefits (EB) program
For more information about how to apply for extended benefits, see Information On Unemployment Insurance Extensions on the Division of Unemployment Assistance web site. You can file an extended benefit claim by calling the special toll-free number: 1-888-998-8418.
For special filing requirements of the Extended Benefits program, see Federal-State Extended Benefits Program.
For information on the extended benefits approved July 22, 2010, see Overview of Latest Extension Benefits on the DUA web site.
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Your DUA representative will let you know if federal extended benefits are available and if you qualify. (Because the eligibility requirements are slightly different, not all workers getting Massachusetts UI benefits qualify for the federal extended benefits.)
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Approved job training:
If you are attending an approved job training program, you can apply for an extension of UI benefits. The maximum extension of benefits for job training is an additional 18 weeks. To qualify for the extension, you must apply by the 15th week after you begin getting UI checks. See Training Opportunities Program.
Will my benefits go down if I work part-time?
You are allowed to work part-time while you collect UI as long as you continue to look for a full-time job. Your benefit check will stay the same as long as your weekly part-time earnings are not more than one third of your weekly benefit. However, if you earn more than this, your benefits will go down. Your check will be reduced dollar-for-dollar for every dollar you earn over the one-third limit.
For example, if your weekly benefit is $300, you can earn up to $100 per week without having your benefit go down. However, if you earn $150 per week, your benefit check will go down by $50 and you will get $250 per week in UI benefits.
Are unemployment benefits taxable?
Unemployment benefits are taxable income on both state and federal income tax returns. If you expect to owe taxes, you can have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or you can make quarterly estimated tax payments. For more information, see Paying Taxes on Unemployment Insurance Benefits on the Department of Workforce Development web site.
For tax year 2009, the first $2400 of benefits are not taxable by the federal government, as part of the Economic Stimulus Plan. Any benefits above $2400 are taxable. Massachusetts did not exclude the first $2400 of benefits from taxable income for state tax purposes.
Can I get health insurance?
If you are eligible for unemployment insurance, you may be able to get health insurance through the Medical Security Program (MSP).
The Medical Security Program health insurance plan, offered by BlueCross/Blue Shield, is for low and moderate-income Massachusetts residents who are getting unemployment insurance. If you had health insurance with your previous employer and can continue that coverage, the Medical Security Program will pay 80% of your insurance premiums, up to the payment limit. If you do not have health insurance, the MSP offers direct coverage. Your family's gross income must be within the income limits for the program.
For information about eligibility, benefits, and how to apply, see Medical Security Program (MSP).
What other benefits can I get?
If you are eligible for unemployment insurance, you might also qualify for these additional benefits:
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Training Opportunities Program
If you are getting unemployment insurance and you need new job skills in order to be hired, you may apply for the Training Opportunities Program. If approved, you will be allowed to collect your UI benefits while you attend a job training program. You will not have to look for work while in the program. You may also get an 18-week extension of your UI benefits if you have not completed your training.
For more information, see Training Opportunities Program.
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Re-Employment Services Program
The Re-Employment Services Program offers special job search help to UI recipients who are at risk of long-term unemployment. You will get help setting up a job search plan, writing your resume, and improving your interview skills. You will be asked to keep track of your job search activities while in the program.
For more information, see Help With Re-Employment on the DUA web site.
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