Our industry’s been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re out of work, we’re here to help.
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
If you’re applying for unemployment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, follow these key tips to receive quick and reliable benefits:
- Apply online. State-run call centers and offices are closed or operating with limited staffing. The fastest way is to apply online by following these instructions: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-unemployment-benefits
- Do NOT enter a “return to work” or “recall” date. Although some public officials have identified plans to re-evaluate suspensions of construction work, this is not a guarantee that work will resume at that time.
- If you need to reset your password or have trouble accessing your account, use this link: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/reset-your-ui-online-password-as-a-claimant
For every week you were unemployed since March 29, you should get an extra $600/week until July 25th through the federal CARES Act.
Massachusetts unemployment assistance provides you with 26 weeks of regular benefits, plus another 13 weeks currently available through the CARES Act, for a total of 39 weeks.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
If you’ve exhausted your yearly UI benefits at any point after 7/1/19, you can apply for extended Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA): https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-pandemic-unemployment-assistance
Under PUA you will be eligible for:
- Up to 13 weeks of assistance until December 26, 2020
- A minimum of $268/week, up to a maximum of $823/week, plus dependency allowance
- Additional $600/week of unemployment assistance through 7/25/20, as passed in the federal CARES Act.
Additional Resources & Information
- Review this chart to determine if you are eligible for UI or PUA, and how to apply: https://bit.ly/2KsoDDj
- Review MA’s online Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Benefits Guide for more information on PUA: https://bit.ly/3bC8zum