The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Massachusetts workers and businesses. If you are here, it’s likely that you or someone you know has already been affected by COVID-19 related health concerns, layoffs, or feel that your position is currently in jeopardy. There are many resources for you to utilize during this unprecedented crisis to make sure that everyone has access to the benefits they need, when they need them. There are currently two types of unemployment assistance options available to Massachusetts residents. There is the Department of Unemployment Assistance application and the Pandemic Unemployment assistance application.
The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is offering traditional unemployment benefits for workers in the Commonwealth. If you are a W-2 working and have earned at last $5,100 in the last 4 completed calendar quarters, you are eligible for traditional unemployment.
DUA Application: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-unemployment-benefits
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides assistance to workers who are not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (self-employed, independent contractors, workers with limited work history, and others) who are unable to work as a direct result of the coronavirus public health emergency.
PUA Application: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-pandemic-unemployment-assistance
Other helpful resources
COVID-19 Unemployment FAQs: https://bit.ly/unemploymentfaq19
Step-by-step guide from DUA: https://www.mass.gov/doc/filing-a-new-unemployment-claim-covid-19/download
Schedule of virtual town halls for applicants: https://www.mass.gov/forms/massachusetts-department-of-unemployment-assistance-dua-virtual-town-halls
Massachusetts Legal Service, legal aid fact sheet: https://www.masslegalservices.org/covid-19-and-ui