How to File for Uneployment Benefits in Massachusetts and An Expected Rise in Unemployment Appeals of Denied Claims

Looking to file an unemployment claim in Mass.? There are two (2) ways to file an unemployment insurance (UI) claim: by telephone or in person. Before calling you may want to see the State's FAQ about unemployment insurance. For instance: What information do I need when I apply? can help you have the information available when it's needed.

An article at WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - "MA lengthens hours for unemployment call-in centers" discusses the increased hours at call-in centers for filing Massachusetts unemployment claims due to the increase in demand from the newly unemployed:

A surge in layoffs has led to lines as long as two hours at unemployment centers and lengthy waits for those filing by phone. Call center workers answered nearly 30 percent more calls in October, compared to a year ago.

Effective immediately and through the end of the year, the statewide Teleclaim Centers will be open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

On the Massachusetts Employment Law front, with the number of claims being processed, there will likely be an increase in appeals, too. Just because a claim is initially denied doesn't mean it won't be allowed if the denial is correctly challenged.