Answering Member Questions
Public retirees were among the 469,000 Mass. residents who filed unemployment claims with the Mass. Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) over the past 3 weeks. With the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and economic decline, that number will unfortunately continue to grow at least for now.
Members, who have lost a job during the crisis, have reached out to us with their questions on applying for unemployment. Anticipating much of the same this month, we’ve listed below the most frequently asked questions.
Answering Member Questions
Public retirees were among the 469,000 Mass. residents who filed unemployment claims with the Mass. Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) over the past 3 weeks. With the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and economic decline, that number will unfortunately continue to grow at least for now.
Members, who have lost a job during the crisis, have reached out to us with their questions on applying for unemployment. Anticipating much of the same this month, we’ve listed below the most frequently asked questions.
We hope that this will help those of you who are considering whether to apply for unemployment.
- QUESTION #1: Because I’m receiving a public pension, can I qualify for unemployment?
ANSWER: Yes. You are not disqualified because of your public pension and may be eligible.
- QUESTION #2: If I receive unemployment, will my public pension be reduced?
ANSWER: No. Your pension will not be reduced. BUT, your pension may reduce the amount of your unemployment.
- QUESTION #3: I also receive Social Security. Does it reduce my unemployment or vice versa?
ANSWER: No. And your unemployment does not reduce your Social Security.
- QUESTION #4: I left my job because I was afraid of being exposed to
ANSWER: You may be eligible. DUA will review your circumstances to determine whether your fear of being exposed was reasonable.
- QUESTION #5: I was working a part-time job? Can I still be eligible for unemployment?
ANSWER: Yes. You may still be eligible. Eligibility for unemployment is determined primarily by wages, not hours.
- QUESTION #6: My hours have been reduced. Am I eligible for unemployment?
ANSWER: Yes. You may be eligible for unemployment. Please note that you do not qualify if you’re working from home unless it’s on a part-time basis.
- QUESTION #7: I’m self-employed. Can I qualify for unemployment?
ANSWER: Yes. You can qualify and may be eligible for unemployment under the new federal PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) program. Details are still being finalized at this time (4/13/20).
- QUESTION #8: I do not receive a W-2 but a 1099 as an independent contractor. Can I qualify for unemployment?
ANSWER: Yes. You can qualify and may be eligible for unemployment under the new federal PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) program. Details are still being finalized at this time (4/13/20).
- QUESTION #9: How do I apply for unemployment?
ANSWER: You file your application for unemployment with the Mass.
Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) either:
BY PHONE (TeleClaim Center):
(877) 626-6800 from Area Codes 351, 413, 508, 774 & 978
(617) 626-6800 from any other Area Code
TeleClaim Center Hours: 8:30AM – 4:30PM, Monday – Friday
Assigned Day to Call Center:
Last Digit of Your Soc Sec No. Assigned Day To Call
0 or 1 Monday
2 or 3 Tuesday
4, 5 or 6 Wednesday
7, 8 or 9 Thursday
Any Last Digit Friday
ONLINE:
Go to www.mass.gov/dua and enter the UI Online portal.
- QUESTION #10: How much will I receive in unemployment?
ANSWER: According to the DUA, a claimant will receive approximately one-half of their wages, up to a maximum weekly amount currently at $823. BUT, your pension may reduce the amount of your unemployment. You can also receive an additional $25 for each dependent, up to one-half of your weekly unemployment.
Please note that a new federal FPUC (Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation) program has been created. If you are receiving unemployment, then under the FPUC, you will receive an additional $600 weekly, retroactive to March 29, 2020 through July 31, 2020. Again, if you’re receiving unemployment, there is nothing more that you have to do in order to have the $600 added to your payment. Details are still being finalized at this time (4/13/20).
- QUESTION #11: How long will I be eligible to receive unemployment?
ANSWER: You should be eligible to receive unemployment for 39 weeks. Under the new federal PUA and PEUC (Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation) programs, an additional 13 weeks has been added to the customary 26 weeks. For most, the additional 13 weeks begins 3/29/20 and ends 12/26/20.
Details are still being finalized at this time (4/13/20).
- QUESTION #12: Are Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits subject to federal and state income taxes?
ANSWER: Yes. Your UI benefits are subject to federal and state income taxes. You can elect to have DUA make tax withholdings from your payments.