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Has Your Employment Been Affected by the Coronavirus?

Published on: March 21, 2020

Massachusetts residents whose employment is being affected by the coronavirus can file claims for benefits.

This past week, Governor Baker signed legislation to allow for a waiver of the one week waiting period for unemployment insurance payments. Visit the Department of Unemployment website to read the latest information on how to apply for benefits, including access to a form to request assistance for those with special needs, disabilities or language difficulties.

Access this PowerPoint Presentation detailing how to file claims. Additional guidance for businesses (regarding loans etc.) during this crisis can be found here.

Attend a Virtual Town Hall Meeting

In order to help with the increased demand on the unemployment system, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Department of Unemployment Assistance will be hosting virtual town hall meetings. You will be taken through a step by step process of achieving a successful unemployment claim . They will also be taking questions from claimants across the Commonwealth. Applicants should file for benefits at https://www.mass.gov/unemployment-insurance-ui-online

The first virtual town hall will be held Sunday, March 22nd, at 3:30 pm.

Sign up information for the virtual town hall is available at  www.mass.gov/unemployment/townhall. A Spanish language town hall will be held on Tuesday at 9:00 am, and additional language town halls shortly thereafter.

To further help claimants through the process of applying for benefits, specific web page updates that include the latest guidance for employee qualifications and additional resources like contact forms and a COVID-19 specific unemployment claim handbook can be viewed at https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-unemployment-and-coronavirus-covid-19 .