What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Massachusetts?

$1,105 a week as of July 1, 2026; the minimum is $60.

How many weeks of unemployment can you get in Massachusetts?

Up to 30 weeks (Up to 30 weeks; reduced to 26 weeks during periods of low unemployment).

Does Massachusetts have a waiting week for unemployment?

Yes. The first eligible week is an unpaid waiting week.

How do I file for unemployment in Massachusetts?

File an initial claim with the Department of Unemployment Assistance at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-unemployment-insurance-benefits.

Massachusetts unemployment benefits

In Massachusetts, unemployment benefits last up to 30 weeks (fewer when the state unemployment rate is low) and pay up to $1,105 a week (as of July 1, 2026). There is an unpaid waiting week, and you file with the Department of Unemployment Assistance.

By Justin KullaLast updated October 6, 2026

Last verified October 6, 2026 against official sources.

File a claim with the Department of Unemployment Assistance →

Massachusetts benefits at a glance

Massachusetts unemployment insurance facts, with sources
Maximum weekly benefit	$1,105source, July 1, 2026
Minimum weekly benefit	$60source, July 1, 2026
Maximum weeks of benefits	30 weeks (Up to 30 weeks; reduced to 26 weeks during periods of low unemployment)source, July 1, 2026
Weeks depend on the state unemployment rate	Yessource, July 1, 2026
Unpaid waiting week	Yessource, October 6, 2026
Severance pay	Massachusetts law (G.L. c.151A s.1(r)(3)) counts termination, severance, or dismissal pay as remuneration, the same as pay in lieu of notice, and benefits are denied while it is received. A lump sum paid in connection with a qualifying plant closing is excluded.source, October 6, 2026
Pay in lieu of notice	All benefits are denied for the week the payment is received.source, January 1, 2023
Work-search requirement	Claimants must complete at least 3 work search activities per week. Domestic violence accommodations apply.source, January 1, 2023
Extended benefits	Not available nowsource, October 4, 2026
How to file	the Department of Unemployment Assistance source, October 6, 2026

Weekly amounts exclude dependents’ allowances. Severance, pay in lieu of notice and work-search entries dated January 1, 2023 come from the Department of Labor’s latest Comparison of State UI Laws, which reflects state law on that date; confirm them with the Department of Unemployment Assistance.

Severance and unemployment in Massachusetts

Severance pay: Massachusetts law (G.L. c.151A s.1(r)(3)) counts termination, severance, or dismissal pay as remuneration, the same as pay in lieu of notice, and benefits are denied while it is received. A lump sum paid in connection with a qualifying plant closing is excluded.

Pay in lieu of notice (including WARN Act pay): All benefits are denied for the week the payment is received.

File as soon as you are out of work even if you received severance. The agency decides how payments affect your claim, and most states pay only from the week you file.

Local workforce boards in Massachusetts

Public workforce boards run American Job Centers, which offer free help with job search, training and benefits.

If you’re a laid-off professional

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Significant Provisions of State Unemployment Insurance Laws and Comparison of State Unemployment Insurance Laws, the DOL Extended Benefits trigger notice, and the Department of Unemployment Assistance. Where official sources disagree or a figure could not be confirmed, this page says to check with the agency rather than estimate. Rules change; the agency’s decision on your claim is what counts. See our editorial standards.