Eligibility Rules

• Most employees in Massachusetts qualify for unemployment benefits if they are unemployed through no fault of their own. In addition to being unemployed through no fault of their own, claimants must actively look for work and register for available work. Massachusetts law does not allow religious organizations and their employees, elected officials, consultants or independent contractors, employees in training programs, legislative or judicial agency employees, and real estate and insurance brokers or agents who receive compensation only through commissions to receive unemployment benefits.
  
  

Reasons for Unemployment

• According to Chapter 151A of the Massachusetts General Laws, employees may be eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits if they were fired for lack of performance or poor performance. However, if the employer terminated the applicant for gross misconduct or intentional violation of a company policy, the commonwealth can deny benefits. If an employer can prove it terminated the employee for her intentional disregard of a company policy or gross misconduct, the commonwealth will deny benefits.
  
  

Other Reasons for Denial

• The commonwealth disqualifies employees who terminate employment for no good reason from receiving benefits. However, if an employee terminates employment and voluntarily quits for good cause or for extenuating and serious personal reasons, she may be eligible for benefits. Good cause reasons for terminating employment include discriminatory or retaliatory conduct by an employer or medical emergencies necessitating quitting. Disqualified employees can file written appeals with the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance.
  
  

Monetary Benefits

• Claimants eligible for unemployment benefits in Massachusetts can expect to receive about half of their weekly wages, limited to $629, in addition to a $25 allowance for each dependent child. Eligibility for earnings depends on wages earned during the last four employment quarters, and Massachusetts requires employees to have worked within the commonwealth for at least four quarters, and they must have earned at least $3,500. Additionally, each claimant must have earned at least 30 times the weekly unemployment benefit check he would be entitled to receive. Eligible claimants can receive state benefits for up to 30 weeks or 26 weeks during periods of high unemployment and extended benefits programs.
  
  

Considerations

• Since state laws can frequently change, do not use this information as a substitute for legal advice. Seek advice through an attorney licensed to practice law in your state.