Posted by:
Director Edward T. Malmborg, Division of Unemployment Assistance
Thank
you for coming to the Commonwealth Conversations Job Blog. I would like to use
this blog as an open forum for questions that may arise regarding unemployment.
For those of you who may be newly unemployed, here are some tips for getting
the process started, and what you should expect. Job loss is a very difficult
experience for anyone, but with some preparation and the right attitude, you
can maximize the resources at your disposal to find new employment and minimize
the financial strain on you and your family.
File
your claim. The first thing you
should do when you become unemployed is to file an initial claim
for unemployment insurance. Be prepared to provide the names, addresses, dates
of employment and reasons for separation of all employers you worked for in the
past 15 months. You will need your social security number, and date of birth.
If you have dependent children for whom you are the main or whole provider and
you want to claim a dependents allowance, you will need to provide the
names, dates of birth, and social security numbers for the dependents.
You should call the unemployment insurance call
center during the first week of unemployment. If you are calling from the
following area codes: 351, 413, 508, 774, and 978, the correct telephone number
is 1-877-626-6800. Call the
After
filing your claim, you will be required to use an automated application to
select a PIN code. This code is necessary for you to claim benefit
payments weekly. Select a 4 digit PIN that is easy for you
to remember. The pin can be used to claim weekly benefit payments on
either the website or by an automated telephone application. If you have
easy access to the internet, I suggest you claim via the website whenever
possible.
Selecting
a method of payment. You will also
be required to select your method of payment, either by direct deposit or
check. More than half of benefit payments are now being made by direct
deposit. It is faster and more secure than a mailed check. In the
near future, benefit checks will be replaced by pre-paid debit cards.
Consider
your options in regard to health insurance coverage. Do you have the option to continue coverage
offered by your separating employer under COBRA? The American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act offers a 65% subsidy on COBRA premiums. For information
go to www.mass.gov/eolwd/cobra.
The
Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance Program offers a health insurance program
for unemployment insurance claimants with a family income less than 400% of the
Federal Poverty Income guidelines. This program offers assistance paying
premiums under COBRA, and also a HMO plan for those without a COBRA
option. For information click here.
The
Division of Unemployment Insurance Website has considerable information on the
Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance Program. To learn more about
the UI program, visit www.mass.gov/dua.
