Headline:
The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is seeing a rise in fraudulent claim activities. If you believe someone has applied for unemployment benefits using your personal information, contact the DUA immediately.
Last-reviewed: 9am, May 26, 2023
Key Resources:
Leave & Work Safety
The Basics:
- MA workers may be eligible for paid and unpaid, job-protected leave for personal or family health needs and should contact their employer’s HR department or the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division for more information.
The Breakdown:
- The newly passed Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and PUMP Act will go into effect on June 27, 2023, providing additional protections to pregnant and nursing workers. More information here.
- The Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program offers eligible employees paid leave for certain family and medical leaves, including caring for a family member with a serious health condition. Visit the PFML Help Center or view the PFML Employee Toolkit for information on the various types of leave available and the application process. Visit mass.gov for additional information.
- There are several ways to file a complaint to report an unsafe business or employer practice – through a local Board of Health; by contacting the Department of Labor Standards by phone, (508-616-0461 x9488), online, or by email (safepublicworkplacemailbox@mass.gov); or by contacting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) by phone (800-321-6742) or online.
- Information about wage and hour, prevailing wage, and child labor laws is available in many languages from the Fair Labor Division of the Attorney General’s office. Videos are also available in Spanish and Portuguese. People can also submit complaints online.
The Bottom Line:
- Care team members can guide individuals to employment resources and share information regarding employment rights and available benefits.
Job Loss
The Basics:
- The 2023 Unemployment Insurance Guide is now available for information on the Massachusetts UI process, eligibility, applications, benefits, appeals, and more.. Care team members can use this Unemployment Insurance Advocacy Guide to assist individuals with questions about the unemployment insurance process in Massachusetts.
- Through UI Online, claimants can file an unemployment application, manage their UI claim, and request weekly benefits.
- People who are unable to work due to a disability can apply for Social Security benefits and then monitor their benefits through mySocialSecurity. This short video may be helpful for people to learn about the online disability application.
The Breakdown:
- If you believe someone has applied for unemployment benefits using your personal information, complete a secure form to report this to the DUA. If you believe someone has access to your UI account, contact DUA customer service immediately to inform them.
- Work search requirements for UI claimants are in effect. DUA has launched an online Re-Employment Center (REC). The REC is also open for in-person visits at the Boston office Monday-Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Appointments must be scheduled online in advance. Visit this web site for lists of services that are and are not offered at the REC.
- Workers who received UI benefits that they did not qualify for must repay the money unless they get a waiver. Workers can access up-to-date waiver information through the PUA website.
- Termination of a worker’s employment based on the person’s pregnancy, national origin, race, age, gender, disability or the perception that one has a disability, is illegal. The MCAD has issued guidance on its COVID-19 processes and complaints can be filed, telephonically or electronically.
The Bottom Line:
- Unemployment benefits are available for some employees who are out of work. Recipients should stay up to date on changing policies and program requirements.
