For more information about Worcester unemployment benefits,
click on the questions below to go to the main Unemployment Benefits page on WorcesterResources.org:
Unemployment insurance is a government program that gives temporary
cash payments to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of
their own. The Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is in charge of this program in Worcester and other communities in Massachusetts.
Most Worcester workers who have lost their jobs through
no fault of their own are covered by Massachusetts unemployment insurance. Worcester workers are not
eligible for unemployment compensation if they
were fired from their jobs for a good reason, or if they quit their jobs by
their own
choice. To get benefits, you must be looking for a job or taking
part in an approved job training program. You may get partial unemployment
compensation if you work
part-time
while looking for a new full-time job.
In most cases, you can get cash unemployment benefits for a
maximum of 30 weeks. At times, the federal government offers an extension
of these
benefits. The amount
you get depends on how much you were earning before you lost your job.
In general, you will get about half of your average pay, up to the benefit
limit. If you
are low income, you may qualify for health insurance benefits through
the Medical Security Plan. You can also get help finding a new job or
training
for a new
career.
You may apply for unemployment insurance benefits in person
or by phone. If you apply in person, go to Workforce Central, 44 Front Street-
6th Floor,
Worcester,
MA 01608, (phone: 508-799-1600). If you want to apply by phone, call the TeleClaim
Center at 1-877-626-6800.
Worcester workers who are eligible for unemployment insurance will get
a check either once a week or once every two weeks. Before the DUA will send
your check,
you must file a report saying that you are ready to work and have been
looking for a job that week. You must also let DUA know if you are working part-time
and how much money you are making. You can file your reports by phone,
by using
the Internet, or by mail.
Links to other web sites with information about Massachusetts
and Worcester unemployment insurance benefits.
