Don't forget that you can also do some preliminary research on the DUA website even before you file - they have a benefit calculator tool that can give you a rough estimate of your weekly benefit amount based on your wages. Also, if you're in a union or have any kind of employment contract, check if there are specific provisions about layoffs or unemployment that might affect your situation. One last tip: when you do file, try to do it early in the week (Monday or Tuesday) rather than Friday - if there are any issues with your application, you'll have more time during the business week to get help before the weekend hits.

I went through unemployment in MA back in 2022 and wanted to add a few practical tips that helped me. First, set up your direct deposit info correctly from the start - any mistakes there can really delay your payments. Second, keep a dedicated email folder for all DUA communications because you'll get a lot of emails and some contain important deadlines. Third, if you're planning to do any freelance or gig work while collecting benefits, make sure you report ALL income when you file your weekly claims - even $20 from a side job needs to be reported or you could face penalties later. The income might reduce your weekly benefit but it won't disqualify you entirely. Also, consider signing up for job alerts on multiple sites (Indeed, LinkedIn, state job board) right away so you can start building that job search log from day one. The whole process is definitely stressful but it's manageable if you stay organized and follow the rules exactly as they're written.

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress right now! I was in a very similar situation about 8 months ago - got terminated from my warehouse job for "productivity issues" after working there for over a year with no formal disciplinary actions. Like you, I was absolutely panicked thinking that being fired would automatically disqualify me from unemployment benefits. But everyone here is absolutely right - you should file your DUA claim immediately! Don't wait even one more day. The key thing I learned is that Massachusetts distinguishes between being fired for misconduct versus being fired for performance or other non-misconduct reasons. Since you mentioned no write-ups or formal warnings over 2 years, that's actually really strong evidence in your favor. When I finally spoke with a DUA representative, they explained that they're looking for willful misconduct like theft, insubordination, or deliberately violating company policies after clear warnings - not just struggling with job performance or being let go for business reasons. I ended up getting approved and it was such a relief! Be completely honest when you file about being terminated for performance issues, and don't let fear of potential denial stop you from applying for benefits you might very well be entitled to. The worst case scenario is they say no and you can appeal. You've got this!

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation - getting terminated is so stressful, especially when you're worried about your financial security! But please don't panic - you absolutely CAN get unemployment benefits even after being fired, and your situation actually sounds very promising for a successful DUA claim. The fact that you worked there for 2 years with no formal write-ups or warnings is huge in your favor. DUA distinguishes between being fired for "misconduct" (like theft, harassment, or willfully violating policies after clear warnings) versus being fired for performance issues or business reasons. Vague "performance issues" without documented progressive discipline typically don't qualify as disqualifying misconduct under Massachusetts law. File your claim TODAY - don't wait! Be completely honest about being terminated for performance reasons when you apply. Even if your employer tries to contest it, you can appeal, and based on what you've described, you have a strong case. The worst thing that can happen is they initially deny it and you go through the appeal process. But waiting could cost you valuable benefit weeks. You've got this!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - the frustration is absolutely real and you're definitely not alone! I went through something similar about 8 months ago and it was one of the most stressful experiences I've had. Here's what finally worked for me after 7 weeks of being on hold: 1. **Document everything religiously** - I created a spreadsheet tracking every call attempt, email sent, and document uploaded with dates and times. This became crucial later. 2. **Check your employer's unemployment account** - This might sound weird, but ask your former employer if they've received any requests for information from DUA that they haven't responded to yet. Sometimes the hold is on their end, not yours. 3. **File a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's office** - They have a specific unemployment complaint form online and they actually follow up. I got a response within a week and my case moved shortly after. 4. **Try the "Request Callback" option** - Instead of staying on hold, use the callback system. It's still slow but at least you're not tied to your phone all day. The mental health toll of this is no joke - I was having panic attacks about bills too. Please don't hesitate to reach out to local assistance programs in the meantime. I eventually got all my back pay (over $5,000) and it came through within days once the hold was lifted. Keep filing those weekly claims no matter what - that's super important! You've got this! 💪

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - 4 weeks on hold and it's driving me crazy! This thread has been incredibly helpful though. I had no idea about so many of these workarounds and resources. One thing I wanted to add that I just discovered: if you go to the DUA website and look under "Forms and Publications," there's a form called "Request for Reconsideration" (Form BR-12) that you can submit if your claim has been pending for more than 21 days. It's not well advertised but it's supposed to trigger a manual review of your case. Also, I've been keeping track of which representatives others have mentioned as helpful: - Attorney General's office (multiple success stories) - Local unemployment offices vs. state line - State representatives (hit or miss but worth trying) The financial stress is absolutely brutal. I've had to ask family for help which is humiliating, but seeing all the success stories here about people getting their back pay gives me hope. We really shouldn't have to become unemployment claim experts just to access basic benefits! Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - this community is honestly more helpful than the actual DUA system right now. We'll get through this! 💙

To all those having trouble reaching a human at Massachusetts Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/ok4BhTU0_EI

From what I understand, Massachusetts typically allows backdating unemployment claims up to one year from the date you file, but there have been some special provisions during the pandemic. The specific deadline can vary depending on your situation and when you initially became unemployed. I'd recommend calling the DUA directly at (877) 626-6800 to get the most accurate information for your specific case, as they can review your eligibility and let you know exactly how far back you can backdate your claim.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue! Filed in late April and I'm still waiting on payments from those first few weeks. The timeline is so confusing - like, why is it so hard to figure out which weeks we're supposed to get paid for? One thing that's been helping me is keeping a detailed log of every interaction I have with the system. I write down dates, times, confirmation numbers, even the names of reps when I can get through. It's tedious but at least I feel like I have some control over this chaos. Also, has anyone else noticed that the "estimated processing time" they give you is basically meaningless? They told me 2-3 weeks back in May and here we are... Hang in there OP - from what I'm seeing in this thread, persistence really seems to be key. We're all in this together! 🤞

I'm going through the exact same thing! Filed in late April and I'm still missing that first week's payment too. The whole timeline thing is super confusing - I keep second-guessing myself about which weeks I should actually be getting paid for. What's been somewhat helpful for me is calling the main number and pressing different menu options to see if any lead to shorter wait times. Sometimes the "technical support" line has fewer people calling. Also, I've been checking my account at like 5am when the website actually works properly lol. The waiting week thing is real though - apparently that first week you claim is unpaid by design, which nobody bothers to explain clearly. But if you're missing more than just that one week, definitely keep pushing for answers. Stay strong and keep documenting everything! We'll get through this bureaucratic nightmare eventually 💪