Can I get DUA unemployment if I quit my job in Massachusetts?

Yes, you can potentially get DUA benefits even if you quit, but only if you had 'good cause attributable to the employer.' This includes things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to your job duties or pay, or domestic violence situations. You'll need to document everything and be prepared to explain your reasoning during the adjudication process.

The burden of proof is on you to show good cause. DUA will investigate your claim and may contact your employer. Common accepted reasons include: discrimination, harassment you reported to HR, unsafe conditions you complained about, or substantial changes to your job that weren't in your original agreement. Keep records of everything - emails, HR complaints, medical documentation if stress-related.

Be really careful here - if DUA determines you quit without good cause, you'll be disqualified for benefits AND you might have to wait additional weeks even if you find another job and get laid off later. The adjudication process can take forever too. Are you sure you can't try to get fired instead? I know that sounds weird but sometimes it's better strategically.

I've been trying to reach DUA for weeks about a similar situation with my quit claim and can't get through their phone lines. The callback system never works and their online messaging is useless. I actually found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to DUA agents by phone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/ok4BhTU0_EI showing how it works. Finally got to speak to someone about my adjudication status after using them.

The whole system is rigged against workers anyway. DUA makes it nearly impossible to quit for good cause even when you have legitimate reasons. They always side with employers. I had clear documentation of workplace harassment and they still denied my claim initially. Had to appeal and wait 3 months for a hearing just to get what I deserved.

Whatever you do, don't quit until you've documented everything thoroughly and maybe consulted with an employment attorney. Also consider filing complaints with HR or appropriate agencies first - DUA wants to see that you tried to resolve the issues before quitting.

I went through this exact situation last year and want to share what I learned. The key is building a paper trail BEFORE you quit. Start by documenting incidents with dates, times, and any witnesses. If possible, report issues to HR or your supervisor in writing (email is perfect because it creates a record). Save all responses or lack thereof. Massachusetts DUA looks for patterns showing you made good faith efforts to resolve problems before quitting. They also want to see that the working conditions were objectively unreasonable, not just personally frustrating. Things like health and safety violations, illegal discrimination, or substantial changes to your job terms carry more weight than personality conflicts. One thing many people don't realize is that you can also quit for "compelling personal reasons" in some cases - like domestic violence, caring for a family member, or following a relocating spouse. The requirements are different but it's another path to consider. Bottom line: don't quit impulsively. Build your case first, then quit if you must, and be prepared for a potentially lengthy adjudication process. Having documentation makes all the difference.