How to apply for unemployment benefits through DUA - complete beginner guide needed

First, you'll need to create a MyMassGov account if you don't have one. The application is all online now through the DUA portal. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, employment history for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, dates worked, gross wages), and your most recent pay stub. The key is having accurate employer information - any mistakes there can cause delays in processing.

Make sure you apply within the first week of being unemployed. Don't wait! The DUA has a waiting week, but you want to get your claim established ASAP. When you file, be completely honest about why you lost your job - if you were laid off vs fired vs quit makes a huge difference for eligibility. Save confirmation numbers for everything.

Ugh the DUA phone system is absolutely impossible to get through to when you have questions during the application process. I must have called 50 times before giving up. The online chat is usually down too. Really hope you don't run into any issues that require talking to someone because good luck with that.

Just remember you have to file weekly claims even while your initial application is being processed. Don't skip weeks thinking you'll backdate them later - it doesn't work that way with DUA. Each Sunday you need to certify for benefits for the previous week.

One thing that helped me was writing down all my employer info before starting the application. dates of employment, final day worked, reason for separation, gross wages for each job. having it all organized made the process way smoother

I went through this process about 6 months ago and here's what I wish someone had told me upfront: Download the DUA mobile app too - sometimes it works better than the website when the system is overloaded. Also, take screenshots of every page as you go through the application process. I had a glitch where my application seemed to disappear and having those screenshots helped prove I had submitted everything correctly. The whole process from filing to receiving first payment took about 3 weeks for me, but that was without any complications. Most importantly, don't panic if you make a small mistake - you can usually correct it later, but like others said, don't wait to file thinking you need everything perfect first.