What reasons can you quit a job and still get DUA unemployment in Massachusetts?

Yes, there are specific circumstances where you can quit and still qualify for DUA benefits. In Massachusetts, it's called 'voluntary leaving with good cause.' The main reasons include: unsafe working conditions, harassment or discrimination, significant changes to your job duties or pay, employer violating labor laws, or domestic violence situations. Schedule changes and mandatory overtime can sometimes qualify if they're unreasonable and you tried to resolve it first.

Document EVERYTHING before you quit. DUA will want to see that you tried to resolve the issues with your employer first. Keep records of the schedule changes, any emails about overtime requirements, and if possible, file a complaint with HR or your supervisor in writing. The burden of proof is on you to show you had good cause.

Wait, so if your boss is just being a jerk that doesn't count as good cause? What if they're verbally abusive or creating a hostile work environment?

I had to quit my job last year due to unsafe working conditions and DUA approved my claim, but it took forever to get through to anyone to explain my situation. The phone system is impossible. I finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual DUA agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/ok4BhTU0_EI that shows how it works. Really saved me weeks of trying to call on my own.

just quit and say you got laid off lol nobody checks

Good cause is really hard to prove though. I tried to quit my job because of stress and they said it wasn't good enough. Ended up having to stick it out until I found something else. The system is stacked against workers.

Emma, I went through something similar with my previous employer. The key thing is that "good cause" usually requires showing that you made reasonable efforts to resolve the issue first. For schedule changes and mandatory overtime, you'll want to document when you were notified, how it affected your life (childcare issues, etc.), and any attempts you made to discuss it with management. Massachusetts DUA looks for whether a "reasonable person" would have quit under those circumstances. If you haven't already, I'd suggest having a written conversation with your supervisor about the schedule issues and keep copies of everything. The more documentation you have showing the unreasonableness of their demands and your attempts to work it out, the stronger your case will be.