Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance Customer Service Issues

Hello, I am currently facing a dilemma where I am a full-time student and employed full-time. I am about to start a full-time internship on August 20th, [redacted]. I requested to reduce my hours at work to part-time to accommodate my internship, but my employer refused and essentially pushed me to resign from my full-time job. During my exit interview, I expressed my concerns about being pressured to resign. They offered me a per diem position instead and asked for a letter of interest by Thursday, the 16th, which is my official last day. I am unsure if I can still receive unemployment benefits if I accept the per diem position. Should I accept the per diem role or proceed with the forced resignation and apply for unemployment benefits? I need urgent assistance on how to proceed in this situation and would appreciate guidance from a representative soon. Thank you for your help. Best, Ellyn

I am currently facing difficulties in reopening my claim. The individual who took my call this morning was extremely rude, stating, "you're not getting any money anytime soon," which was unprofessional. After requesting to speak with someone else or a supervisor, I was directed to voicemail. Despite multiple attempts to call back, the system disconnects after verifying my social security number, refusing to deal with my account. I called during office hours with plenty of time left but was unable to stay on hold. It seems like I have been blocked from receiving assistance today, causing undue distress. I, like many others, urgently need to address hurdles preventing me from accessing unemployment benefits. Waiting another week is not feasible as my bills are pressing. I kindly ask for prompt assistance in resolving this situation. Thank you for your attention.

I am currently on a leave of absence without pay in Austin, TX, as I did not qualify for FMLA. My mother was recently diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer, and I am her primary caregiver. While I have not left employment yet, HR has mentioned that my position may not be guaranteed upon my return. I do not have an estimated return to work date due to my mother's ongoing cancer treatment, which is expected to last at least 6 months. I have only worked in Texas for 7 months; my previous employment was in Massachusetts. Texas unemployment has informed me that I need to file a combined wage claim, but they also suggested filing in Massachusetts. Given my current status with my employer and my need for temporary assistance, I am wondering if I would qualify for benefits in this situation.

I am writing to express my frustration with the unemployment process. I have been waiting for over a month without any clear answers. Every time I call, I am told the same generic response about my pending status and being assigned to someone without a timeframe. As a pregnant woman in need of income, this uncertainty is extremely stressful. I have diligently submitted all required documents and have been actively searching for employment to no avail. The lack of transparency is overwhelming, especially when met with unhelpful customer service representatives. It is disheartening to be met with rudeness and unprofessionalism when seeking guidance during this difficult time.

I am experiencing issues with the customer service line repeatedly asking me to create a four-digit PIN, which I have already set up months ago. When I try to enter the first four letters of my mother's maiden name, it keeps saying the information is incorrect. Despite the system indicating it will connect me to a customer service representative, I end up back at the maiden name error. The online call back option is always full, and my emails have not received responses. I updated my direct deposit last Sunday, yet I have not received my last check. My account number was verified on 7/8. I requested another check today and normally would have received it by close of business. Can anyone assist me with this?

Before leaving Massachusetts, I contacted the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to inquire about any necessary steps to transition my unemployment benefits to Alabama. I specifically asked if attending any seminars or registering with a career center in Massachusetts was required. I was assured by the DUA representative that no action was needed in Massachusetts and any necessary procedures could be completed in Alabama. However, after relocating over [redacted] miles away and applying for unemployment benefits online, I was surprised to find out that I am now being instructed to register with a Massachusetts career center and attend a seminar to receive benefits. This contradicts the information I was given previously by the DUA office, causing confusion and frustration.

I had been employed by Dr. Ellen Harrison, DMD for years before she sold her practice to Dr. Baig in May [redacted] and was asked to assist in training new staff. As of December 4th, Dr. Baig no longer requires my services. During this period, I functioned as a subcontractor, handling my own taxes from April to December without any contributions towards Unemployment. Can I apply for a claim under Dr. Ellen Harrison, DMD now?

After working with the company for 16 years, they have decided to let me go at the end of the year. Initially, they requested that I relocate from Massachusetts to Kentucky, which I declined. Subsequently, they offered me a severance package consisting of 16 weeks' pay, contingent upon my employment until the year's end, which I agreed to by signing off. It was mentioned that if I were to leave before that date, my severance pay would be adjusted. I would like to know if I need to wait until the severance pay period expires to apply for unemployment benefits, or if I am eligible right from the beginning.

To whom it may concern, I find myself in a challenging situation. I was recently laid off and have started receiving unemployment benefits. As I undergo chemotherapy for cancer, I am unable to actively pursue job opportunities. I am unsure if disability benefits are available to me during this uncertain time. Any guidance or assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and may you be blessed.

I applied for Unemployment on November 12th, and it's now December 18th with still no payment received. I contacted the unemployment line on Sunday, December 15th, and was informed the payment was processed but being sent as a check. I've already waited a month without payment. Can I receive the past weeks' payments via direct deposit? With the holidays approaching, I'm worried it could take even longer, and I could go nearly two months without any income. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

On May 3, [redacted], I was dismissed from my position as a school bus driver at Amaral Bus Co. in Westport, MA by Eric Amaral. With the help of a former employer from the same business, I found work to finish the school year in Mattapoisett, MA, at Braga Transportation. Despite not quitting my job, when I tried to open my DUA claim, Amaral Bus Co. reported that I had quit. This was not the case; I was dismissed for attempting to report a false accident report by the bus company and a local woman. Following a sudden change in meeting location, which resulted in my refusal to meet at the employer's office, I was let go. After being blocked from applying for DUA benefits, I sought employment elsewhere, eventually securing a position at Whaling City Transit on July 9, [redacted]. I am now driving for Whaling City Transit in Fall River, MA, focusing on financial recovery after falling behind on bill payments due to the ordeal with Amaral Bus Co. The unfair employment practices of Amaral Bus Co. have caused distress not only to me but also to other past and current employees. The situation demands urgent attention. Thank you, Audrey Huggon.

I was approved for benefits five weeks ago and have not received my first four payments. When I check my UI account, it shows "hold" next to each claimed week. I've been trying to contact the DUA without success. I need them to resolve the "hold" status and send my benefits as I rely on them to pay my bills. Delaying the payments could also affect my eligibility for other benefits, so it's crucial to get this issue sorted out promptly. Despite calling every day this week and even visiting the Career Center, I have been unable to resolve this issue. Today, I tried contacting them multiple times and opted for a call back, but the automated system failed to record my information correctly and eventually disconnected the call.

I have experienced missed payments, weeks disappearing after claiming over the phone, and my claim being closed and reopened without reason. I am unable to claim those missing weeks during the reopening process. Despite submitting numerous appeals over almost a year, I recently received a response stating my claim was denied due to being submitted too late. They only considered my most recent submission and ignored all previous ones. Each time I reach out for assistance, I am given conflicting advice, leading to a frustrating cycle. I have wasted so much time trying to receive the benefits I am entitled to, when my focus should be on job hunting. I need to contact someone at the DUA who can help resolve the multiple issues with my account so I can finally receive the money owed to me for several months.

After working for four years at a company, I decided to give my two weeks' notice due to the disrespectful behavior of the management towards the employees. I specified in my notice that my last day would be 1/29/20. However, on Sunday 1/19/20, the general manager approached me as I was leaving work to discuss my notice. Despite explaining that it was time for me to move on, he insisted that I leave immediately instead of working my remaining ten days. Even though I wanted to complete my shifts, he informed me that I was not welcome to do so. This sudden loss of 20 hours of work significantly impacted my finances as a college student. I made every effort to express my desire to finish my remaining days, but unfortunately, my manager showed no understanding. I am now seeking advice on whether I am entitled to any benefits given the circumstances.

I submitted a claim that only mentioned my current employer, whom I joined in November [redacted]. I didn't realize I needed to provide my past employer details for Q1, Q2, Q3, impacting my eligibility. While filling my first week's request, I mistakenly created a second request marked as a "discharge," which is incorrect. The second request got approved, but I haven't been discharged. I need to remove that claim and revise my initial claim accurately for the whole of [redacted] to qualify. My current employer is temporarily closed due to COVID-19. I haven't claimed unemployment before and don't know how to rectify these errors.

Claimant ID#: [redacted]9 Claim ID#: [redacted]-01 I applied for Unemployment benefits after my company furloughed employees on 3/20/20 due to the Corona Virus. I was denied citing "not making enough money." Throughout the base period, my gross income from MA jobs was $32,[redacted].45, which increased to $34,[redacted].95 when including NH work income. I believe I meet the requirements I found online to qualify for benefits. I was off work from 3/18/20-3/20/20, seemingly due to the virus (awaiting confirmation through testing). Being an hourly worker, I wasn't compensated during this period as I had no sick/vacation time left after the 17th of the month.

As a self-employed DBA/sole proprietor for 23 months, I work as a public speaker and inclusion trainer. With all my business activities on hold and no income coming in, the current situation is challenging. Last Saturday, I applied for assistance but was denied due to not meeting the earnings requirement. I then submitted a DUA assistance request (Conf. #[redacted]4) but have not received any response yet. I recently learned that there may be provisions for self-employed individuals like me to receive help, but I am unsure how to proceed. I attempted to start a new application but encountered difficulties. Any guidance provided would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, Lisa D.

Hello, I am writing to inform you that I am currently on temporary layoff due to Covid-19. As an employee in a small business retail setting, I have been affected by the state-mandated closure of our shop. While I anticipate returning to work once the business reopens, for now, I have applied for unemployment benefits to bridge the gap in income. I initially requested benefits for the week of March 15th-21st and have just applied for the following week. I submitted a wage information request for the first week and would like clarification on whether I need to do this for subsequent weeks. Additionally, I am curious about how the benefit amount is calculated. It seems to be around half of my regular weekly earnings. I indicated in my application that my layoff was due to Covid-19, although this was not explicitly asked. Could this lack of specificity be contributing to the lower benefit amount? Understanding this decision is crucial as the current benefit may not cover my essential expenses. I appreciate your support during this uncertain time and value any clarification you can offer. Thank you for your assistance. Best regards, Rebecca Greene

I recently applied for unemployment. I began the claim for the week of 3/8 due to illness. At the time, I was sick and didn't go to work, coinciding with the rise of the Covid-19 pandemic. I stayed home to prevent spreading the virus, which my employer allowed for 3 days. Afterward, I returned to work briefly before the restaurant closed on 3/15 due to Covid-19. I filed for unemployment citing illness and the pandemic as reasons. I started the claim on 3/8 when I was sick and Covid-19 was prevalent. It affected my ability to work and I want to change the claim start date to 3/15. I didn't visit a doctor during my sickness, but I believe my claim should be supported due to both illness and the Covid-19 situation impacting my work in the restaurant industry.

I completed the claim form, but I couldn't log in due to forgotten credentials since I last filed. I requested a call back and got ticket #[redacted]48, but it's been 3 days with no response. As a Macy's employee without pay since last Friday, I urgently need assistance filing for unemployment benefits. I'm locked out of the system, so I can't proceed. I'm in a tough spot without any access. I'm hoping for a call back soon to guide me through the process. My last paycheck was last Friday, making this situation urgent. Kindly reach out. Phone: [redacted]