Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance Customer Service Issues

Today, when I went to make a benefits request, I realized I needed to renew my claim. I missed claiming benefits for a week, but by renewing today, I can file for benefits again starting on 8-2-20. I'm worried about missing out on the extra $[redacted] federal funds if I'm not reinstated before July 31.

I have a question about my unemployment benefits. Today, I received $[redacted] instead of the expected $[redacted], missing $[redacted]. I am concerned about only having 2 weeks left of benefits starting from March 23, [redacted], to March 27, [redacted], when I lost my job due to COVID-19. I have used up all my self-employed insurance. I was supposed to receive an extra $[redacted]. Could someone please address this issue and ensure I receive the $[redacted] owed? My claimant ID is [redacted]7. Thank you for your assistance.

Hello, I am Robert G. Levine. I have attempted to contact the Massachusetts unemployment benefits application line ten times via phone with no success. Upon entering the security questions, I receive an incorrect answer prompt that halts my progress. I was recently laid off after 51 years as a ferry boat Merchant Captain for HY LINE CRUISES, serving Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. It is my first time being laid off due to the pandemic reducing passenger transportation. I am in need of a new pin to proceed with my unemployment benefits. As a first-time benefits applicant, I seek guidance on the next steps to take. I have never collected unemployment benefits before and consider myself an essential worker. Laid off: 9/9/[redacted]. Thank you for your assistance. Please respond to my request for help at [redacted].

I received a Lack of Work notification for my seasonal, part-time employee. She is still working for me, so I am concerned that someone is using her SSN to try to get unemployment assistance. I am also concerned because the information regarding my business name is spelled incorrectly -- High, should be spelled Hi (no gh at the end). The letter sounds legitimate, but the dates for ending employment are, of course, wrong, as she is still an employee. The number listed is employer DUA [redacted]6 and the claimant ID used on the form is [redacted]2. I am disregarding this notification, as I think it is fraudulent, but I am concerned that someone is trying to use my employee's SSN. Please advise if there is something else I should do (or something that she should do). Thank you.

I was diagnosed with Covid-19 on August 17 and reopened my unemployment claim. However, I haven't received any of my weekly payments. I only receive $[redacted] per week from my job for disability, which isn't enough to cover my bills. I've contacted the unemployment office multiple times, but they informed me that they sent a letter to my job on 8/25/20. My job hasn't received it, and as I'm on disability and not currently working, they can't verify my status. I'm feeling frustrated as no one seems to be able to help me. I need assistance resolving this issue so I can pay my rent and bills. If you require proof of the amount I receive for disability from my job, please let me know. Kindly contact me at [redacted] in Spanish. Thank you.

I initially submitted a claim for DUA in April, but after providing my paystubs, they deemed me ineligible due to earning under $[redacted]. Fortunately, I was able to file for PUA instead. I used to work at Lifecare Center in Plymouth, MA, a nursing home and rehab facility. I decided to leave my job due to being 73 years old and having underlying health conditions like a compromised immune system, hypertension, and asthma. I received benefits for 13 weeks under PUA until I received an email from Unemployment stating that I had 13 weeks remaining from a claim filed two years ago when my job was outsourced to Boston. When I contacted the DUA, they informed me to reopen that claim and collect for those remaining weeks, which I did in June [redacted]. However, I have faced numerous issues since then and have spoken to 30 different agents, most of whom were not knowledgeable. They rejected my claim because a letter from Lifecare mentioned that I left for an indefinite medical leave, suggesting I was still technically employed. I decided to appeal this decision and included a letter from my doctor highlighting my high-risk status for Covid complications due to my medical history.

I haven't received any money on my claim #[redacted]3 since October 5th. Suddenly, it stopped. The DUA informed me that my former employer, Turning Point Inc., "Discharged" me, which is not true. I provided documentation to the DUA stating that I was terminated as of July 7, [redacted]. I collected benefits from that point until October 5, [redacted]. I also gave the DUA a medical note from a doctor stating I am at high risk due to my age (now 65) and having Insulin Dependent Diabetes, and should not return to work until a vaccine is available. I was working during the pandemic in March and was sent home in the middle of my shift on April 7, [redacted], with instructions not to return without a medical note. I couldn't comply with this request, so they terminated me on July 7, [redacted], based on their 90-day leave policy.

Hello, I recently received an email asking me to review some documents in my UI inbox. The documents I need to look at are the Claimant Monetary Determination and NonMonDetermination. However, when I clicked on the links, they did not open. I am unsure if these documents require a response or if they are just informational letters. Could you please clarify if I need to take any action based on these documents, or if they are for my information only? Thanks, N. O. Abrokwah

Hello, I recently received an email asking me to check my UI inbox for some documents. The documents in question are the Claimant Monetary Determination and NonMonDetermination. However, when attempting to open the links to review these documents, I am unable to access them. I am uncertain if these documents require a response or if they are just informational letters. Should I be replying to anything in particular, or was the email simply a notification to check my inbox for any necessary actions? Your assistance is appreciated. You can reach me at [redacted]. Thank you, N.O. Abrokwah

I recently got a letter requesting verification, but I couldn't locate the form online. When I called, the voicemail mentioned no available agents. I'll be mailing the letter back with a self-addressed envelope and a note explaining the issue with the form. The letter threatens to cease payments if not responded to by 12/17. I'm also concerned it might be a phishing attempt.

Last April [redacted], I filed for unemployment benefits and began receiving them. In August, I took a temporary position out of state that ended on 10/3/[redacted]. When I tried to resume my unemployment benefits for the period of 10/11/[redacted] to 11/22/[redacted], my claim was put on hold. I had no income during those weeks and struggled even to purchase food. I believe I should have been eligible for benefits during that time. My claims are still pending, and I've been unsuccessful in reopening them for those weeks. My claimant number is [redacted]1, and I am unsure of what steps to take next. I would appreciate any assistance.

After I submitted my application for extended unemployment benefits, Mass UA asked for additional information, which I promptly provided. Checking my claim status, it indicated that my claim expired on 11/20/[redacted] with 26 weeks remaining. Yet, when filing my weekly claim, it shows 0 balance and is marked as pending. There appears to be a discrepancy, and I suspect I may have applied incorrectly. According to my claim, I should be receiving $[redacted] per week. I appreciate any assistance or advice you can offer. I've attempted to contact them by phone, but have been unsuccessful in reaching a live person. Thank you, E. Kane

Hello, I haven't received my benefits for the weeks ending 11/21 and 11/28. They requested my ID information through the portal, which I uploaded right away. My last payment was on 11/19. It's now 12/15/[redacted], and I'm still owed $[redacted]. I attempted to speak with a representative today and waited on hold for 35 minutes. The agent, Geneva, seemed uninterested and said they are backed up and I will have to wait. I explained my situation, but she hung up on me. I understand the situation is tough, but I really need help with this issue as it's affecting my ability to pay bills. It's frustrating to be disconnected and have to wait in line again. I'm unsure how to escalate this problem, and I'm eager to resolve this with MA unemployment.

To whom it may concern, I was on unemployment from March 15th, [redacted], to July [redacted]. Upon returning to work full-time, my hours were reduced to 18 per week, prompting me to seek part-time unemployment benefits. Unfortunately, two months of payments are on hold. During this period, I was briefly furloughed again for two weeks due to a COVID case. In an attempt to claim this period, I mistakenly labeled it as a Leave of Absence, potentially causing an issue with my account. I have not received any payments and foresee another furlough at the end of December due to reduced hours from COVID-19. Despite living in NH, I reached out to a MA state representative based on advice from a Facebook group. I am in a financially tight situation and heavily rely on unemployment benefits. Assistance and guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Hello, my name is Kyle Camara. I started my unemployment on December 7th. I've been using the online method to request benefits, but I've only been paid $[redacted].00 for one week, not the correct amount for the three weeks I've been laid off. I need to discuss my claim with someone to receive the correct payments. When I was laid off in the spring, I was receiving $[redacted].00 with taxes deducted. My mortgage is now very overdue, so I need assistance promptly. Please contact me at [redacted] Thank you.

I have been waiting for my unemployment for 2 weeks now. I received a questionnaire which I completed and sent proofs of identity as requested. I am a single mom of 3 kids who were laid off due to remote schooling because of covid. Christmas is approaching, and I can't provide them with a Christmas this year, as we don't even have a tree. The status still shows as pending, and I am extremely worried. Their father disappeared last November, and I can't bear to have them think Santa forgot about them. I am constantly trying to call, but it always says the lines are busy due to covid. I feel helpless and stressed about the situation.

I filled out the Questionnaire and submitted both sides of my photo ID and Social Security card. The status has now changed to COMPLETE, but my checks are still being HELD. I have been patiently waiting for five (5) weeks for my payment. Can someone please review my claim and release my checks? I am participating in the workshare program through Marathon Tours & Travel in Chelsea, MA. Scott G. 5 Oakdale Ave. Nashua, NH [redacted] Phone: [redacted]

I was absent from work on February 20 and submitted an online application. Unfortunately, I did not receive any confirmation, so I applied again, which was successful. However, upon checking the status, I could not find any record of my initial application. As a result, I did not receive benefits for three months, including the additional funds others were getting. I am wondering if I am entitled to retroactive payments and seeking guidance on how to proceed.

Since October 31, [redacted], I have been unable to work due to my children's remote schooling. I am actively searching for a second-shift job to support my family. Although my DUA claim remains open with 7 weeks claimed, I have not received any payments. The system indicates an issue with my claim but does not specify the problem. I am unsure if additional information is required. I seek guidance on how to resolve this payment delay, specifically if it pertains to identity verification. I am eager to receive and complete any necessary forms to expedite my payment through DUA. Thank you.

Due to being laid off in March due to Covid and the closure of the daycare where I worked, I attempted to file for unemployment. However, it seems I filed too early. When I initially opened the claim, I was eligible to collect for the following week, but my company continued to pay me until the week of April 6-10, which I did not claim. I subsequently had to reopen my claim to proceed. Despite being able to file for the remainder of my period of unemployment, I encountered issues. Upon being recalled in July and working part-time due to childcare responsibilities, I faced another unemployment situation after being quarantined for Covid exposure on Jan 8, [redacted]. When attempting to file, the system prompted me to claim for Jan 3-8, which I declined as I had worked. After attempting to reopen the claim, I found I could not claim for the week of Jan 11-15, but I am able to claim for the current week of Jan 18-22. I am seeking guidance on how to receive payment for the missed weeks. - S.G.