Going through something super similar right now! Filed in late April and I'm still trying to figure out which weeks I'm actually supposed to get paid for. The "waiting week" thing definitely caught me off guard too - wish they explained that better upfront! A few things that have helped me so far: - Calling right at 8am sharp (literally have my phone ready to dial at 7:59am) - Keeping a simple notebook with all my dates and confirmation numbers - Checking my account status at random times throughout the day The system is definitely overwhelmed but don't give up! I've seen so many people in this thread eventually get their issues resolved. It just takes way more patience than it should. Have you tried reaching out to your local rep yet? I keep seeing people mention that as a good backup option. Hang in there - we're all figuring this out together! 🤞

I'm going through the exact same timeline confusion! Filed in mid-April and I'm still trying to figure out which weeks I should have received payments for. That waiting week thing really threw me off too - I wish they explained it better when you first file. What's been helping me is keeping a simple spreadsheet with three columns: week ending date, whether I certified, and payment status. It's helped me see the gaps more clearly. Also, I've had better luck with the website super early in the morning (like 6am) when it's not crashing constantly. Have you checked if there are any "pending issues" or required documents in your online account? Sometimes they flag claims for random verifications that aren't obvious. And definitely keep calling - I know it's frustrating but the squeaky wheel really does get the grease with this system. Don't give up! From reading through all these comments, it seems like persistence really pays off. We're all navigating this mess together! 💪

Don't forget that you can also do some preliminary research on the DUA website even before you file - they have a benefit calculator tool that can give you a rough estimate of your weekly benefit amount based on your wages. Also, if you're in a union or have any kind of employment contract, check if there are specific provisions about layoffs or unemployment that might affect your situation. One last tip: when you do file, try to do it early in the week (Monday or Tuesday) rather than Friday - if there are any issues with your application, you'll have more time during the business week to get help before the weekend hits.

I went through unemployment in MA back in 2022 and wanted to add a few practical tips that helped me. First, set up your direct deposit info correctly from the start - any mistakes there can really delay your payments. Second, keep a dedicated email folder for all DUA communications because you'll get a lot of emails and some contain important deadlines. Third, if you're planning to do any freelance or gig work while collecting benefits, make sure you report ALL income when you file your weekly claims - even $20 from a side job needs to be reported or you could face penalties later. The income might reduce your weekly benefit but it won't disqualify you entirely. Also, consider signing up for job alerts on multiple sites (Indeed, LinkedIn, state job board) right away so you can start building that job search log from day one. The whole process is definitely stressful but it's manageable if you stay organized and follow the rules exactly as they're written.

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.

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation - getting terminated is so stressful, especially when you're worried about your financial security! But please don't panic - you absolutely CAN get unemployment benefits even after being fired, and your situation actually sounds very promising for a successful DUA claim. The fact that you worked there for 2 years with no formal write-ups or warnings is huge in your favor. DUA distinguishes between being fired for "misconduct" (like theft, harassment, or willfully violating policies after clear warnings) versus being fired for performance issues or business reasons. Vague "performance issues" without documented progressive discipline typically don't qualify as disqualifying misconduct under Massachusetts law. File your claim TODAY - don't wait! Be completely honest about being terminated for performance reasons when you apply. Even if your employer tries to contest it, you can appeal, and based on what you've described, you have a strong case. The worst thing that can happen is they initially deny it and you go through the appeal process. But waiting could cost you valuable benefit weeks. You've got this!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - I know exactly how stressful and overwhelming it feels! I went through a very similar situation about a year ago when I got fired from my retail job for what they called "not meeting expectations" after working there for almost 3 years with no formal disciplinary actions. I was absolutely terrified to apply for unemployment because I thought any termination would automatically disqualify me. But everyone here is giving you excellent advice - you should definitely file your DUA claim immediately! Don't let another day go by. The key thing that helped me understand my situation was learning that Massachusetts DUA looks at whether you were fired for "misconduct" versus other reasons. Misconduct typically means things like theft, harassment, deliberately violating clear company policies after warnings, or willful insubordination - not just general performance struggles or being let go for business reasons. The fact that you had no formal write-ups or warnings over 2 years is actually really strong evidence in your favor! When I filed, I was completely honest about being terminated for performance reasons, and I ended up getting approved. Even if your employer contests it, you can appeal the decision. But waiting could cost you benefit weeks you're entitled to. Be honest when you file, gather any documentation you have about your employment, and don't let fear stop you from applying. You've got a much better case than you think!

One more thing to consider - if you're anticipating a layoff, it might be worth reaching out to MassHire (the state's workforce development system) even before you lose your job. They offer free career counseling, resume help, and job search assistance that can complement your unemployment benefits. Some of their workshops and training programs can even count toward your required job search activities once you're on unemployment. I found their services really helpful when I was between jobs last year - they have offices throughout the state and a lot of virtual options too. Getting a head start on networking and skill building while you're still employed could help shorten your time on unemployment benefits.

This is such a comprehensive thread - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences! As someone who went through the DUA system in Massachusetts last year, I can confirm a lot of what's been said here. One thing I'd add is to make sure you understand the difference between your "weekly benefit rate" and what you'll actually receive. Even if you qualify for the maximum $1,015, you might get less if you have any earnings from part-time work, pension payments, or other factors that can reduce your weekly benefit. Also, if you end up needing to appeal any DUA decisions, don't wait - you only have 10 days from the determination date to file an appeal. The appeals process can take months, so it's crucial to file within that window even if you're still gathering documentation. I learned this the hard way when I initially got denied and almost missed the deadline. The system can be frustrating but persistence pays off.