Massachusetts (MA) Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Latest News and Updates on Enhanced Unemployment Benefits

The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) oversees the unemployment insurance (UI) program in Massachusetts which provides temporary income assistance to eligible worker. DUA also determines and collects employer contributions to the UI program.

See further details below on currently available unemployment benefits and the now expired pandemic enhanced benefits.

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2022-2023 Unemployment Benefits

With the end of the pandemic unemployment programs, only traditional/regular state unemployment benefits will be available in 2022, unless another extension is approved (highly unlikely).

In Massachusetts, this provides coverage for 26 to 30 weeks (adjusted during periods of low unemployment) with a weekly benefit payment of approximately 50% of your average weekly wage up to a maximum of $1015 per week.

Your average weekly wage is based on the 2 highest earning quarters of earned income over the prior 4 quarters. See examples on the DUA site.

You can also get a $25 p/week dependent allowance (excluding spouses) for qualified dependents where you are the main support provider.

Note that to qualify for unemployment, your job loss will generally need to be involuntary. I.e. job loss through no fault of your own. You also need to certify and demonstrate ongoing work search requirements (see section below) to keep getting payments.

It generally takes 3 to 4 weeks after applying (see section below) for your claim to be verified and get notified of your outcome and unemployment benefit determination.

Your claim will be open for one year (benefit year) during which you can get the maximum benefit credit which in total is the lesser of 30 times your weekly benefits amount or 36% of your total wages in your base period.

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End of Federal Enhanced Benefits in Massachusetts (PUA, PEUC, $300 FPUC and $100 MEUC)

The DUA has confirmed that claimants on the PEUC, PUA, MEUC and FPUC programs will file/certify for benefits for the last time covering the week ending September 4, 2021. Any active claims, with or without remaining balances, will expire after this date and any weeks after Sep 5th will NOT be paid.

While there has been a lot of discussion around extending pandemic unemployment benefits, the Biden administration has confirmed (see video) that states will have to use already allocated stimulus funding to expand or extend traditional state unemployment programs. The MA DUA has not indicated that is planning to do so at this stage, but I will post updates if things change.

Please also see the many comments in the forum at the end of the article where people have shared their stories, tips and struggles getting paid under one or more of these programs.

Some claimants may have been eligible for State Extended Benefits (SEB), but after September 4th all claimants must have a regular UI claim to continue receiving benefits.

Biden Stimulus Bill Extensions

Under President Biden’s $1.9 trillion federal coronavirus relief package, known as the American Rescue Plan (ARP), enhanced unemployment benefits have been extended until September 6th. This includes further extensions to the PUA programPEUC program, $300 weekly payment under the FPUC program and $100 Mixed Earners (MEUC) program. There were also provisions in the Biden Stimulus package for Unemployment tax breaks on the first $10,200 of benefits received in 2020.

Latest News and Status on PUA, PEUC and $300 FPUC Payment Schedule

The Federal Department of Labor (DOL) has now issued formal guidelines to implement the latest round of extensions until September 6th. For those who exhaust their benefits or have a zero claim balance after March 14th (when current CAA extensions end) there could be a lapse in benefits as DUA update their program/systems to enable the extended weeks of coverage funded under the ARP Program.

The DUA has implemented the extensions approved under the ARP and additional benefits will continue until the week ending on September 4, 2021. PUA claimants may now receive up to 79 weeks of benefits and PEUC claimants can get up to 53 weeks. Note that the latest ARP extension coverage period did say benefits would go for 29 weeks, but in actuality would only cover 25 weeks between week ending March 20th, 2021 and September 4th, 2021.

Extended Benefits (EB) will remain active due to continued federal funding until conditions for the 13-week entitlement “trigger off.” Claimants who exhaust EB need just continue certifying for benefits and will automatically transition on to the latest extension of the PEUC program.

I will post updates as they are made available and you can follow along via the options below for the latest updates.

Unemployment Extension Summary under PUA, PEUC and $300 FPUC
Unemployment Extension Summary under PUA, PEUC and $300 FPUC

2021 Unemployment Program Extensions Under COVID Relief Bill (until March 14th, 2021)

The $900 billion COVID-19 relief package (under the Continued Assistance Act – CAA) was passed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, which among several other pandemic relief measures extends and provides additional federal funding for enhanced unemployment benefits. This includes the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and a reinstatement, but halving of the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) Program which provides a $300 supplemental weekly unemployment payment.

These programs have been funded and extended for 11 weeks (on top of any state funded extensions), covering the weeks of December 27th, 2020 (week ending January 2, 2021) to March 14th, 2021. Existing claimants who have not yet exhausted their benefits prior to March 14th will be able to certify/claim benefits through the week ending April 10, 2021 (phase out period).

To receive the $300 extra FPUC weekly benefit (11 weeks maximum, ending on March 14th, 2021), you must be receiving UI, PEUC, EB, or PUA. This means that if you are not able to enroll or reactivate your claim under these programs you won’t get the $300 either.

MA DOL 2021 11-week Extension Payment Details and Updates on $300 FPUC, PUA and PEUC

[Update Feb 4th, 2021] The MA DUA continues to implement several provisions of the 11-week of extended benefits approved under the CAA. However thousands of claimants are still pending DUA PEUC program updates to apply for or reactivate their benefits.

PUA Program – Has been implemented for all claimants (active and exhausted claims) and benefits were being paid from January 11th, 2021 (retroactive to week of Jan 2nd). Claimants who claim and certify for the PUA benefits will also get the $300 payment. If you have not been able to file or claim extended weeks you need to call a DUA claims agent as you may have issues to address related to fraud, identity or missing documentation.

The extended PEUC program (PEUC 1.1) is still being implemented by the DUA. Claimants should expect to see payments in their account, including retroactive payments to the week ending January 2, 2021, if eligible, by February 9th, 2021. They will need to request (certify) for those weeks to get current and retroactive PEUC and $300 FPUC payments.

Claimants who exhausted PEUC 1.0 and Extended Benefits (EB), or were not eligible for EB, should check their claim by Monday, February 8, 2021. The PEUC 1.1 program should be on the claim and the claim status should change to “Exhausted Inactive” or “Expired Inactive”. The link to reopen will be available and will automatically predate the claim back to the week ending 1/2/2021. Claimants must reopen their claim by accessing their UI account or contacting a Claims Agent (they should have received instructions). The added or extended weeks should then be claimed/certified on the day after the claim is reopened.

I will post additional updates as they are released in coming days. So subscribe below for updates.

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[December 30th update] The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is rolling out changes to the extended enhanced UI programs. Payment schedule and updates are as follows:


Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program Now Completed

The MA DUA has completed payments under the $300 weekly LWA program, which provides supplemental payments to eligible unemployment benefits claimants who have been unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to disruptions caused by COVID-19. No retroactive payments will be made as funding for program has run out.

As of September 14, the MA DUA has disbursed the 6th and final Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) $300 supplemental benefit to unemployment claimants in the Commonwealth. The limited additional weekly unemployment benefit to claimants under the federal LWA program went to all eligible claimants for the weeks ending 8/1/20 through 9/5/20. Approximately 461,000 standard unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries and 234,000 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) beneficiaries were determined eligible for LWA during that time frame. The total amount disbursed to eligible claimants was over $1.3 billion. See more detail on the MA LWA page.

All LWA-eligible unemployment claimants in both the UI and PUA programs should receive the supplemental funding by September 15th. If a claimant has questions about eligibility or their payment status they can call the Department of Unemployment Assistance call center at 877-626-6800. The call center is open from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, and 8 a.m–12

COVID 19 Enhanced Benefits and Payment Issues

Under the CARES act, there are three types of federal unemployment assistance now available:

• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA): expands eligibility for individuals who are typically ineligible for
Unemployment benefits, for example independent contractors, and self-employed and “gig” workers.
• Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC): provides an additional $600 per week, on top of regular benefits, to all recipients of Unemployment Insurance; retroactive to the week ending April 4, 2020.
• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC): provides an additional 13 weeks of Unemployment benefits to all recipients.

Web and/or phone issues with accessing the MA Unemployment system

Due to the volume DUA is experiencing at this time the fastest way to process a claim is online, which remains fully operational. To further mitigate the spread of COVID-19 all in-person services are currently unavailable at all Career Centers and unemployment walk-in centers across Massachusetts. If you continue to have issues filing your claim please use this contact form and a DUA agent will contact you as soon as possible.  In addition to staffing up the remote call center capabilities, the DUA contact center will likely be extending hours and including weekends in the near future.

[Update from DUA] If you need to speak to someone about your unemployment claim, you can call the MA DUA customer service department at (877) 626-6800. The call center is open from M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM & on Saturday 8AM-4PM. DUA reps continue to make call-backs for contact form requests. These calls are made until 8PM, 7 days a week. The number they will call from is 617-626-6800 – if you receive a call from that number after hours it is a DUA rep. [Other numbers could be a scam – so be careful with giving out your personal information]

Eligibility for standard Unemployment Insurance claimants who have exhausted benefits

  • Claimants who have exhausted their claim with a benefit year end date on or after 7/6/2019 are potentially eligible for PEUC.
  • PEUC offers an additional 13 weeks of benefits to individuals at their former weekly benefit amount, plus dependents, if applicable.
  • Eligible claimant will also receive the weekly FPUC ($600) up until the week ending 7/25/2020.
  • The first week a claimant can be eligible for PEUC is the week beginning 3/29/2020 and the last payable week is the week ending 12/26/2020. If you have already been claiming extended benefits through the PUA system you will not be eligible for those weeks you claimed in PUA through PEUC.
  • If the UI claim has expired, a claimant must file a new regular UI claim prior to filing for PEUC.
  • If the claimant is monetarily eligible on the new UI claim, regardless of the benefit rate amount, the claimant will receive benefits from the new claim.
  • If the claimant is not monetarily eligible on the new claim, the claimant will be eligible for PEUC on the prior claim and UI Online will automatically implement that.
  • If a claimant has been receiving regular UI benefits and those benefits are exhausted, PEUC will automatically begin, and the claimant does not have to take any further action.
  • Claimants who were receiving RED (Section 30) benefits will be automatically transferred to receive PEUC benefits.
  • PEUC is 100% federally funded. PEUC payments are subject to state and federal taxes and the claimant’s tax withholding preference will be applied.
  • PEUC payments will be offset by 50% to recover any overpayments. 

Claimants who have exhausted their regular UI and filed for PUA prior to PEUC implementation

  • Claimants who had been receiving PUA benefits will need to reopen their exhausted UI claim.
  • They will follow the same reopen procedures, however, an issue will be set up and automatically disqualify claimants for any week in which they have received PUA benefits.
  • The claimant’s PEUC weeks will start once the PUA weeks have ended, and the claimant will still be entitled to 13 weeks of PEUC.
  • If a claimant’s PUA benefit rate was lower than their regular UI benefit rate, they cannot receive the difference through PEUC. PUA and PEUC are two completely separate programs.
  • Claimants should immediately stop certifying for benefits through PUA and start requesting benefits on the regular UI claim

See more information and FAQs here.

Filing a Claim

  • PEUC benefits are now available through the standard Unemployment Insurance program in Massachusetts and can be accessed at UI online.
  • If you had exhausted your regular UI benefit but were receiving benefits through Pandemic Unemployment Assistance you must now head to UI Online to apply and claim your weekly benefits.
woman working on a computer

If there is a problem with your claim that must be resolved before benefits can be paid, or if you have been denied benefits and are appealing the determination, you must still certify for and claim your benefits. You will receive “credit” for the weeks which you have claimed. If it is determined that you are eligible or if you win your appeal, you will be paid these benefits at a later date. If you have not claimed benefits and you win your appeal, you will not be paid for these weeks.

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144 thoughts on “Massachusetts (MA) Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Latest News and Updates on Enhanced Unemployment Benefits”

  1. Hi there. I have a regular unemployment claim open with two weeks left to claim. Will I get an extension or is that only for the other programs? I am on reduced hours due to covid and having no childcare, since I am homeschooling. I did not apply at the same time as everyone else last spring when Covid started since I work at a grocery store and am an “essential employee” I applied after others so I’m not sure if that’s why I only have regular UI. I keep trying to call to ask since it’s getting close and I’d like it to be extended but it says that can’t take my call cause of high call volume.

    Reply
  2. Hello,
    I was recently placed on peuc1.1 and claimed for weeks 1/02 to recent. I soon I submitted claim I was placed on hold. The last time I was on hold was a month when I had to confirm my identity. Do you know why this is happening again ? If so could you please share with me how I can correct this.
    Thank you so much
    David

    Reply
    • I wasnt able to file for last week. I am confused as to what happens next. I will not get paid this week after being on pua. I didn’t get notification if um approved yet.

      Reply
      • I wasn’t able to apply for last week. It only gives me the option for up to February 2nd. I worked until 1/17/21 then went back on pua. So I can’t file for those weeks. I haven’t got a email or anything yet. Tried to call but can’t get through.

        Reply
  3. I was denied pua benfits for 2 reasons. Income verification and identity verification and appealed both. I had my hearing for income verification and won the appeal Jan 12th 2021. It has been over 12 weeks and still waiting on my appeal hearing for identity verification. I was never given a second chance to verify identity. I am self employed business owner with 3 children and now I am losing my home I just bought in 2019 because of not being able to verify who I am but I can win my appeal for my self employed income. Make no damn sense!

    Reply
    • Email your state rep. Or state senator and Governor Baker.And keep sending emails to them until they fix it.Worked for me!!

      Reply
      • Why did they schedule a hearing after i got eligibility letter now another hearing havent got paid yet idk what thats about

        Reply
    • Update: I had both my hearing’s income verification and identity verification. I won both and was paid 2 days later.

      Reply
      • WHAT INFORMATION DID YOU PROVIDE TO WIN YOUR APPEALS? I HAVE THEM COMING UP AND IT WOULD HELP IF I HAD SOME INFORMATION AS TO WHAT I NEED TO PREPARE FOR. THANKS

        Reply
  4. Hello

    I was denied PUA benefits for Massachusetts in September of 2020 and I got a monetary redetermination letter on January 10th saying I am now eligible and how much I could get? Does this mean Im approved ….If so …When can i expect my retropayments? Its saying I qualify for 57 weeks.

    Reply
  5. Hello my name is Jason my PUA ended 12/26 but I still have weeks remaining but I filed for the week ending 1/2 and it’s saying no benefit for this week when will pua be implemented again cause people on regular ui are already getting the extra$300 but I’m not even getting my regular$267 please help

    Reply
    • The same exact thing is happening to me. The last Benefit i received was for the week ending December 26th. I filed for the week ending January 2nd 2021, and, it says “No Benefit.” I got intouch with a live person from PUA ,and, he assured me that the same thing is also happening to everyone on PUA, and, as soon as they implement the new system we will get our benefits retro. I hope this helps. I hope what I was told was correct also!!!

      Reply
  6. Do I have to reapply for unemployment benefits even though I had weeks left on my extended benefits when the president didnt sign the stimulus package in time?

    Reply
  7. Husband was flagged for identity fraud because we moved 7 minutes away. We sent unemployment everything they asked for and then some. Funny part is, he files every year, same time, over 10 years. Everything was the same except our address, now unemployment says because the adjusters are working from home it could take 6 months for them to review?? Seriously? I work from home because of covid and I still have deadlines. We just bought this house and will have only one income for possibly 6 months? That is unacceptable Massachusetts!

    Reply
  8. Hey, my name is Joel Rodriguez. I would love to start by saying, DUA and UI are the most unprofessional Unemployment agency in the US. I have had active and eligible cases now open since July 6, 2020. I have been claiming non stop since and now have 5 months plus of claims on hold on an ACTIVE and ELIGIBLE CASE. At first the issue was that I needed to submit proof of availability but they never left any specifics on the monetary issue page. I finally figured it out after calling 2 weeks and being hung up on or told that this is their fault and that I will get my payment soon. I submitted the certificate of release they never specifically explained prior. It has been 3 months plus now. And NOW, just NOW, I recieve an Identification Verification. I immidiatrly filled it out about 3 weeks ago. Both issues have been taking cared of on my end and yet both say pending MONTHS AFTER submitted!! I Filed a hardship as instructed by Rick, am unemployment representative another 5 weeks ago. I am desperately tired and in need of my belief it’s I’ve paid taxes to receive!! I lost my car, due to payment and my newborn son and I are in the process of becoming homeless now. We are Human, we are taxpayers, we are AMERICAN. We Are All Children Of God!!! Where is our government and leaders we pay taxes to???

    Reply
    • ‍♀️ my heart goes out to you. I just read this and am heart broken and it’s so sad because so many hard working families are now facing the reality of losing everything all over their payments pending ?!? Where’s the people hearing these claims day in and out trying to see someone’s claim all the way through until they are paid ? Where’s the urgency when u have children and are facing these issues of basic needs being met all over it not being processed ??? I know there are thousands and thousands of people just like you and the employees are human too and can only do so much but who is making sure each claim is getting processed thoroughly and swiftly as in a simple photo id verification holding up payment ??? I’m so sorry to hear your going through this. Please hang in there and I will be praying for you and the thousands alike including myself.

      Reply
  9. Hi, can someone from the previous post confirm if they finally got their deposits from PUA in MA? I didn’t know that I could apply until a couple of days ago, it is now December and I put in my claim and my claim was accepted and I also sent in a pic ID along with proof of address. Now there is no more pending messages, but my weekly payments are on Pending status, now the cut off date is Dec 26th am I going to be waiting forever especially now that it’s December? The summary also states that I am able to receive the bonus of 600 and 300 but if has only been 5 days, I just want someone to give me the facts so that I won’t be so disappointed because Christmas in next week and they should stop telling people that you will get your deposit in 4-7 days? Any new info that anyone can give me would be appreciated. Thanks

    Reply
  10. Hi my name is ivory barnss and I been waiting on mass pua ever since Oct 6 2020 and i havent recicved mot one payment and I was wondering what was goon on and what was the hold up please check the status and let me know thanks

    Reply
    • i’ve been waiting on mine since april 16 first identity verification on a xoom call dec31, 2020 then i was thinking ok finallly i’ll get paid The problem is is that you have tier 1 and tier 2 employees tier 1 employees are third party contractors subcontracted through the state of Massachusetts to answer the phone calls they think they know what you’re talking about and will mislead you but they don’t always ask for a tear to representative secondly I’ve been waiting since April and haven’t gotten a single dollar so for all of you out there complaining I feel your pain my question to anyone that can help me is this why would they have me down as needing to do identity verification and then I do the hour long zoom call December 31 9:45 AM and now is saying that I have an eligibility issue COVID-19 eligibility issue so in a sense what they’re trying to say is that I’m not from Massachusetts and or I’ve never worked from a company or in Massachusetts which is completely asinine because whenever they asked me for my identity verification to the things that I gave them was one and Xfinity bill from Massachusetts in to my most recent check stub which was April 2020 from my company based out of Boston Massachusetts so then a tier 1 level person tells me that I need an email from my employer stating that I am no longer working due to the company shutting down I sent that in then the next one tells me that I need to file two pills because there’s a problem with to the letters and I said meant the letters are freaking confusing because the letters don’t explain shit it tells you you need an interpreter at the end but they don’t explain what the hell is going on I had mine up and it was around $28,000 is what they owe me and I just have a feeling they’re trying to get out of paying me And it’s not like I can go apply for another state unemployment because that would be considered fraud

      Reply
  11. Hi guys, my regular Mass unemployment ended and PEUC automatically kicked in. I received 6 checks and I get a message that they need to “confirm my identity “ based on information they have received. There was no option to upload the documents needed to prove my identity so I had to ask for the cover sheet and mail it all off manually. Can anybody tell me why all of a sudden my identity is in question and how does this play out? Oh I get a seasonal layoff in Massachusetts at the end of every September and my identity has never been in question. Can any of you please clear up my confusion? Thank you

    Reply
    • There is away had the same problem you have to hit the MORE BUTTON then letters and then u click on the one where it says basically the need to verify u and then ut will let u send it… thoses are the letters theyve mailed u but it might be in the messages section to i don’t remember which section

      Reply
    • You will be lucky to see any benifits for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Especially if you sent your documentation by mail. Ive been waiting 7 weeks now and I sent everything electronically the day I was sent the correspondence to verify my Identity…. Hang in there its going to be a long painful wait…

      Reply
  12. Hello I’m From MA
    I was receiving PECU then all of a sudden my payments are now on hold, now on 2nd payment week no payment. I have not received a message in my inbox or in the mail. I can’t get in contact with anyone from contact numbers.

    Reply
  13. Hello I’m From MA
    I was receiving PECU then all of a sudden my payments are now on hold, now on 2nd payment week no payment. I have not received a message in my inbox or in the mail. I can’t get in contact with anyone from contact numbers.

    Reply
    • Mine have been on hold for 7 weeks but my hubby is on hold for 2nd week and they are saying that they held his payments and many other peoples payments because of fraud and they want people to identify themselves its ridiculous & they dont give you any option to identify yourself so its ridiculous.

      Reply
    • The notice is not in the “inbox” you need to click on Monetary Issue Summary. Then open the Identity Verification document. You will need to upload your documents through this portal…. Then you will wait for at least 6 to 8 weeks if not longer to recieve the benifits….I am still waiting…

      Reply
  14. Mike, my name is Kyle and I am claiming yo benefits due to the fact that I made over the requirement amount made to be eligible for regular yo benefits over 5,000 or something like that. I have a predate that is approved as far back as 6/21/2020 it is now 12/4/2020 I have had my payments on hold for over 6 months now. 24 weeks and counting. I have called the main number everyday for 2 months maybe longer and no one can give me an answer. All my payments are on hold and all I keep hearing is that an adjuster needs to look at my claim. I have sent in all necessary paperwork, everything they asked. I even went to fedex and spend over 40$ faxing them paperwork. I don’t know what I’m going to do if I don’t get paid before Christmas. Please help me!

    Reply
  15. Hello!
    (MASS) Same situation waiting on 13 weeks of unemployment. I was furloughed in April until July. Furloughed turned into termination due to Covid. Benefits stopped until they follow up with my employer. I’ve uploaded all the info that was being requested, even a letter stating that the termination was due to Covid. Every time I call, I either get disconnected or no one answers. Called Governor’s office last week, UI followed up the next day and was told my hold was lifted and I should see the payment this week. Still nothing, called today and was told my claim is still on hold and no one should have told me that I should be receiving payment soon, they are swamped so they are waiting on appraiser to sign off. No one knows when. Very frustrating, I’m Approved but just waiting. Today I reached out to State Rep, waiting to see what happens.
    Unbelievable! Hoping we all get something soon! ✨✨

    Reply
  16. I’ve done this for 15 -20 people and I’m reading all these things that are going wrong usually it’s a mistake you make on the application I have gotten everybody their money in one week except for one person because they change the rule that if you send a blurry picture of your identification they no longer send the link they make you wait 8 to 12 weeks other than that but I’m talking about PUA Sometimes when I see panhandlers on the highway I want to pull them over and say do you have your license and Social Security you’re eligible for like 20,000 they don’t even know it but they don’t have addresses or anything it’s sad there’s so much money waiting for people that don’t even know they’re eligible

    Reply
    • My pay has been on hold for over 6 weeks and my partners pay was help this week because of some fraud protection and i just had a baby in june and 2 older children and had to leave my job of almost 8 years because of schools closing. Trying to talk to someone whi can do anything at unemployment is like pulling teeth. Im tired of it im tired of crying because for the first time in my kids life christmas is ruined.

      Reply
    • Hello. Is there any way that you can help me? Please text me 3303886027 immediately I would appreciate it. I need help!!

      Reply
    • Quick question . Are my payments on hold cuz I chose direct deposit and it has to clear or is it cuz I need to send id documents . Thank you for ur time

      Reply
    • Mike I need your help. So I signed up for pua November 17-26 2020(I forget if it was 17th or 26th) when I filed for the pua I said I stopped being able to work since march17th 2020. I got approved and accepted and I’ve been getting my pay from and since the November date. Now December 26th is the cut off date to be eligible for retroactive pay right. But the thing is I emeditly talked to a agent on line and even managed to get one on the phone both tolde to keep waiting for something in my inbox to back date all those months. But obviously nothing ever came now I’m trying hard to get a hold of a year two worker that’s also what I’ve been told to do but that’s much harder. so couple questions, 1 I am supposed to be able to get that retroactive pay in the first place right? Just want to make sure I’m fighting a battle that I should be fighting. 2 now December 26th has passed and I feel like those agents played me by telling me to wait because now I’m confused I mean I signed up for pua before that December date by at least a month and my out of work date is on record one of the agents seen it and said I was right it’s on record as March 17th can I still get that retroactive pay even tho it’s after the December date because I signed up for got approved activated and paid way before the December date and I tryd to do the back dating before the December date I was never given the opportunity to do it tho what do you think. And lastly just basically do you know what I should do is there anything you can tell me to helpe put with this? It would be very appreciated thank you for your time please get back to me asap. Also here’s some info that might help if there is anything you can tell me to do. I filed for pua between November 17th-26th. In the fileing and it’s confirmed Ive been out of work since march17th. I’ve already sent in clear pics of my documents. And the reason for me fileing is that I am self employed gig worker affected by covid-19 preventing me from obtaining work.

      Reply
    • Mike, is there ANY way you could contact me when you can and help me figure this out. Determinations and non determinations back and forth denied and approved back and forth. I’ve been waiting 17 weeks on this appeal and I feel like I’m being played with. My email is [email protected]. I would appreciate so much if you could lend a hand.

      Reply
      • Wow! I said same! Is this a loan from the federal government we rcvd rather than emergency benefits? Who would’ve guessed we’d be in this predicament!? While trillions being thrown at illegals the American citizens are asked to pay back emergency benefits! As appreciative as I am for them it’s been nothing but stress and headaches sleepless nights kids to clothe feed send to docs and college and high school. One son lost his job moved back in. Deaths of family and friends. Paying for funeral costs this has been a god damn nightmare! Proof of identification from us citizens???? Really???? But throwing money at undocumented people putting them in hotels feeding dressing and giving asylum no jail time or paying back our government for those ppl thanks a lot Biden and Harris. This is terrible I’m afraid for our future and our children’s future it’s a scary place to be right now ppl jump off bridges over financial stress. Let alone a pandemic we didn’t ask for it’s waring on our psychi’s and emptying our pockets. Can’t wait to get off these benefits and get back to some normalcy

        Reply
  17. My benefits expire 12/1/2020 is there an extension?
    Do I have to re-apply even if i have already received an extension, am I eligible for another extension?

    Reply
  18. Mitch McConnell needs to retire!!!!
    He should never be relected back to the Senate or any other office!!!!
    He is been holding up the next stimulus act for months.People arent able to pay their bills and are becoming homeless!!!!He doesn’t care about the average worker and never has!!!!!Please write and let him know how you feel!!!!!

    Reply
    • It depends on what you picked for your reasoning on how you were affectedIf you picked I was scheduled to work you don’t have to upload any documents only a few pics that you were self-employed self-employedIf you need any help in email me

      Reply
      • So if I picked that I was scheduled to start work I shouldn’t have to upload any documents?? I have applied for pua in Massachusetts and it immediately approved me and determined that I was eligible. I did all of my weekly certificates…now what happens??

        Reply
      • I have a question . Hello Mike . I jus applied . Got accepted . Filled out all my certified weeks . Now payments are on hold . Pending while issue is resolved . My question is is that issue cuz I requested direct deposit . Or is it cuz I haven’t sent my Id documents . Thanks .

        Reply
      • Mike
        Could you assist me possibly – I’ve been helping people like you but am stuck with 1. I don’t want to put my info out here but if you can reply back maybe we can connect?
        Appreciate it
        Jen

        Reply
      • hello Mike
        can you please contact me by email [email protected] I have been in Appeals since 1/2021 due to identity verification and covid 19 eligibility issues. I just received letters for ORDERS TO SHOW CAUSE for both and i only have 5 days to respond please contact me asap.

        Reply
  19. I have been waiting over 10 weeks to get my claim approved. I had to reopen my claim due to schools being remote. I was able to work during the month of August because I had childcare. I no longer have childcare. My employer failed to return the questionnaire sent to them. After several calls to HR, they finally responded to the request from DUA. I have been told that an adjuster was reviewing my application. I have sent back all requested information they asked for. I am now driving without car insurance as I was able to return to work after securing childcare once again.
    I have no idea how I am going to play catch-up on all of my bills.
    Since returning to work my hours have been cut for this week after working 2 solid weeks in a row.
    Now I am not sure if I should reopen my claim again due to the lack of my part-time hours.
    This situation has caused a great deal of stress as it has do many others.
    Does anyone know how long an adjuster can take to make a decision and do they have a timeline once they start to review a claim?
    Desperate for answers.

    Reply
    • I had my original claim open the end of April and received my first payment within a week. I was unemployed and collecting until august. From August to September I went back to work but then had to leave work due to covid and four kids with no childcare and my kids being fully remote for school. I reopened my claim almost 10 weeks ago and it’s still pending. I’ve called the governors office and spoke with someone there who said they would send it to the necessary adjuster. Over a week later still pending…. I was told 3 weeks ago that they expedited my claim and that it was on a supervisors desk waiting to be signed off on. Still pending as of 12/2/20. Any suggestions on how to get this going? It’s almost Christmas and I have four children and haven’t been able to buy many gifts due to not having income coming in. This is crazy and it’s beyond messed up to do people. If anyone has any suggestions please fill me in. Thanks and good luck to everyone who is still waiting!!

      Reply
  20. I just filed my pua claim yesterday it was processed and my weeks are saying processing. Are my payments going to come even though I haven’t uploaded my documents yet?

    Reply
    • You will not need to you’re going to see it if it says processing you’re all set in the next couple of days you’re going to see payment direct deposit into your account

      Reply
  21. I been waiting for my Aprovel for almost 10 weeks noone to help get it approved how can I get help this is ridiculous!!

    Reply
    • Jessica did you do PUA or UI
      I have helped at least 15 people so I’ve seen everything and every reason of what could go wrong it should only take a week tops depending there are new rules now that it’s almost over small little rules so when you upload your Identification dojo send one picture of each if there is a blurry picture you will have to wait 8 to 12 weeks for an appeal that is a new rule before they were just sent you another link but again I’m not sure what your situation is

      Reply
      • Hello Mike. My unemployment was put on hold 11/28/2020. DUA Mass. want me to fill out an identity verification form; I did and uploaded the I.d. they required and waited til Dec 30, 2020, to recieve notice that I didn’t meet the requirements to prove my identity and was determined I was indefinitely ineligible until I could submit proper documents. I was totally confused when I sent my state I.d., SSI, and state certified birth certificate. I filed an appeal and sent all the the same info along with my voters registration card and letter AND proof of health insurance letter. Still no word from DUA MA. I tried for weeks to get through to speak to someone and finally on Feb 3 I spoke with a rep that told me they need proof of address! I uploaded it and was told in 5 – 14 days my funds would be released… now it’s been almost 2 weeks and now I’m being told my claim is still pending and no timeframe on my funds being released. I’ve maxed out everything and will be homeless and will now lose my vehicle. I’m desperate for help! I’ve given everything but a dna sample to prove I’m me and I’m still waiting and I just can’t anymore. Can you help me?

        Reply
  22. Finally got my $1800 from the LWA!!!!!
    Had to wait 10 days to get but it finally went through!!!!THANK GOD!!!!

    Reply
  23. Does anyone know the phone number I can call to claim my pua benefits I lost my phone and when I try to log in from my mom’s phone theybwant to make sure its me and are sending codes to my phone which is broke I need a phone number to call and it isnt the reg unemployment number

    Reply
    • Just go on the website and change the communication to your email if it’s on your phone now change it to your email and that code will go to your email update communication preferences it’s called

      Reply
  24. Deb from Massachusetts. Have yet to received $300 lost wage supplement. Was told I qualify and eligible from 08/01/2020-09/05/2020. Told to please be patient. Glitches in system. Still waiting. It’s now Sep 23rd. Go figure.

    Reply
  25. Its Sept.23 and still no LWA payment. I dont understand what is going on with DUA.I guess its typical for Massachusetts!!!!I guess they think i dont have bills to pay.Sad!!!!

    Reply
  26. I just received the retroactive $300 per week for the last 6 weeks I’ve been furloughed, but I wasn’t getting at least $100 per week from unemployment, so shouldn’t I have been ineligible?? I was getting only $68 per week ($80 before taxes). I mean it’s fantastic, but I’m afraid they’re just going to take it back. Is there something I’m understanding wrong here? Shouldn’t I be ineligible??

    Reply
  27. Hello I’m in ny state I’m just worried lien everyone else and struggling I see the lwa has stated to pay out the 3 weeks but it says it is the week of September 14th I claim on a Sunday does that mean I’m going to get mine today at the same time as the regular unemployment I get every week

    Reply
  28. I just saw that I will get the 300.00 a week and it will be retro to when it started. BUT I just checked and for this past week it dropped to just my regular benefit….any ideas why?

    Reply
  29. Hi me and my wife both collect regular unemployment
    In MA. Her UI account shows $1800
    Will be deposited on the 15th
    But my online account only shows my regular weekly payment. I have been collecting for 6 weeks and my weekly amount is 620 dollars
    Im really confused why im not getting the 300 retro
    Thanks Peter

    Reply
    • The exact same thing happened to me.
      My wife got the LWA assistance and I am still only receiving my regular unemployment benefits and we are both eligible?
      Its very misleading and confusing.
      I guy they say you have to certify that your unemployed because of covid 19 in some way shape or form..but Massachusetts doesn’t say that anywhere on the website..and my wife didn’t certify and was never asked to but got her money..its confusing and completely disorganized.

      Reply
      • Regular ui claimants will probably receive the retro 6weeks of the 300$payment tlhis week the pua claimants received the 300$ 3 weeks ago i received 900 on a with my nomral check on a tues then
        The following week i received my weekly check on tues an then 600$ following day on wed . then last week the 300 was received on Monday an my weekly check on tues. Its came differently but i did read ui claimants will be receiving their 300$ along with retro in the week ending sept15 or 18 forget which day

        Reply
      • Im in MA UI claimants. Took longer then PUA claimants it is very confusing. Because when i recived the 900$ they had already paid me 5 weeks of weekly claims an they should of added the other 2 weeks with 900$

        Reply
        • Just checked mine (MA) $1800 on Tuesday, finally! It will come ….Thank you Mr Donald J Trump he’s for the working people, and if anyone votes Biden good luck!

  30. Hello everyone who is in the same, totally unacceptable, situation I am in. I called the UI office today (09/12/20)and they told me I was all set to receive the LWA money retroactively. They told me to be patient, which just like all of you I/we have been. I, just like all of you, are left standing empty handed and stressed out beyond any reasonable level. Our leader, the Governor, just complained too long and took action to late. All we can do is wait, like they told me todo. I guess this is what happens when we get tricked into voting for professional politicians instead of strong leaders they presented themselves as. I guess this is what happens when you are receiving a quarter of a million dollar salary ( including very generous perks) from our tax dollars. If you don’t believe me google it the article is in the Herald, it will make sick and all we want is a measly $300 a week from the federal government it’s not even his. How are we supposed to take this. You decide. Anyway I pray next week we receive this token assistance . Meanwhile let’s hope the children in Washington stop throwing sand at each other and actually help us like they are elected to do and not protect their privilege life style they also have become used to. God bless all of you who are suffering to no fault of your own.

    Reply
    • Hi Kris,
      I finally will be getting my LWA this week according to the deposit record. Easy for me to say ‘be patient’ but if I got mine I can’t help but think you will all receive your extra benefits as well. I hope it’s sooner rather than later! Take care!

      Reply
      • Hi Pat thanks for the update. I also just checked my UI online account and it now shows an$1800 deposit dated for 09/15/20, so any body who is in the same boat as Pat and me check your account on line. Everyone say “thanks Pat” for letting us know “ good looking out bro.” God bless everyone and good luck.

        Reply
    • i think they are updating the system a few times daily. i am in the same situation, regular ui and everybody I know got the additional 1800 added for deposit on 9/15, except me. i think its just behind, there could be no reason why I would not be eligible. i get well over 100 per week.

      Reply
  31. I have a question, I was unemployed in August. I was fortunate to get a job in September. Will I automatically get the retro payment for august or do I need to apply for it?

    Reply
  32. I’m glad people are getting the $300 and the retroactive to it but I have yet to get any of this. I know they said by the 15th but it’s now the 11th and I dont think they will distribute any funds over the weekend. My unemployment amount is very low and I have been waiting patiently for this but it’s getting tuff. Have anyone else not got theres?

    Reply
    • I haven’t rec’d mine either. I was told today by the DUI that I’m not on the PUA list even though I lost my job due to my location closing because of the Covid-19 pandemic. When I called today after telling me I wasn’t getting it they transferred me back to DUI supposedly so I could explain to them that I was indeed entitled to LWA through PUA. I was on-hold and then disconnected.
      I would still be working if it wasn’t for the pandemic and now I’m just basically screwed!

      Reply
  33. Was wondering if I’m getting the puec right now am I still able to get the LWA retro of 900$ and if so anyone know when we should be expecting?

    Reply
  34. I am collecting regular UI unemployment. I do not understand why PUA recipients have been paid and the rest of us still have no idea if this is going to happen. Why can’t they just pay us the stress is unbearable. I like all the other people, that’s right Mr. Baker we are people, need this bit of money for food and medicine. It seems like there is another agenda here. Please advise we all need to know. Thank you very much.

    Reply
    • I am a PUA recipient and I have NOT been paid the additional $300. Don’t know what the hold up is—I just checked online and it is still NOT coming with this weeks payment…? When I hear that others have already been paid it makes me think there is a screw up somewhere and how long before they figure it out? How many bills will stack up in the meantime?

      Reply
      • Check your bank account and it’s dependent on when the states push the money out my payments did NOT show on my PUA account it showed up in my bank no notice of the payments at all the only proof I have is literally my bank statement it’s weird also the PUA STATES at the top of the website that 300 extra will be available until they run out of funds maybe they already did they never promised us all that I’m still missing 3 weeks

        Reply
    • what the difference between UI unemployment and PÚA? I’m getting UI but this is my last week can i still extend for the 13 weeks?

      Reply
      • Hi Morena I am in Massachusetts and I am in the same boat. Only 2 weeks left. I have called several times and they all tell me it will kick in automatically. I am disgusted with the total lack of information/ direction the Governor’s office is not providing. I hope in three weeks from now I have positive information. All so I have not seen the LWA money either I like you do not understand this unacceptable delay. Good luck & God bless.

        Reply
        • my UI ended sep 1st.. that’s including the extended 13 weeks of benefits..all together, roughly 6 months of regualr UI weeks paid. I was collecting the last of my weeks checks on the dates that the LWA is for..IE: 8/1… and the following two weeks. IDK off I’m eligible for these retro weeks because my cousin had ended. Died anyone know If i will see this money or because my claim ended, I won’t? I know it’s supposed to be simple, but it’s all so confusing… mainly due to lack of info I can get directly related to my issues! soo frustrating!

        • Did you have to answer any questions , on last week of unemployment, where did you find it on your website?

  35. I was wondering when I would receive the back pay for Aug1,8,15th I have the DUA prepaid debit card.. I know that people with regular bank accounts have received the $900 in mass..when will the deposit go in for the debit card account with DUA

    Reply
  36. I just received 3 of the $300 retroactive payments for PUA. It’s September 3rd though and I thought this was supposed to be retro payments all the way back to the 26th of July. Should I have gotten 5 payments of 300 each? At least the system is catching up but I wasn’t notified of this via the mass PUA website it doesn’t show anything at all under my paenta history I just happened to check my account and half the money was there in 3 separate payments. Weird…. so no records to show they’re not giving out all the payments just some

    Reply
    • Only 3 weeks – Aug 1st, 8th and 15th have currently been approved by FEMA for all states. FEMA will review after Sep 10th (when the application close date) and then provide week by week funding to states subject to funding availability.

      Reply
      • Oh okay, I see now. I really wish the state schools were going back at the same time and not left up to the districts.. my daughter is 5, kindergarten to start whenever that is.. so I have literally zero option to work! My only income is the 267$ a week right now, and those 3 payments. I also have a one year old whom has nowhere to be cared for during the day slots were limited before Covid now that we are in a pandemic theres nowhere with even waitlists around here they’re so full or not open… I don’t know how much more of this I can take. My daughters potential kindergarten school I was going to register her at, just halted openings until JANUARY!

        Reply
    • Hi I am just wondering if you can tell me if you received the $300 payments separate or if it was a $900 deposit, and if it came with your regular benefit or on a separate day? I am waiting to receive something and it is very stressful

      Reply
  37. Hi I’m wondering what exact date are the list wages assistance program going to deposit the funds to my account it’s been 4 going on fifth filing week for me with only unemployment not able to maintain pay bills fully and buy food I need the extra boost to basically survive and the struggle is getting very hard please deposit my retroactive weeks I really need them bad my family deserves better than this the covid has impacted us in so many ways unreal I’m just asking that the system required to update my account kick in deposit soon as possible we are in dire need

    Reply
  38. Hi everyone I live in mas I had the problem most of you had my pua unemployment had stop for like 2 week no money was coming in.I finally got tier of waiting and call I got lucky and got thru I ask why has my claim stop ? I haven’t received no payment she said they was alot of scams that there was people doing identity theft and that had lose 2.5 million dollars in payments because of the short staffing of the virus the computer was given out money to who had any information of any identity theft that had stolen from other people and pre paid card to deposit the money it was a easy theft because there was nobody there to monitor the system. She had said for me to start getting my payments again I had to prove that I was the person that was claiming the benefits .I ask so how you want me to prove it do I fax my document?she said no I’m going to send a link on you profile where you claim your benefits from there send us 3 pic one of your I D next to my face two prove of my address and social security card and sumit . I ask how long will it take for the payment to start again she said from 10 to 15 working day .just like she said on the 15th day my payments came .I hope this help to those that worry and need money the phone number is on the profile on top where you see a face next to it is a ? Mark click on it and you see the contact number if you think that they are taking to long on the phone when you call. you can also have a option to have them text you back and you could speak to them by text I did both because I thought 15 day was to long so I kept calling back upto I made sure some one told me what was going on with my claim..I hope this help anybody God Bless..l

    Reply
  39. I had received the 13 weeks extension but after 8 weeks of receiving the unemployment money my unemployment date expired so I am not able to request anymore benefits. I called unemployment a couple of times and did get through only to get disconnected both times when they transfer me to Tier 2 staff…..
    before being transferred the woman told me that I can apply for PUA for the rest of the weeks. the problem is when I try to certify, the primary reason would be to continue my extension but there is no option for that. I can’t choose anything else because none of them apply to me. the woman said many people are running into my situation and her supervisor was going to report it so the system code could be updated with this situation. It still hasn’t been updated so I am still waiting…. .anyone else having this issue?

    Reply
  40. Hi my name is cheryl
    This will make my 7th week of filing and not receiving anything. Payments were coming and then just stopped at “pending.” I’ve called but got no reason why. Will I get payment soon , I’ve heard that Massachusetts has a lot of people in the same boat. What is going on? We need the money and should be told. I’ve sent in copies of id”s, etc. Which was verified they received. Please advise on what to do or what’s going on. Thank you very much. Cheryl Brochu

    Reply
    • Hi Cheryl. How did you upload your Id’s? We have been requesting a fact finder form to send the pictures electronically and they still have not responded. Have not received a payment (since payments came to a hault) since May 16th

      Reply
    • I have the same problem keeps saying pending after I certified for that week but nothing yet normally it ends my bank account the next day after I verify

      Reply
  41. I received two payment then it stopped it has been a month next wen. Will be 5 weeks no check and no one can tell me anything contact your state rep. If enough people call maybe they will do something this is crazy now

    Reply
  42. I am John from MA and for 3 weeks i haven’t been receiving my unemployment payments. My claims have been saying that they’re processing. i still haven’t received the money.

    Reply
    • I’m going through the same thing. Stuck on processing for three weeks and every time I call PUA I either don’t get through, get disconnected, or I’m told I just need to wait it out. Super frustrating considering I have bills to pay and a newborn.

      Reply
  43. I AM DENISE FROM MA I HAVE NOT RECEIVE ANY SINCE CAN ANY ONE TELL ME WHAT IS GOING ON IN MA WHY ARE THEY NOT PAYING AGAIN , STILL ON PROCESSING FOR SOME WEEKS NOW PLEASE ASSIST ME WITH THE NUMBER I CAN REACH THEM THANK

    Reply
    • I was told two different things when I called and FINALLY got through. One guy said it was because of the scam that was going they had to go through everyone’s claims. Another guy told me that it was because on Memorial Day their systems went down and they were entering in everyone’s information manually. So I’m not sure which one it is but it’s really annoying. I’m on three weeks of processing with no solid answers! I’m getting sick of calling every day, multiple times a day, and waiting on the phone for hours for nothing.

      Reply
  44. hi my name is Dwayne,
    I would like to say that I just started receiving unemployment paymenrt 5/24/2020, I applied in August 8,2019. Am I gonna receive retroactive payments dating back to 4/21/2020? I also would like to talk to someone and ask why my regular amount is so low?

    Reply
  45. I wasn’t eligible for regular for unemployment so i applied For pua now i got a notice stating my claim went through for regular unemployment and they have the nerve to pay me less weekly which doesn’t make sense to me

    Reply
  46. I have been UI for few months, and also am now receiving the extra 600. The first 600 payment I got was 4/21. Im also wondering where my 600 payment is for the 2 weeks prior to that.

    Reply
  47. I have been receiving PUA plus the additional $600 weekly. However, the PUA amount is only the minimum. What is the status of retroactive payments to those of us who should be receiving more than the minimum?

    Reply

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