2026 · Massachusetts
Massachusetts unemployment benefits
Massachusetts pays up to $1,105 a week for up to 30 weeks, one of the highest maximums in the country (#2 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Massachusetts's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $60 - $1,105 |
| Maximum duration | 30 weeks (26 standard, up to 30 in high-unemployment periods) |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | two high quarters |
| Taxed by Massachusetts? | Yes |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Massachusetts
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $577 a week (within Massachusetts's $60-$1,105 range). Over 30 weeks that's up to $17,310 in total. Massachusetts has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
Massachusetts against its neighbors
Massachusetts's $1,105 weekly cap is the highest among its bordering states. Benefits come from the state where your wages were reported, so a recent move doesn't change which formula applies to you.
Worked in a bordering state? Its rules apply instead: Connecticut , New Hampshire , New York , Rhode Island , Vermont .
Questions about Massachusetts unemployment
How much does Massachusetts pay in unemployment?
Between $60 and $1,105 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (two high quarters). The $1,105 maximum is one of the highest maximums in the country (#2 of 51).
How long does Massachusetts unemployment last?
Up to 30 weeks26 standard, up to 30 in high-unemployment periods. At the $1,105 weekly maximum that caps total potential benefits at $33,150. The duration and the weekly amount are set separately, Massachusetts sizes the check off two high quarters but counts weeks on its own rules, so low earners may qualify for fewer weeks, and two people with the same weekly benefit can exhaust at different times.
Is Massachusetts unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Massachusetts also taxes it on the state return.
Does severance affect my Massachusetts unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Massachusetts's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) before you file, since it is a real-money decision. Confirm the timing with Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) before you file rather than after, a difference of one week in when the claim starts can change whether a severance payment offsets the benefit. The tax side of the severance itself is on the Massachusetts severance page.
File with Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). This is an estimate, Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) determines your actual benefit.
Your Massachusetts layoff toolkit
- Massachusetts severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Massachusetts paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Massachusetts 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Massachusetts's agency determines your actual benefit. Figures from the verified 2026 dataset, last verified 2026-07-24. Nothing you enter is stored. Not tax or legal advice.