Revised April 22, 2020 at 4:00 PM: We will update this page as additional information becomes available.
Governor Charlie Baker has declared a state of emergency effective March 12, 2020 in response to the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
CAREER SERVICES
For the MassHire MSW Career Centers in Norwood and Framingham, this means that until at least May 4 all business will be conducted remotely, by phone, email, or video conferencing, and not in person.
This includes career advising and case management interviews as well as group activities such as Career Center Seminars, RESEA interviews, workshops and seminars. Case managers will be reaching out to their customers who were scheduled to conduct business to make other arrangements.
Please note: The Department of Unemployment Assistance has determined that your UI benefits will NOT be adversely impacted during this time frame if you do not attend a CCS or RESEA interview.
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
If you need to file a claim for unemployment benefits, your best option is to do that online at https://uionline.detma.org This service is available daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. See the Emergency Resources document for further information.
You can also file by phone by calling 617-626-6800. That service is currently available 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Please be prepared to experience long wait times due to the volume of unemployment claims being filed.
We are unable to provide in-person assistance with unemployment insurance claims at this time, but we are working with the Department of Unemployment Assistance to develop a process to provide remote technical assistance.
PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (PUA)
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program is now accepting applications; this program provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who are unable to work because of a COVID-19 related reason, but are not eligible for regular or extended unemployment benefits. This includes the self-employed, independent contractors, workers with limited work history, and others. Individuals can review eligibility scenarios here and apply for PUA here.
For additional information about unemployment claims and COVID—19:
The DUA is conducting virtual town halls every day. You can join online or by phone; go to this link for more information:
Again, The Department of Unemployment Assistance has determined that your UI benefits will NOT be adversely impacted during this time frame if you do not attend a CCS or RESEA interview.
This is a very difficult time for everyone. We look forward to the passing of this crisis and getting back to normal activities. Thank you for your patience and we hope that you and your families remain healthy.
For more information about the Covid-19 virus go to www.mass.gov or www.mass.gov/dph