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Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits Calculator (2026)

Under M.G.L. c. 151A § 29, the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) sets the weekly benefit at 50% of your average weekly wage, with a maximum of $1,105 that took effect on October 5, 2025 and runs through at least October 2026. The calculation uses your two highest‑earning quarters, applies a $45 minimum, and can include a $25 per‑child dependency allowance (capped at half your rate). Benefits are payable for up to 26 weeks, or up to 30 weeks when no federal extensions apply.

Reviewed 2026-08-27 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice. · Ver esta página en español

Before taxes.
Before taxes.
The law behind this calculator: Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance — M.G.L. c. 151A § 29; Massachusetts DUA.

How Massachusetts calculates it

  • Take the wages from your highest‑earning quarter and your second‑highest quarter and add them together.
  • Divide that sum by 52 to get your average weekly wage.
  • Multiply the average weekly wage by 50% to determine the base weekly benefit.
  • If the result is below $45, the benefit is set to the $45 minimum.
  • If the result exceeds $1,105, the benefit is capped at $1,105 (effective Oct 5 2025).
  • The base benefit is payable for up to 26 weeks, with a possible extension to 30 weeks when no federal extended‑benefits period is in effect.

Worked example

Quarters of $16,000 and $14,000: ($16,000 + $14,000) ÷ 52 = $577 — a weekly benefit of $577 for up to 26 weeks ($15,002 total if fully drawn).

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for unemployment benefits in Massachusetts?

Eligibility is governed by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance under M.G.L. c. 151A § 29; you must be unemployed through no fault of your own and have earned sufficient wages in covered employment.

Are Massachusetts unemployment benefits taxable?

Yes, unemployment benefits are subject to federal income tax and are also taxable as ordinary income for Massachusetts state income tax purposes.

How long do I have to wait before my first benefit check arrives?

Massachusetts imposes a one‑week waiting period after your claim is approved before the first weekly benefit is paid, unless a specific waiver applies.

What if my calculated benefit falls below the state minimum?

The weekly benefit cannot be lower than the state minimum of $45 per week, even if 50% of your average weekly wage would be less.

What changed on October 5, 2025 regarding the benefit amount?

On October 5, 2025 the maximum weekly benefit increased to $1,105, and that ceiling will remain in effect through at least October 2026.

Is the calculation different in Boston, Worcester or Springfield?

No. Benefits are set by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance under one statewide formula, so a claim filed from Boston, Worcester, Springfield is computed exactly like one from anywhere else in Massachusetts. Only your wages — not your city or county — change the result.

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StateTally. (2026). Massachusetts Unemployment Calculator 2026: up to $1,105/week. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://statetally.com/unemployment/massachusetts/