how do i get unemployment benefits?
BEFORE YOU SEPARATE FROM YOUR JOBIf you believe you are going to be terminated (fired) or you are going to resign (quit)First, gather as much evidence as you can relating to your particular issue (emails or documents you may not have access to after you are terminated). These may include employee handbooks, official publications or other statements by the employer to employees.
Next, request a copy of your personnel file from your employer or human resources department (doing this often tips your hand to the employer so be prepared). All employees are entitled to their file by G.L. c. 149, § 52C (include this statute in your written request). Also, you will want to talk to other employees who you feel are being treated in the same unfair/illegal way as you or who have witnessed the events that are leading to your termination. That could be people being sexually harassed by a manager or treated differently under a policy. Bare in mind if these potential witnesses are going to remain employed, they may fear retaliation from the employer for speaking out against the company or manager. After you have filed your initial unemployment applicationFiling for unemployment requires you to request weekly benefits each and every week, if you fail to do the required filing you will lose any benefits you may be entitled to. Carefully follow the directions on the unemployment portal or those given to you by the office you apply at. YOU MUST RE-CERTIFY WEEKLY!
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After YOU separate from YOUR JOBImmediately apply for unemploymentGo to the online application for unemployment (or you can go to an office) https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-unemployment-benefits
Gather the information you will need: Your Personal information (Name, DOB, SS number, etc...). Your employment history from the last 15-18 months (all employers): *Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all employers *Reasons for leaving listed jobs *Employment start/end dates *Children's dates of birth and Social Security numbers Atypical employment situations may require additional information: *Non-U.S. citizen: Alien Registration number *If you’re represented by a union, the union's name and "local number" *Prior Military: DD-214 Member 4 form. (Which can be requested online) *Federal Employees: SF8 form I received an unemployment denial letter, what do I do now?File an appeal following the directions: YOU ONLY HAVE 10 DAYS TO COMPLETE THIS OR LOSE YOUR BENEFITSAppeals can be done online or by mail: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/appeal-your-unemployment-benefits-decision
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We hope the information above is helpful to you, Please contact this office if you quit or were terminated, as a result of: being sexually harassed; Discriminated against based on your race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or if you believe you were retaliated against because you engaged in any of the following protected activities:
Asserting a legal right (filing a workers' compensation claim)
Fulfilling a legal duty (Jury Duty)
Refusing to commit illegal acts (engaging in a conspiracy, perjury, etc...)
Cooperating with the police or government agencies who are investigating the employer
Reporting criminal activities to the employer or any government agency (false claims act, discrimination, HIPAA violations, etc...)
Asserting a legal right (filing a workers' compensation claim)
Fulfilling a legal duty (Jury Duty)
Refusing to commit illegal acts (engaging in a conspiracy, perjury, etc...)
Cooperating with the police or government agencies who are investigating the employer
Reporting criminal activities to the employer or any government agency (false claims act, discrimination, HIPAA violations, etc...)