When Should I Apply for Unemployment?

Starting Your Unemployment Application

You can apply for unemployment the first week of complete or partial unemployment. It is important to apply as soon as you are eligible, because when your claim is finally processed and approved, the amounts owed to you will date back to the date that you applied.

Sometimes people wait because they are still discussing or negotiating severance with their old employer, or waiting to hear from a potential new employer. There is no reason to wait, and you could cost yourself some number of weeks of benefits by not applying immediately, even if you are not sure you will be approved.

You will need to begin looking for work as soon as you apply, so that you can submit the weekly certifications required to maintain eligibility.

Learn more here about unemployment benefits in Massachusetts.