Friday, January 11, 2019
Unemployment Compensation Benefits for Furloughed Federal Employees
Federal employees who are not working due to the shutdown furlough may be eligible for UI benefits. When filing a claim, “lack of work” should be selected as the reason for separation. Federal employees will be responsible to repay the UI benefits if Congress approves retroactive pay for the furlough period.
Federal employees who are working their regular scheduled hours but not getting paid during the shutdown period will not be eligible for unemployment benefits because a person who is working (even if unpaid) is not treated as “unemployed” under the law.
To be eligible for unemployment benefits, individuals must:
•Have earned at least: •$4,700 during the last 4 completed calendar quarters, and
• 30 times the weekly benefit amount
• Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Be unemployed, or working significantly reduced hours, through no fault of their own
• Be able and willing to begin suitable work without delay when offered
To qualify for benefits each week, the claimant must be physically able to work, available to work and actively looking for work (documented work search attempts made on 3 separate days). The claimant may also be required to register with a Mass Hire Career Center to complete mandatory work search seminars to remain eligible to receive unemployment benefits.
Once you’ve filed a claim for Unemployment insurance benefits, you should request benefits for each week you are out of work. Benefits can be requested each week Sunday through Saturday between 6:00am and 10:00pm (EST) by visiting www.mass.gov/dua and logging into your UI Online Account or, calling DUA Telecert at 617-626-6338.
For more information, you can refer to the Guide to Benefits and Employment Services for Claimants. If you need to find financial help or other assistance in your community, visit Mass 211 online or call 211 to be connected to local health and human services.
