Unemployment Benefits Estimator — Massachusetts

Unemployment Benefits Estimator in Massachusetts

Massachusetts pays 50% of your average weekly wage across the base period, rounded down, capped at 57.5% of the statewide average weekly wage and recomputed each October — currently $1,105 — with $25 a week added for each unemancipated dependent child. On duration, the total is the lesser of 36% of base-period wages or 30 weekly payments, so the statutory range runs 10 to 30 weeks. But Massachusetts law lowers the ceiling to 26 weeks for new claims when average unemployment across all ten of the state's metropolitan statistical areas has been 5.1% or below for twelve months, and also caps benefits at 26 weeks during a federal extended-benefit period. We could not confirm which of those tiers applies today, so read your week count off your monetary determination letter rather than assuming the statutory maximum. One unpaid waiting week applies. SNAP uses broad-based categorical eligibility at 200% FPL. Apply at https://www.mass.gov/unemployment

Unemployment Benefits in Massachusetts: Weekly Amounts and How Long They Last

Massachusetts pays a weekly unemployment benefit of between $60 and $1,105. Those are the statutory floor and ceiling, not an estimate of what you personally would receive: your weekly benefit amount is calculated from the wages in your base period, and the maximum is reached only if those wages were high enough. Massachusetts computes it this way — 50% of the claimant's average weekly wage in the base period, rounded down to the next lower dollar, capped at 57.5% of the statewide average weekly wage (recomputed annually by October 1). A dependency allowance of $25 per week is added for each unemancipated dependent child.

• Weekly benefit range: $60 to $1,105
• Weeks payable: 10 to 30 weeks. Massachusetts sets the number from its own unemployment rate and from your earnings, and we could not confirm which figure is in force for claims filed today — read the explanation below and check your monetary determination.
• Waiting week: yes — the first otherwise-payable week is unpaid, and you generally still have to file a weekly claim for it
• In effect since: January 1, 2026

How Massachusetts decides how many weeks you get: Total benefits are the lesser of 36% of base period wages or 30 x the weekly benefit rate, so 30 weeks is the ceiling and lower earners receive fewer (DOL reports the practical range as 10-30 weeks). Massachusetts law drops the ceiling to 26 weeks for new claims when average unemployment in all ten Massachusetts metropolitan statistical areas has been 5.1% or below for twelve months, and also caps benefits at 26 weeks during a federal extended-benefit period.

Source and date: these Massachusetts figures were verified on August 2, 2026 against U.S. Department of Labor, ETA Office of Unemployment Insurance, Significant Provisions of State Unemployment Insurance Laws, effective January 2026, and are the amounts that agency shows as in effect since January 1, 2026. Benefit amounts and durations change — many states re-index once a year, and some change duration as the state unemployment rate moves — so check the agency link before relying on a figure. Only your monetary determination letter states your own weekly benefit amount and the number of weeks you can actually be paid.

SNAP Benefits in Massachusetts

Massachusetts uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), with a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a household of 4 in Massachusetts is $975. You can apply online at https://www.mass.gov/snap or by calling 211.

Medicaid in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has expanded Medicaid under the ACA (State Medicaid). Adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($22,025/year for an individual) are eligible. Apply at https://mass.gov/medicaid.

Massachusetts Wage Information

The minimum wage in Massachusetts is $15/hour ($10/hour for tipped workers). The median household income is $94,488. Massachusetts has a state income tax with a top rate of 9%.

Tenant Rights in Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires landlords to give 14 days notice for nonpayment of rent before filing for eviction. The typical eviction process takes approximately 30 days. Free legal aid is available at https://masslegalhelp.org.

Rent in Massachusetts

The median rent in Massachusetts is approximately $1,679/month for a 1-bedroom and $2,086/month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Massachusetts does not have rent control.

Important Notes for Massachusetts Residents

The data shown above is based on publicly available information and is updated regularly. Benefit amounts, eligibility rules, and legal requirements can change. Always verify current information with your local Massachusetts agencies before making important decisions. This calculator provides estimates — not guaranteed outcomes.