Query on Unemployment Insurance in MA

I got laid off in May. During the GHR webinars, I understood that in MA, severance is not considered as income and we could claim UI (Unemployment Insurance) soon after being laid off. I applied for UI the next week of lay off. I received notice of disqualification with the below findings

"The termination, severance, or dismissal pay, or payment in lieu of dismissal notice which you received, constitutes remuneration as it was not a lump sum payment issued in connection with a plant closing.

You were eligible for 60 days notice pay, regardless of whether you signed a severance agreement/release of claims for the additional separation payment.

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 151A, §1(r)(3)"

I got more than 60 days of severance pay to be paid every 15 days. Can anyone advise when should we be able to claim Unemployment Insurance ?

Comment! It's anonymous!

11 replies (most recent on top)

@Post ID: @Apbf+1sYwhZZB

The problem is the workers just work from a script. You asked a question they find it on the script, then click on it and read what to tell the person on the phone.

Their is no independent decision making just SCRIPTS with questions and answers.

Why isn't state street following up with the State about claims being denied? Or, did they offshore HR?

To --> @zgdg+1sYwhZZB

Yes, Getting DUA on call is nearly impossible task. Suggest you try early in the day as soon as they are open.

Also, the process to file or dispute is relatively straight forward. You need to spend few minutes to explore all tabs in the website. After you have filed, every week you need to certify and then you can claim. There are many videos on youtube that can guide you the process. You can start with this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ny-eRM4igd0
and search for others.

My unemployment claim was disqualified and I appealed as per the suggestion from HR. I just had a call with DUA on my appeal. I will get an update on my case in a couple of days and I will post in detail on how it went through.

Good luck on your next steps.

I'm having a similar experience having submitted all my paperwork and signing the paperwork in early June. MA Department of Unemployment isn't accepting calls due to volume, their Chatbot is of no use, and I don't see anywhere to submit an online question or email. Did you have any luck finding out more info? I'm calling HR as suggested.

Laid off twice, by state and an other company. Got severance for both and filed UI a week later. I was able to collect UI while still getting my lump sum severance check.

For mass website:
Receive severance (remuneration) pay from the employer you were separated from and have not signed a release of claims in exchange for receiving it

Did you sign the ssc waiver? If you did, dispute being denied unemployment

When I was let go in 2018 I was able to collect UI at the same time as receiving my
severance. But I know things change so this could be a new rule.

HR should be up to date with these changes. They should have communicated correct information.

The problem with Massachusetts Unemployment rules is they keep changing year to year.

When I was laid off in 2010 I was able to collect unemployment benefits while I
received my severance pay.

To save money the State wants you to 1st collect your severance then when it runs out , they will allow you collect unemployment benefits. They hope you find a new job before you apply for unemployment benefits.

When my friend was laid off in 2001 he had to wait until his severance ended before getting unemployment.

Contact the top person in HR.

Thread regarding State Street Corp. layoffs

Query on Unemployment Insurance in MA

11 replies (most recent on top)

Post a reply