Unemployment After Being Fired in Massachusetts
Whether you can collect unemployment in Massachusetts after being fired, what counts as misconduct, and how to appeal a denial.
Short answer: You are disqualified if you were fired for deliberate misconduct in wilful disregard of the employer's interest, or for a knowing violation of a reasonable and uniformly enforced rule or policy (unless the violation was the result of incompetence). Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 151A, § 25(e) and (k)
| If you were fired | You are disqualified if you were fired for deliberate misconduct in wilful disregard of the employer's interest, or for a knowing violation of a reasonable and uniformly enforced rule or policy (unless the violation was the result of incompetence). Being fired simply for poor performance you could not help does not disqualify you. Stealing from the workplace, illegal drug use at work or drunkenness at work disqualify you even without a written policy. The disqualification lasts until you have worked at least eight weeks and earned at least 8 times your weekly benefit amount. |
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| Appealing a denial | Request a hearing within 10 days after the determination is mailed or delivered to you. A late request may be accepted for good cause, but never more than 30 days after the notice. |
More Massachusetts unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your Massachusetts Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in Massachusetts
- Unemployment After Quitting in Massachusetts
- How Much Unemployment Pays in Massachusetts
- How to File for Unemployment in Massachusetts
- All Massachusetts unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
Can you get unemployment if you were fired in Massachusetts?
You are disqualified if you were fired for deliberate misconduct in wilful disregard of the employer's interest, or for a knowing violation of a reasonable and uniformly enforced rule or policy (unless the violation was the result of incompetence). Being fired simply for poor performance you could not help does not disqualify you. Stealing from the workplace, illegal drug use at work or drunkenness at work disqualify you even without a written policy. The disqualification lasts until you have worked at least eight weeks and earned at least 8 times your weekly benefit amount.
How do I appeal an unemployment denial in Massachusetts?
Request a hearing within 10 days after the determination is mailed or delivered to you. A late request may be accepted for good cause, but never more than 30 days after the notice.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.