The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment information login portal

The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment information (DUA) uses a single online portal called Mass.gov Unemployment to handle all account access. You log in at mass.gov/unemployment using your Social Security number and a password you create during your first visit. The system does not use your email address as a username — only your Social Security number works.

Once you are logged in, you can file weekly claims, check the status of pending claims, view payment history, update your contact information, and read documents like your 1099-G tax form. The portal is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, though the state processes new claims and payments on a schedule that runs Monday through Friday.

If you have never logged in before, you will need to create an account the first time you visit. This takes about five minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address where you can receive password reset links.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in at mass.gov/unemployment using your Social Security number, not your email address.
  • You create your own password during your first login; the state does not send you a temporary one.
  • The portal is open around the clock, but claim processing and payments happen Monday through Friday only.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it via email.
  • You can file your weekly claim any day of the week, but it must be submitted by the important date shown in your account.

Step-by-step login for first-time users

Go to mass.gov/unemployment and look for the login box on the homepage. Click the link that says "Create an Account" or "First Time User." You will be taken to a registration page.

Enter your Social Security number (nine digits, no dashes), your date of birth, and your first and last name exactly as they appear on your Social Security card. The system is strict about spelling and will reject mismatches. Next, create a password at least eight characters long; it must include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and at least one special character like ! @ # $ % or &. Write this password down or save it in a password manager — you will need it every time you log in.

Provide a valid email address where you can receive messages from the state. This is how you will reset your password if you forget it, and it is also where the state may send urgent notices about your claim. After you submit the form, check your email for a confirmation link and click it to set up your account. You can then log in when ready.

Logging in after you have created your account

Return to mass.gov/unemployment and enter your Social Security number in the first field. Enter your password in the second field. Click "Sign In." If the page says your credentials are incorrect, check that you typed your Social Security number without dashes and that your password is exactly as you created it (passwords are case-sensitive, so "Password1!" is different from "password1!").

If you see a message asking you to verify your identity, the state may be running a security check. You will be asked to answer questions about your personal history — previous addresses, former employers, or financial accounts. Answer as accurately as you can. If you cannot remember the answer, select "I don't know" rather than guessing; too many wrong answers will lock you out temporarily.

Once you are logged in, you will see your dashboard. This shows your current claim status, the date your weekly claim is due, your recent payment history, and any messages from the state. Bookmark this page so you can return to it quickly each week.

What to do if you cannot log in

If you see an error message saying "Invalid Credentials," first try resetting your password. Click "Forgot Password" on the login page, enter your Social Security number, and follow the link sent to your email. Create a new password using the same rules as before (eight characters, uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a special character). Wait a few minutes after resetting before trying to log in again.

If you never received a confirmation email when you first created your account, check your spam or junk folder. If it is not there, return to mass.gov/unemployment and click "Create an Account" again using the same Social Security number. The system will recognize that you already started an account and may send a new confirmation link or let you proceed directly to login.

If you are locked out after too many failed login attempts, wait at least one hour before trying again. The lockout is temporary and lifts automatically. If you have been locked out for more than a few hours and still cannot log in, contact the DUA by phone at 1-877-626-6800 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time). Have your Social Security number ready.

Common mistakes that block login

The most common error is typing your Social Security number with dashes. The login form will not accept "123-45-6789" — it must be entered as "123456789" with no spaces or punctuation. If you copy and paste your Social Security number from another document, make sure no dashes came along with it.

Another frequent problem is using the wrong password. If you have reset your password more than once, you may be trying to use an old one. Always use the most recent password you created. If you are not sure, use "Forgot Password" again and create a new one.

Some people try to log in using their email address instead of their Social Security number. The system does not accept email addresses in the username field — only your nine-digit Social Security number will work. If you are unsure of your Social Security number, check your Social Security card, a recent tax return, or a W-2 form.

What happens after you log in

Once you are in your account, you will see a dashboard with several sections. The "Claim Status" section shows whether your claim is active, pending, or closed. The "File Weekly Claim" button appears if you have an active claim and a week is due. The "Payment History" section lists all payments the state has sent you, the dates they were sent, and the amounts. The "Documents" section lets you read your 1099-G tax form, which you will need for tax season.

You can also update your contact information, change your password, and view any notices the state has sent you. If the state needs information from you — such as proof of job search or clarification about your work history — a message will appear on your dashboard. Read these messages carefully and respond within the important date shown, or your claim may be delayed or denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in on my phone or tablet?

Yes. The mass.gov/unemployment portal works on mobile browsers. You can log in and file your weekly claim using any smartphone or tablet with internet access. The layout adjusts to fit smaller screens, though some users find it easier to use a computer for the first login.

What if I do not remember my Social Security number?

Check your Social Security card, a recent tax return, a W-2 form, or a bank statement. If you cannot find it, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time) to request a replacement card or verification of your number.

Is my password stored securely?

The state uses encryption to protect your password. Never share your password with anyone, including DUA staff. The state will never ask you for your password by email or phone. If someone claims to be from DUA and asks for your password, it is a scam.

Can I change my password after I log in?

Yes. Once you are logged in, look for a "Settings" or "Account" menu (usually in the top right corner of the page). Select "Change Password" and follow the prompts. You will need to enter your current password and then create a new one using the same rules: eight characters, uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a special character.

What if I see a message saying my account is locked?

Your account may be locked if you entered the wrong password too many times, or if the state flagged unusual activity. Wait at least one hour and try again. If it remains locked after several hours, call 1-877-626-6800 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time) and explain the problem to a representative.