Where to log in and what you need

Massachusetts unemployment accounts are managed through the state's MassLaborOnline portal, which is the only official place to access your account. You reach it by going to mass.gov/unemployment and selecting the login option for claimants. You will need your Social Security number and a password you created when you first set up your account.

If you have never logged in before, you will need to create an account first. The system will ask you to verify your identity using information from your Social Security record and Massachusetts driver's license or ID card. This verification step can take a few minutes but happens when ready — you do not have to wait for approval.

The portal works on most browsers and devices, though the state recommends using Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. If you are using an older version of Internet Explorer, you may run into problems. Mobile login is possible but some features work better on a desktop computer.

Key Takeaways

  • MassLaborOnline is the only official Massachusetts unemployment login portal, found at mass.gov/unemployment.
  • You will need your Social Security number and a password to log in, or your Social Security number and state ID information to create a new account.
  • Identity verification happens when ready during account setup and does not require waiting for a letter or approval from the state.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it by email or text message.
  • The state's phone line for login problems is 877-626-6800, and wait times are usually shorter early in the morning on weekdays.

Creating a new account if you do not have one

Start by going to mass.gov/unemployment and clicking "Create Account" or "New User." The system will ask for your Social Security number first. Then it will ask you to verify your identity using either a Massachusetts driver's license or state ID card — you will need the number from the front of the card and your date of birth.

After you enter that information, the system checks it against state records. If the information matches, you move forward when ready. If it does not match, the system will tell you right away and you will need to call 877-626-6800 to verify your identity by phone instead. This usually takes less than ten minutes once you reach a representative.

Once identity verification is complete, you create a password and choose a security question. Write down your password somewhere safe — the state cannot retrieve it for you, only reset it. After that, you are logged in and can see your account.

What to do if you cannot log in

The most common reason people cannot log in is a forgotten password. Click "Forgot Password" on the login page and the system will send you a reset link by email or text message, depending on what you chose during setup. The link works for 24 hours. If you do not receive the email or text, check your spam folder first, then wait a few minutes and try again.

If you never created an account at all, you will see an error saying your Social Security number is not found in the system. This usually means you have not filed a claim yet. You need to create an account first using the steps above, and the system will guide you through filing a claim once you are logged in.

If you created an account but the system says your identity cannot be verified, or if you are locked out after too many wrong password attempts, call 877-626-6800. Have your Social Security number and a government-issued ID ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shortest between 8:30 and 10 a.m.

What you can do once you are logged in

Inside MassLaborOnline, you can file a new claim, check the status of a claim you already filed, view payment history, and update your contact information. You can also upload documents if the state asks you to prove something about your claim — for example, proof that you are looking for work or proof of income from a side job.

The system shows you the date of your last payment and the amount. If you filed a claim and have not been paid yet, the status page will tell you whether the state is still reviewing your claim or whether it needs more information from you. If it needs information, there will be a message telling you what to send and a important date for sending it.

You cannot file a new claim while an existing claim is active. If your old claim has ended and you need to file again, the system will let you know when you are may be able to access to do so — usually after your benefit year has passed or your benefits have run out.

Two-factor authentication and account security

Massachusetts does not currently require two-factor authentication to log in, but the state recommends using it if your account offers the option. Two-factor authentication means you enter your password, and then the system sends you a code by text or email that you have to enter before you can access your account. This makes it much harder for someone else to log in even if they know your password.

To turn on two-factor authentication, log in to your account, go to your account settings, and look for a security or authentication option. You will be asked to choose whether you want codes sent by text message or email. Text message is faster but requires a phone number the state has on file.

If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password when ready and call 877-626-6800 to report it. The state can review your account activity and lock it if needed while they investigate.

What to do if the website is down or not working

MassLaborOnline occasionally goes down for maintenance, usually on nights or weekends. The state posts notices about planned maintenance on mass.gov/unemployment. If the site is down unexpectedly, try again in a few minutes — most outages last less than an hour.

If the site is working but you are seeing error messages when you try to log in or file a claim, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then logging in again. If that does not work, try a different browser or device. If the problem continues, call 877-626-6800 and describe what error message you are seeing.

During very high-traffic periods — usually right after a major layoff or at the start of the week — the site may be slow but should still work. If you can log in but pages are loading slowly, try again during off-peak hours, such as late evening or early morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a Massachusetts driver's license or ID card?

You can still create an account, but you will need to verify your identity by phone instead of online. Call 877-626-6800 with your Social Security number and any government-issued ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license). A representative will verify your information and set up your account for you.

Can I log in from outside Massachusetts?

Yes. The MassLaborOnline portal is accessible from anywhere. You do not need to be in Massachusetts to log in or manage your claim, though you do need to have filed a claim with Massachusetts to have an account.

How long does it take to reset my password?

The password reset email or text arrives within a few minutes. The reset link works for 24 hours. Once you click the link and enter a new password, you can log in when ready.

What if I forgot the security question answer I set up?

Call 877-626-6800 and a representative can help you reset your security question or verify your identity another way. Have your Social Security number and ID ready.

Is MassLaborOnline the same as the federal unemployment website?

No. MassLaborOnline is only for Massachusetts state unemployment claims. Federal pandemic unemployment programs that ended in 2021 had their own separate portals. If you are looking for information about a federal program, you will need to contact the federal Department of Labor instead.