Massachusetts Unemployment Calculator: WBA, Eligibility & Duration

What Is the Massachusetts Unemployment Calculator?

The Massachusetts Unemployment Calculator is a free tool that estimates your weekly unemployment benefits. It uses the same rules applied by the Massachusetts DUA, but it’s designed for quick calculations.

The calculator asks you to enter:

• Claim start date (the date you apply for unemployment).
• Quarterly wages from the last four quarters (your gross earnings before taxes).
• Number of dependent children (which can add extra money to your benefits).

Once you enter this information, the calculator instantly shows:

• Your base period used (the time frame considered for your earnings).
• Your base weekly benefit amount (WBA).
• Any weekly dependency allowance.
• Your total weekly payment.
• The maximum benefit amount you could receive overall.
• Your estimated benefit duration (in weeks).

How the Calculator Determines Your Benefits

The Massachusetts unemployment system uses a few key rules to decide how much you can get:

1. Base period earnings
   • The calculator looks at your earnings in the most recent four quarters before your claim.
   • If you don’t qualify under the standard base period, it checks the alternate base period.
2. Minimum earnings requirement
   • You must have earned at least $6,700 during your base period.
3. Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA)
   • The WBA is based on your two highest-earning quarters.
   • The calculator divides those earnings by 52 weeks to find your base weekly benefit.
   • Massachusetts sets a maximum WBA of $1,033 (as of 2024).
4. Dependency allowance
   • You can add $25 per dependent child, up to half of your WBA.
5. Maximum benefit duration
   • You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks.
   • However, your total benefits cannot exceed 36% of your total base period wages.

Example Calculation

Let’s say you earned the following in the last four quarters:

• Quarter 1: $7,000
• Quarter 2: $7,500
• Quarter 3: $7,200
• Quarter 4: $7,800
• Dependents: 2 children

Here’s how the calculator processes this:

• Two highest quarters = $7,800 + $7,500 = $15,300.
• Divide by 52 weeks = $294 base weekly benefit.
• Add dependent allowance: 2 x $25 = $50 (limited to half of WBA = $147, so $50 is allowed).
• Total weekly benefit = $294 + $50 = $344 per week.
• Maximum benefit amount = lesser of ($294 x 26 = $7,644) or (36% of total wages $29,500 = $10,620).
• Final = $7,644 total benefits over about 26 weeks.

Why Use the Calculator?

The Massachusetts Unemployment Calculator is useful because:

• Quick preview – Know what to expect before applying.
• Budget planning – Estimate how much you’ll receive weekly.
• Eligibility check – See if you meet the wage requirements.
• Peace of mind – No surprises after filing.

Remember: the calculator only provides an estimate. The Massachusetts DUA makes the final decision after reviewing your official earnings and work history.

How to Use the Calculator

1. Select your claim start date.
2. Enter your quarterly wages. You can find these on pay stubs, W-2s, or employer records.
3. Add the number of dependent children (if any).
4. Click Calculate Estimate.
5. Review your estimated weekly and total benefits.

If your results show “ineligible,” it could mean your wages are too low or don’t meet the required pattern. In that case, check your alternate base period or contact the DUA for clarification.