Massachusetts Layoff Resources
If you have been laid off in Massachusetts, these resources can help you apply for unemployment, understand layoff-notice protections, find health coverage, seek financial assistance, locate workforce services, and get reliable information about possible workplace problems.
Eligibility requirements vary by program. Use the links below to check current rules and apply through the responsible agency.
Unemployment Benefits and Filing
Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance may provide temporary income if you lost work through no fault of your own. Request benefits every week you need unemployment, beginning the week after you apply, even while the state reviews your application. Unless exempt, provide proof of at least three job-search activities each week and report all work and income.
- Massachusetts unemployment information
- Apply and manage a claim
- Request weekly unemployment benefits
- MassHire JobQuest
- Unemployment Call Center: 877-626-6800
Layoff-Notice Protections
Massachusetts follows federal WARN and also requires employers with 50 or more employees to submit a WARN notice to the state at least 60 days before a covered layoff or closing. Federal coverage rules and exceptions still affect whether workers are legally entitled to notice.
Health-Insurance Coverage
Losing job-based insurance usually creates a special enrollment opportunity. Compare Massachusetts Health Connector coverage, MassHealth, and COBRA before choosing.
Food, Cash, Childcare, Utility, and Local Assistance
DTA Connect handles SNAP and cash-assistance programs. Health coverage uses the Health Connector and MassHealth. Childcare financial assistance and home-energy assistance have separate application processes. For local food, housing, utility, and emergency help, use Massachusetts 211.
- DTA Connect
- Massachusetts childcare financial assistance
- Massachusetts home energy assistance
- Massachusetts 211
- Dial 211
- Massachusetts housing help
Workforce and Reemployment Services
MassHire Career Centers provide no-cost employment and training services, including résumé help, career guidance, workshops, veteran services, computer access, and information about training assistance.
Workplace Problems and Legal Help
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division handles certain wage and workplace-law complaints. Workers who are fired or laid off generally must be paid earned wages in full on their last day. Employment-discrimination complaints with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination generally must be filed within 300 days.
- File a Massachusetts workplace complaint
- Massachusetts law about employment termination
- Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
- File an EEOC charge
Civil legal help
Last reviewed: August 2026