Unemployment Resources

MA Dept of Unemployment Assistance

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
Provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who are unable to work because of a COVID-19-related reason but are not eligible for regular or extended unemployment benefits.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) - Spanish

Virtual Town Hall Information – English

Virtual Town Hall Information – Spanish

COVID-19 Department of Unemployment Assistance Contact Request
For those having issues completing a claim

Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (Telephone Numbers)

Call Center: (877) 626-6800
Open 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Saturday.
Multilingual call agents are available.

TeleCert Line: (617) 626-6338
To request weekly benefits, daily 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Hearing Impaired Voice Relay 7-1-1

Payment Status line: (617) 626-6563

Additional Unemployment Assistance

Massachusetts Jobs with Justice – MA Workers Emergency Relief Funds
For workers in the service, domestic, and entertainment industry

Disability Focused Federal Unemployment Resources

Economic Impact Payment
Follow up information for Economic Stimulus Checks

Free Assistance with Unemployment Applications
978-458-1465 (9:00 am - 1:00 pm Monday - Friday)
Northeast Legal Aid has more than 25 lawyers and other advocates ready to help low-income individuals seeking to file Unemployment Applications.

Employee Safety

Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety Toolkit for COVID-19

Kit de Herramientas para Trabajadores sobre COVID-19

Report Unsafe Work Conditions during COVID-19

Resources for Employers

WorkShare - a program that offers employers the chance to keep valuable employees with reduced work hours, while using unemployment benefits to supplement the lower wages.

Apply for WorkShare (Employers)

WorkShare guidelines

WorkShare information for employers

File for an initial WorkShare claim as a worker

Rapid Response - through the Massachusetts Department of Career Services, supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Program Overview

Rapid Response benefits for employers

Rapid Response benefits for employees

Rapid Response contact information

Reopening Resources - Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce

Department of Unemployment COVID-19 Resources

Resources for Small Business Owners

Entrepreneurship Center at CTI
978-654-5673
The Entrepreneurship Center at CTI empowers entrepreneurs to make business decisions that lead to long-term profitability and financial outcomes for both the business and entrepreneurs. COVID-19 opportunities through the Entrepreneurship Center include Zoom discussions, debt relief microloans, grants and other free resources, unemployment information, small business owner’s guide to the CARES Act, guidance for employers related to COVID-19, emergency loans, and more.

Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce
978-459-8154
The Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce is supporting ALL businesses and organizations in the Greater Lowell Community during this time. Their Coronavirus Resources page includes information on small business funding, unemployment resources, business boosters, and more.

Lawyers for Civil Right and Tufts Health Plan Small Business Support Grants
Eligible small businesses affected by the coronavirus can apply for $1000 to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE); technology allowing their employees to work safely remotely; and other health and wellness-related support to help their reopening. The support is designed to help secure masks, cleaning supplies, provide a safe work environment, or other critical measures in anticipation of small businesses reopening in Massachusetts. The application deadline is May 28 at 5 PM. Only finalists will be contacted by June 3rd.

Other

Massachusetts and Federal Laws Overview related to COVID-19

Job Seeking Resources

MassHire Lowell Career Center

MassHire Lowell Career Center staff are offering webinars for workshops, new orientation webinars for those who are currently unemployed and posting jobs to their website and social media channels.

MassHire Lowell Career Center JobSeekers Calendar of Events - new webinars for job hunting added May 29th.

MassHire Social Media Channels
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn

Job Searching

MassHire Lowell Career Center Portal

COVID-19 Long Term Care Facility Staffing Team Intake (Healthcare Employees)

CareerBuilder

Google - search by job title and location to see available jobs in area

Businesses currently hiring

Target Stores

Market Basket – must apply in stores

Hannaford Supermarkets

Stop & Shop (Chelmsford)

Walmart (Tewksbury)

If you have any questions about this resource guide, please contact the Pollard Memorial Library Reference Department for more information at 978-674-4121 or Send an email.

Edition 10/07/2020