If you are in need of assistance with a state agency, I am happy to help whenever possible. Please note that I cannot force a state agency to act in favor of a constituent. However, my office stands ready to communicate your circumstances to the appropriate state agencies and will advocate on your behalf to be sure that your request is given every possible consideration. We frequently assist constituents with issues relating to Unemployment, Registry of Motor Vehicles, MassHealth, Social Service Referrals, Elder Services, Veterans Affairs, Section 8 Housing, Utilities, and more.

The best way to reach my office for assistance is to

call 413-362-9453 or email my legislative aide,

Corinne Coryat, at corinne.coryat@mahouse.gov

Unemployment Insurance (UI) update:

Work search requirements will be reinstated for all regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants effective the week of June 15, 2021. This requirement applies to UI claimants receiving Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and those on Extended Benefits (EB). More information is here.

If you’ve lost your job, you may qualify for temporary income to support you. You should apply for unemployment benefits during your first week of total or partial unemployment. Most claims are processed within 21-28 days after filing. It may take longer if there is an issue with your claim.

Unemployment eligibility and determinations are done on a very case-by-case basis. This informational page can help you understand if you’re eligible for UI and this informational page is also helpful in understanding how benefits are determined.

Note: The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has implemented new security measures to speed up identity verification and to protect claimant accounts. DUA has contracted with the security vendor ID.me, a federally-certified identity verification provider that specializes in digital identity protection. ID.me identity verification is for UI claims only and does not apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims.

For all claimants clearing the ID.me process, a Notice of Approval will be issued from UI Online, and if otherwise eligible, payments to the claimant will commence within several days.

Additional Resources:

If you do not live in the 1st Franklin District but are in need of assistance with a state agency, you can contact your state elected officials for assistance. Not sure who they are? Please visit the Massachusetts State Legislature website for their contact information >>

If your concern is with a federal agency, you can reach out to your Congressional office for assistance:

Congressman Richard Neal (serving the 1st Franklin towns of Ashfield, Buckland, Chester, Chesterfield, Conway, Cummington, Goshen, Huntington, Middlefield, Plainfield, Shelburne, Williamsburg, and Worthington)

300 State Street
Suite 200
Springfield, MA 01105
Phone: (413) 785-0325
Fax: (413) 747-0604

Congressman Jim McGovern (serving the 1st Franklin towns of Deerfield, Leverett, Montague, Shutesbury, Sunderland and Whately)

94 Pleasant Street
Northampton, MA 01060
phone: 413-341-8700
fax: 413-584-1216

Please note that elected officials cannot interfere with legal matters or cases before a court of law. In these instances, you should speak with an attorney.