Unemployment claimants, both new and existing, are now eligible to receive aid up to 30 weeks, increased from the previous 26 weeks. This extension has been actioned under state law when the unemployment rate in any of the metropolitan areas in commonwealth exceeds 5.1% in a 12-month average. This information has been confirmed by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, with the update that the Springfield area has recorded an unemployment rate of 5.2%. As stated by Matt Kitsos, spokesperson for EOLWD, steps regarding this extension will be communicated with the claimants. The department is currently looking into the UI Trust Fund, with the aim of serving the residents better. Although business groups such as the National Federation of Independent Business have expressed concern regarding the costs with the unemployment system, the extension has still been carried out. The unemployment rate for March stands at 5%, a full 0.8 percentage points above the national unemployment rate. The state DUA has predicted that the trust fund used to provide joblessness benefits might go into deficit by 2028.

If you are a claimant or wish to become one in Massachusetts, and need to speak directly with someone at Department of Unemployment Assistance, you may have a hard time getting in touch. If you find yourself in this predicament, you could check out eddcaller.com. This website contains information and tips on how to contact the EDD swiftly, learn about edd customer service, get through to edd more efficiently, and even on how to reach an agent at edd.