Help for Nonrenewal and RIF

From Emily Russo:

To the best of my knowledge, employees should still be paid according to their summer payment selections. So those who have opted to be paid through the summer should still receive payment through the summer, rather than in a lump sum. I've looped our school payroll admin, Maureen, into this email just in case I am incorrect!

Regarding benefits, insurance would run through September 30, 2026. Deductions are paid one month in advance. Therefore, deductions taken in August in their summer pay or in their June lump sum will cover them for the entire month of September. Benefits will cease October 1, 2026 unless they choose to enroll in COBRA coverage at a rate of 102% of the premium cost. 

Employees can also choose to disenroll early if they get a new job that covers them before October 1, 2026. They would just need to notify us and complete a disenrollment form prior to the first of the month of which they wish cancellation to occur. We would then reimburse them for their premium deductions if necessary. 

I hope that gives you the information you need! Let me know if you have any other questions or need clarification on anything.

Sincerely, Emily Russo 

erusso@easthamptonma.gov

Applying for unemployment as a government employee in Massachusetts (whether municipal, state, or federal) follows the same core process as the private sector, but with a few specific requirements regarding documentation and how you categorize your separation.

1. Gather Your Materials

Government claims often require more verification of "base period" wages. Have these ready:

• Social Security Number and your MyMassGov login (if you have one for other state services).

• Last 15 months of work history: Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all employers.

• Standard Forms:

  • State/Municipal Employees: Recent pay stubs or your W-2.

  • Federal Employees: You specifically need your SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action) and SF-8 (Federal Employee Notice).

• Bank Info: Routing and account numbers for direct deposit.

2. The Application Process

The fastest way to apply is online via the Unemployment Services for Workers portal.

• Reason for Separation:

  • If you were affected by a Reduction in Force (RIF) or a budget-related non-renewal, select "Lack of Work."

  • If you are a federal employee during a furlough/shutdown, also select "Lack of Work."

• Work Search Requirements: Even as a former administrator, you must certify that you are "able, available, and actively seeking work."

  • Note: You generally need to complete 3 work search activities per week.

3. Federal-Specific Steps (UCFE)

If you were a federal civilian employee, your claim falls under the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) program.

• After filing the initial claim, you will likely be asked to complete Form 934/935 (Claimant's Statement of Federal Civilian Service).

• You can upload this directly to your claimant dashboard under "Additional Services" > "Upload federal wages."

4. Important Deadlines & Tips

• When to file: File during your first week of total or partial unemployment. Your claim "begins" the Sunday of the week you apply.

• The "Waiting Week": Massachusetts has a one-week unpaid waiting period. You won't receive payment for the first week, but you must still file a weekly certification for it.

• Weekly Certifications: Once you apply, you must log in every Sunday (or call the TeleCert line) to certify that you are still unemployed and looking for work.

Key Contacts for Massachusetts DUA:

• Online Portal: Unemployment Services for Workers

• TeleClaim Center: (877) 626-6800 (Mon–Thu, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

• Local Support: The MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center in Greenfield or Northampton can provide hands-on help with the application if the online system gets glitchy.

With respect to potential job cuts in many districts across the state, we remain in fighting mode.  We’re fighting for the funding needed at the state level.  We’re fighting for overrides.  We’re fighting budget battles at the local level.  Our F&O retreat will focus on the funding battles ahead.

If you haven’t already, please fill out this form for your district and note any anticipated position cuts.

 Estimated Educator Position Cuts .xlsx

While we’re not resigned to position cuts, we do want to prepare to support members who are laid off.  Toward this end, I have communicated with the AFL-CIO Rapid Response.  They will offer the following virtual sessions on unemployment benefits.  Impacted members are advised to attend their regional virtual meeting below, but if they are unable to attend the session scheduled for their region, they are more than welcome to participate in any of the other sessions.

Most importantly, the training will focus on applying for unemployment.  I’ve been told that the backlog at the DUA is like it was during Covid.  This means that if a member is erroneously denied benefits, an appeal won’t be scheduled for months.  So filling out the application properly is critically important.  Flyers are attached and the registration links follow.

• Southeast Region Session: Monday, June 15, 4:00 PM

• Central Region Session: Tuesday, June 16, 4:00 PM

• Western Region Session: Wednesday, June 17, 4:00 PM

• Boston/Metro North Region Session: Thursday, June 18, 4:00 PM

• Northeast Region Session: Monday, June 22, 4:00 PM

• Metro South/West Region Session: Tuesday, June 23, 4:00 pm