New Members
August 31, 2023
The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is taking a significant step forward to better serve employees and employers through modernization of the unemployment insurance system. The new Unemployment Insurance (UI) for Employers will be deployed in two phases, with Phase 1 scheduled for September 12, 2023.
As part of Phase 1 of the modernization, Employers, Third-Party Administrators (TPAs), and Agents will gain access to a new portal featuring new and existing employer-related activities. Phase 2 of the modernization, anticipated in 2025, will allow claimants to experience an improved process for uploading information and a mobile-friendly design with increased accessibility features, making it more convenient to apply for unemployment assistance.
Over the last 18 months, we have made a concerted effort to focus on areas such as: functionality, eliminating ineffective or unnecessary business processes, streamlining UI compliance, simplifying communications, and offering both English and Spanish as language choices. Additionally, there will be a dedicated log-in portal for employers and TPAs with enhanced secure authentication methods (MFA), updated employer screens, menus, options, and improved bulk file processing.
The new system will offer increased flexibility, adaptability, and efficiency with improved online self-service, enhanced account access management, determination of tax rates, and improved data collection and integrated services, including direct access to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Overall, our main objective is to provide the Commonwealth’s employers, employees, and residents with a first-rate UI Online system.
One change for TPAs that we are pleased to announce is that DUA will permit TPAs to file first-wage reports for their clients without having to wait for employer authorization. This change to our new process was requested by many, and we are excited to incorporate it.
DUA and our staff are committed to delivering a new, improved UI system that will help us provide outstanding service to the residents and businesses of Massachusetts.
The new webpages for the EMT project are online, including instructions on registering and logging-in and a frequently asked questions document, and we encourage you to begin to familiarize yourself with them. More information can be found here.
