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Some Massachusetts benefit recipients getting a boost in compensation; here’s how much
OCT. 13, 2025-BOSTON…….Some state benefit recipients are getting a boost thanks to an increase in the indicator used to determine weekly maximums for unemployment, paid leave and worker’s compensation programs.
The Department of Unemployment Assistance said the maximum weekly benefit for new unemployment claims rose from $1,051 to $1,105 at the start of this month, the result of an increase in the average weekly wage for Bay State workers.
The Department of Family and Medical Leave said the maximum weekly benefit under its program will climb from $1,170.64 to $1,230.39 on Jan. 1, 2026 for the same reason.
The change also affects benefits paid out through the Department of Industrial Accidents, where the new minimum compensation rate is $384.50 for injuries on or after Oct. 1, with a maximum of $1,922.48.
State law requires the maximum weekly benefit amount for the programs to be revised annually based on the average weekly wage for the 12-month period that ended in March. During that period, the average weekly wage in Massachusetts increased from $1,829.13 to $1,922.48, according to DUA.
Christopher Carlozzi, state director of the local arm of the National Federation of Independent Business and a frequent advocate for reforms to the unemployment insurance system, said Massachusetts “not only has the easiest qualification standards and the longest duration to collect at 30 weeks, it has the second highest weekly benefit in the nation at $1,105.”
Unemployment has been on the rise in Massachusetts, holding in August at 4.8% compared to 3.5% in August 2023, as key sectors like life sciences, higher education, health care and state government itself feel the squeeze from policies enacted by the Trump administration and the Republican-controlled Congress.
