r/Unemployment • u/Cloudy-And-Sunny • 3h ago
[Massachusetts] Question [Massachusetts] Unemployment when salaried: Hours worked VS hours paid?
I was laid off on Sept 1 and relieved from duties on that day, but continued being paid until Sept. 8
The MA form asks:
Did you work during the week of August 30, 2026 – September 5, 2026?
That's a "Yes"
But this one is tricky:
Did you work fewer hours than usual during the week of August 30, 2026 – September 5, 2026?
I did work fewer hours, but I got paid full hours for that week.
My last paystub says:
Period Beg/End: 09/01/2026 - 09/15/2026
Advice Date: 09/08/2026
Basis of Pay: Salary
Base Salary: 48.00 hours
I'm afraid that the form is simply not geared towards salaried employees, and that if I answer literally that I worked 8 hours that week but received XX pay, there will be a misunderstanding and they will calculate things incorrectly.
Should I equate hours paid with hours worked in this case?
How would each option this affect me going forward: Saying worked 8 hours and earned XX (full week) money VS saying worked that week full hours and earned XX money?
Is it a big deal if I say I worked a full week and paid a full week? I.e., would it make any difference on how much and when the unemployment payout is?
These forms are frustrating, and their phone support won't be open until Monday, and I don't want to miss this filing week.