This page is for staff members who want information about how file unemployment claims while on reduced hours.
We will be holding an information session, designed to guide and assist the staff of UMass Amherst who will be or are on reduced hours during the COVID-19 crisis:
Information for Employees Participating in WorkShare Agreements
WorkShare Pilot Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is WorkShare?
A: WorkShare is a Massachusetts program through the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) that allows employees to keep their job and continue to receive company benefits while working reduced hours.
Q: What are the benefits to me from participating in WorkShare?
A: Claimants receive a higher monetary benefit than traditional unemployment assistance and qualify for benefits at a lower threshold. Claimants do not have to claim benefits weekly as the university will claim benefits on their behalf. Claimants can potentially request up to 52 weeks of benefits.
Q: Why is UMass piloting this program?
A: The University and Union Leadership are working in partnership to find opportunities to mitigate personal financial impacts of colleagues as a result of job actions associated with Covid-19.
Q: I’ve been notified I will participate in WorkShare. How long will the program last with UMass?
A: All UMass WorkShare contracts will be valid through December 31, 2020. UMass will continually assess the possible extension of the program during the pilot period.
Q: How will I receive payment from UMass and Massachusetts WorkShare program?
A: Employees [KK1] will be paid as normal by UMass. Claimants in WorkShare are paid via “live” check only. While enrolled in WorkShare you will receive your bi-weekly payment via UMass payroll and a weekly check from the Department of Unemployment Assistance.
Q: When can I expect to receive my check?
A: Checks are issued within 24-48 hours of claim submission. Generally, checks will be received the same week as the claim is made. UMass will request benefits each Monday.
Q: Are taxes withheld from my WorkShare unemployment payment?
A: Taxes are taken in accordance with your election when you opened your unemployment account.
Q: Should I enter a claim directly into my DUA account?
A: No, it is vital that you do not directly claim wages in your DUA account. All claims must be processed by UMass into the established WorkShare account.
Q: Do I need to search for work while participating in WorkShare?
A: No, searching for work is not required by DUA while participating in WorkShare.
Q: I received a debit card from DUA. What do I do?
A: Properly dispose of the debit card. You will not receive benefits on the card. Benefits will only be via a check that you will receive at your address on file with DUA.
Q: I am actively enrolled in WorkShare but have questions. Who should I contact?
A: You can contact Maria Cruz from Central Human Resources at mcruz@umass.edu
or the Program Sponsor, Monica Kane at mlkane@umass.edu
[KK1]Could we say this differently so its not misunderstood what “normal” means. The process is the same but the amount is not the normal payment.