Unemployment benefits post maternity in MA
I was a contracting PM who worked in an employer/ client model. If the client has work, the employer would keep me. Late last year, the client decided to end the contract because I had to go on maternity leave.This also resulted into the end of my employment with my employer (running W2).
I have just started to look out for new opportunities last month but haven't been able to find one so far. Do I qualify for unemployment benefits or the maternity leave (for lack of better terms) would prevent me from claiming one. Note that it has been over 7 months now and I am completely ready to go back to work and being a contractor I did not have any maternity benefits such as leave etc. If I can claim for unemployment benefits how far back can I go? Let me know your thoughts
Unemployment benefits apply to workers that are "work ready" but unable to because they can't find a job. The temp service or contractor might argue that you quit if you didn't continue to call in everyday to ask for another assignment. The 7 month delay in filing could be another issue as well. Better to contact the MA unemployment office directly for information an filing instructions. https://www.growingfamilybenefits.com/massachusetts-labor-laws-regarding-maternity-leave/