Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card Guide

If you have a Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card (Massachusetts Bank of America Unemployment Card) and have questions about your card, you’ve come to the right place.

In this detailed guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about your Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card, including what to do if you have not received a card, lost card replacement, how to log in online to check your balance, how to speak to a live person at customer service, and much more.

This post will cover:

What is the Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card?
Benefits of Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card
How the Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card Works
Activate your Unemployment Debit Card
Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card Login
How Do I check my Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card Balance?
Unemployment Debit Card Customer Service Phone Number
Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card FAQs

What is the Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card?

The Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card is used by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to pay unemployment benefits.

It is a Visa Card issued by Bank of America.

If you are approved for Unemployment Insurance benefits in Massachusetts, your benefit payments are applied to this debit card issued to you through the Bank of America.

You do not need to have a bank account to get and use the Debit Card.

Purchases and withdrawals are limited to the balance on your card.

You can then use the Debit Card to make purchases or withdrawals until the funds are exhausted.

The Debit Card is valid for three (3) years.

Benefits of Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card

There are several benefits to receiving your Massachusetts Unemployment benefits via the Bank of America issued debit card, versus via a check in the mail.

Here are the key benefits of the Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card and why it is a great alternative to paper checks:

Benefits of the card include:

Get quicker access to your benefits
Avoid overdraft fees
Pay for items everywhere that MasterCard debit cards are accepted at no charge, including In stores, Online, and By phone.
Get cash and check your balance at any Bank of America or Allpoint ATM at no charge
Get cashback with your purchases at many grocery and convenience stores at no charge
Transfer funds to the financial institution of your choice at no additional cost.
Be notified when a deposit is made to your card, or when you have a low balance.
Receive fraud protection from a Zero Liability Policy.

How the Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card Works

Here’s how the cards will work:

Once you are approved for Massachusetts Unemployment benefits and begin to receive your payments on the Debit Card, Bank of America will create a card in your name.

After your first unemployment insurance payment is authorized, Bank of America will mail the debit card to you via the United States Postal Service (USPS).

You should receive the card within 7-10 days.

Whenever you are due to receive your Massachusetts Unemployment benefit payment, funds will be sent by Electronic Funds Transfer to your Debit Card.

It is important to note that the Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card is NOT a credit card.

Therefore if you try to use your card for purchases that exceed your balance, your transaction may be declined.

How do I know if my new Unemployment debit card was mailed to me?

If you do not already have a debit card for unemployment insurance, you will receive one within 7 to 10 days of filing a claim.

The card will not be forwarded by the post office. If you have moved, you need to call the DUA and change your address to have a new card mailed to your new address.

How to Activate the Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card

If you have received the Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance debit card in the mail, here’s how to activate your card:

Option 1: Activate your card Online.

You can activate your debit card online on the Bank of America Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Benefit debit card website.

Click here to be taken there.

Once there, click on “Activate My Card” as shown in the image below.

Next, you will be asked to enter your debit card number, as shown in the image below.

Once you have entered your debit card number, click “Continue” and follow the instructions to activate your card.

For security reasons you will need:

the 16-digit number that appears on the face of the card
the 3-digit card security number that appears on the back of the card
the last four digits of your social security number.

During the activation process, you will be asked to create a personal identification number (PIN).

The PIN can be used to make ATM withdrawals and PIN purchases

Once the card is activated, you will be given the account balance and may begin using it immediately.

Option 2: Activate your card by Phone

You can activate online or by calling 1.855.898.7292 toll-free.

Once activated, you may use your card.

Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card Login

If you are trying to log in to your debit card, here’s a step-by-step process on how to do so.

Once you are logged in, you can check your card balance, view pending deposits or transactions, or file get information to file a complaint.

Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card Login Guide

To login to the Bank of America online portal, follow the instructions below.

Step 1 – Visit Bank of America Debit Card Website

The first step to logging into your debit card online account is to visit the Bank of America website. Click here to be taken there.

Once on the site, click “Sign In” as shown below.

Step 2 – Enter Your Username

Next, you will be asked to enter your username as shown below.

This is the username you created when you first set up your account online.

If you entered the correct username, you will be asked for a password.

Once you enter the correct password, you will be taken to your account.

Forgot Username?

If you do not remember your Username, click on the “Need Username?” or “Forgot Username” link as shown below.

Then follow the instructions to retrieve your username.

You will need your card number and the email address on file to successfully retrieve your username.

How Do I check my Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card Balance?

If you are trying to check the balance on your Bank of America debit card, we can help.

Option 1: Log Into Your Account

The first option to checking the balance on your debit card is to log into your account.

Click here to be taken there.

Once there, select sign in to your account by clicking the “Sign in” link.

Next, follow the instructions to enter your Username and password

If you do not remember your Username, click on the “Need Username?” or “Forgot Username” link as shown below.

Then follow the instructions to retrieve your username.

You will need your card number and the email address on file to successfully retrieve your username.

Option 2: Check Card Balance by Phone

You can also check the balance on your cards and review all your account transaction activity by calling the Customer Service number at 1.855.898.7292.

There is no fee for online and telephone balance inquiries.
Sign up for free balance alerts (mobile text message and e-mail) by logging in to your account.

Option 3: Via an ATM

Finally, you can also check your card balance at an ATM.

There is no fee for balance inquiries made at a Bank of America in-network ATM.

To find a Bank of America in-network ATM, click here.

For inquiries made at ATMs other than Bank of America in-network ATMs, the owner of the ATM may charge a fee. Bank of America won’t charge a fee.

Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card Customer Service Phone Number

If you have questions about the Bank of America debit card, you can call the Bank of America Customer Service Center toll-free at the number below:

Phone (toll-free): 1.855.898.7292
TTY (toll-free): 1.866.656.5913
Outside U.S. (collect): 423.262.1650

Call immediately if your card is lost or stolen

Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It is important to mention that Bank of America representatives cannot answer questions about your unemployment claims or DUA programs.

If you have questions about your Massachusetts Unemployment benefits or application, call the DUA at the number below:

TeleClaim Center (617) 626-6800
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Voice Relay 711
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

TeleCert Line (617) 626-6338
To request weekly benefits, daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m.

Payment Status Line (617) 626-6563
To check your claim or benefit payment status

Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Benefits Debit Card:

How do I Request Weekly Unemployment Benefits in Massachusetts?

In order to stay eligible for unemployment benefits in Massachusetts, you must make a request for benefits each week you are unemployed.

Once you have applied for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, you must request benefits for each week during which you are in partial or total unemployment.

Sunday is the first day of the week that you can request benefits for the prior week.

Also, you may request benefits for the prior week at any time beginning Sunday through Saturday of the current week.

Furthermore, every time you request weekly unemployment benefits, you’ll be asked questions about your unemployment status during the previous week.

How to Request Weekly Unemployment Benefits

There are two ways to request weekly unemployment benefits in Massachusetts – online or via phone.

Here’s how:

Option 1 – Submit Request Online

Here’s how to request weekly unemployment benefits in Massachusetts online:

Log in to your UI Online account.
Select Request benefit payment on your account home page.
Follow the prompts to request a benefit payment.
Print the confirmation page for your records.

Option 2 – Submit Request by Phone

Here’s how to request weekly unemployment benefits in Massachusetts by phone:

Call the TeleCert line at (617) 626-6338. The TeleCert hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Have the following information handy:
1. Social Security number
2. Your TeleCert 4-digit pin. If you don’t have a TeleCert pin, click here to create one.
3. Your wages earned if you worked during the week claimed
Answer the prompts.
Stay on the line until you are told that your weekly claim filing is complete.

What do I do if I don’t receive a debit card in the mail?

First, It takes at least three weeks to process a claim for unemployment benefits and issue payment.

When your first benefit payment is available, you will receive a DUA Debit Card in the mail.

Once you activate the card you can track, use, and transfer your benefit payments.

If you have not received your benefits after three weeks,

Confirm the address with the DUA.

If your address is correct, check the following if:

You have filed for UI in the past and your previous card is not expired, the funds will be transferred to that card.
Your previous card is expired, your new card will automatically be issued when the deposit posts.
You have lost or destroyed your previous card, you will need to call Bank of America to request a replacement.
It has been over ten (21) days since you filed your claim and you have not received your debit card, contact Bank of America at 1.855.898.7292 or visit prepaid.bankofamerica.com/duadebit/

What happens if I destroy or lose my debit card?

If your DUA debit card is lost or stolen, call Bank of America at 1.855.898.7292.

When prompted by the auto attendant, choose Lost or Stolen from the automated menu.

You do not need to have your old card number or speak to a representative.

Your old card will be canceled and a replacement card will be mailed to you.

The replacement card will be delivered in 7 to 10 business days from the date you order it.

Furthermore, once you order a replacement card, avoid requesting a second one.

That is because if you place an order for a second card, it will cancel the first card.

This may cause a delay in receiving your payments.

Will the post office forward my debit card if I move and leave a forwarding address?

No. The card will be returned to the Bank of America Debit Card center. You must contact the DUA telephone claims center or go online to update your address.

It may take up to 3 business days for this information to update with Bank of America.

You then can contact the Bank of America Debit Card call center at 1.855.898.7292 to request a new card be mailed.

A replacement card will be issued to you. Please keep in mind due to mailing time it can take up to seven (7) to ten (10) days.

How can I keep track of deposits made to my debit card?

You may check your updated debit card balance and transaction record by visiting prepaid.bankofamerica.com/duadebit.

You can view details of your purchases, including merchant name, location, date, and amount.

What happens to my debit card if it is mailed to the wrong address?

The card will be returned to the Bank of America debit card center.

You must contact the Massachusetts DUA telephone claims center or go online to update your address.

It may take up to 3 business days for this information to update with Bank of America.

You then can contact the Bank of America Debit Card call center at 1.855.898.7292 to request a new card be mailed.

A replacement card will be issued to you. Please keep in mind due to mailing time it can take up to seven (7) to ten (10) days.

Can I add Money to my Unemployment Debit Card?

No. You cannot make any additional deposits to the debit card account.

Only unemployment insurance payments made by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) can fund the card.

Can I change my Debit Card Address with Bank of America?

No. Your address cannot be changed via the Bank of America website nor by Bank of America customer service.

Please contact the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to update your address.

How do I Transfer Funds from the Debit Card to my Personal Bank Account?

Here’s how to transfer funds from your card account to a traditional checking or savings account.

First, sign on to the website and select the “Transfer Funds” option from the Account Summary page.

Next, you will need to register a “transfer-to” account prior to performing your first transfer.

Once your “transfer to” account is authenticated (this can take up to 5 business days), your transfer will be made.

After you have transferred funds online, it can take up to 2 business days to receive your funds in your account, and the transfer cannot be canceled once entered.

If your account is a Bank of America account, the funds could be available the next business day, if not sooner.

A minimum value of $20.00 may be transferred.

Note that you can only transfer funds to a traditional checking or savings account owned by you at any U.S. financial institution

Transfers Cannot Be Reversed

Once funds are transferred to your checking or savings account, you will not be able to have the funds returned to you.

Therefore, it is important to make sure the routing number or account number you provide for your checking or savings account is correct.

Massachusetts Unemployment Debit Card Replacement

If your debit card is lost or stolen, the Bank of America “Zero Liability” Policy protects you against fraudulent transactions (subject to certain conditions).

Contact the Debit Card Customer Service Center at 1.855.898.7292 to report your card lost or stolen and to request a replacement card.

If the card has been used, the bank will issue the replacement card in the amount of the remaining balance.

If the post office is unable to deliver a Debit Card, it will be returned to the bank.

Contact the Debit Card Customer Service Center at 1.855.898.7292 for help on how to update your address to have a new card mailed to you.

Can I get Tracking for my Replacement Card?

There is no tracking information for the debit card mailed through the post office.

However, you can pay $10 to have your card mailed by express delivery with tracking.

You will have to contact customer service for an update on tracking information.

How do I set up a direct deposit for my unemployment benefits?

If you want your Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits payments sent directly to your bank account, you need to set up a direct deposit.

You can set up direct deposits online or by phone.

Here’s how you can set up Direct Deposit for your Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits:

To set up direct deposit, you will need:

Your Social Security number
The routing number of your bank
The account number of your checking or savings account

Once you set up direct deposit, it will take 9 business days to verify your bank account.

However, while your bank account is being verified, you must continue to request benefits weekly and certify your eligibility.

You can do so using TeleCert phone system or the Unemployment Insurance (UI) online portal.

Once your claim for unemployment benefits has been approved, your benefits will be deposited into your account 2 business days after you request your weekly benefits.

How do I change my Direct Deposit Information?

You can change your direct deposit information at any time.

There are two options available to you to do that – either online or by phone.

To change your direct deposit information, you will need:

Your Social Security number
The routing number of your bank
The account number of your checking or savings account

Are there fees associated with this debit card?

You are allowed unlimited free ATM Cash Withdrawal at any Bank of America ATM or Allpoint ATM.

When you use an ATM that is NOT a Bank of America ATM, a $0.85 fee will be deducted from your card balance.

These ATMs may charge additional surcharge fees for using the machine.

Here is the list of all the fees for the Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits Debit Card.

All fees	Amount	Details
Spend money
Per purchase with PIN	$0
Per purchase with signature	$0
Get cash in the U.S.
ATM withdrawal, in-network	$0	“In Network” refers to Bank of America or Allpoint ATMs. Locations can be found at www.bankofamerica.com/duadebit. You will not be charged a fee by Bank of America or Allpoint.
ATM withdrawal, out-of-network	$0.85	“Out of Network” refers to all the ATMs outside of Bank of America or Allpoint ATMs. You may also be charged a fee by the ATM operator even if you do not complete a transaction.*
Bank teller cash withdrawal	$0	Available at financial institutions that accept Mastercard cards. Limited to available balance only.
Emergency cash transfer, domestic	$0	All emergency cash transfers must be initiated through the Prepaid Debit Card Customer Service Center.
Information
Customer service	$0
Online account information	$0
Account alert service	$0
ATM balance inquiry	$0
Using your card outside the U.S.
Each international transaction	3%	Of total U.S. Dollar amount of transaction
International ATM withdrawal	$0.85	This is our fee. You may also be charged a fee by the ATM operator even if you do not complete a transaction.
Other
Online funds transfer	$0
Replacement card, domestic	$0
Replacement card, express delivery	$10.00	Additional charge
Replacement card, international	$10.00	Additional charge
Inactive Account	$0

How do I get a weekly Unemployment Insurance payment?

After your first benefit payment, you must tell the DUA that you’re still unemployed and eligible to keep receiving benefits.

You must do this every two weeks.

As you collect benefits, you will receive notifications in your UI Online account telling you when to take action.

If you certify early or late, your payment could be delayed or denied.

The DUA recommends that you certify for benefits with the UI Online portal because it is a fast, convenient, and secure way to certify.

Furthermore, you can also certify by phone using TeleCert Line (Automated system is operational, please do not transfer to an agent within the system) at (617) 626-6338.

Where is my Unemployment Benefit payment?

Benefit payment information is available online through the Massachusetts Unemployment benefits Online portal.

Also, you can get information about when your last payment was issued by using the self-service phone system.

Hours: 24 hours per day, seven days per week

Payment Status line (Automated system is operational, please do not transfer to an agent within the system) (617) 626-6563

Massachusetts Unemployment Phone Number

If you have questions about your Massachusetts Unemployment benefits, call the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) at the number below:

Phone number:

Call Center (877) 626-6800
Open 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. Multilingual call agents are available.

TeleCert Line (Automated system is operational, please do not transfer to an agent within the system) (617) 626-6338

To request weekly benefits, daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m.

Hearing Impaired Voice Relay 711