1. If you were in a union, consult with the union about filing a grievance. If you believe your union is not treating you fairly, contact the Boston office of the National Labor Relations Board (617-565-6700).
2. File a claim for unemployment benefits with the Division of Unemployment Assistance. For information about other types of benefits (temporary cash assistance, food stamps, etc.), check with MassResources.org.
3. If you think your employer owes you money, check with the Massachusetts Attorney General's office about how to get your unpaid wages.
4. For health insurance, check with the Commonwealth Connector to see if you're eligible for free or low-cost benefits. If you're applying for or receiving unemployment benefits, you should also check with the Medical Security Plan to see if you're eligible for benefits.
5. Start looking for another job & keep records of your job search.
6. Gather together any documents you have from your former job.
7. If you think you lost your job because of your race/color, national origin, age (over 40), sex, disability, religion, or sexual orientation, or if you think you lost your job because you complained about discrimination or harassment, call the Fair Employment Project (617-390-2593) to see if you can get free legal assistance.
8. If you think you lost your job because of your immigration status, call the Office of Special Counsel (800-255-7688).
10. For other legal claims, call the Legal Advocacy & Resource Center (617-603-1700). To find a private attorney, call the Boston Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (617-742-0625) or the Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (866-MASS-LRS).
Fair Employment Project, Inc. | 122 Boylston Street | Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 | 617.390.2593 | info@fairemploymentproject.org