How Do I Get My Unemployment Number for Payroll Taxes in Massachusetts?

Your new Social Security card will feature your Social Security number.

As in most states, your Social Security number acts as an unemployment number and a payroll tax reference code in Massachusetts. You need to provide it to the Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development department if you sign on for unemployment benefits, as well as to your employer when you start a new job. If you don't know your Social Security number and have no documentation that shows it, you can get a new Social Security card from your local Social Security office.

Things You'll Need

• Printer

Instructions

1. Navigate to the "Your Social Security Number and Card" page on the Social Security Administration's website and click on the "What If My Card Is Lost or Stolen?" link.

2. Click on the "Application for a Social Security Card" link and fill in the form

3. Print the form and take it to your local Social Security office with one form of government-issued photo identification. If you were born outside of the U.S., you also need to provide two documents to prove your status, such as your U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport, a consular report of birth, certificate of citizenship or certificate of naturalization.

4. Give your Social Security number to your new employer to register for payroll taxes.

References

• Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development: Information We Need From You
• Massachusetts Department of Revenue: New Hire Record Layout

Resources

• Social Security Administration: Your Social Security Number and Card
• Social Security Office Locator