9. Predicting how much the weekly benefit amount will be
The easiest way to predict the weekly benefit amount is to use DFML’s online benefit calculator: https://calculator.eol.mass.gov/pfml/yourbenefits/. Always double-check the weekly benefit amount using the calculator or by hand calculation, because DFML often approves claims for a benefit amount that is wrong and too low.
To perform the hand calculation, first calculate average weekly wage. Average weekly wage is defined as:
“an amount equal to one twenty-sixth of the total wages reported for an individual in the two highest quarters of his base period; provided, that if wages reported include not more than two quarters in said base period, his weekly wage shall be deemed to be one thirteenth of the total reported for the highest quarter. If such weekly wage includes a fractional part of a dollar it shall be raised to the next highest dollar.” G.L. c. 175M, § 1; G.L. c. 151A, § 1(w).
Example 1: A worker has total quarterly wages for the last four completed calendar quarters of: $0, $5000, $6,000, and $8,000. One twenty-sixth of the two highest quarters is ($6,000 + $8,000) / 26 = $538.46. AWW = $539.00. (Average weekly wage is always rounded up to the whole next dollar).
Example 2: A worker has total quarterly wages for the last four completed calendar quarters of: $0, $0, $10,000, and $14,200. Because this worker only has earnings in two quarters, we take the highest and divide it by 13: ($14,200 / 13) = $1,092.30. AWW = $1,093.00. (When there are only one or two quarters, AWW is the highest quarter divided by 13, rounded up).
Next, because of the progressive wage replacement covered in question 1, the weekly benefit amount is 80% of the wages up to half of the state average weekly wage (SAWW), and 50% of the wages above half of the SAWW. In 2025, the SAWW is $1,829.13. The maximum weekly benefit amount is $1,170.64, which is 64% of SAWW. G.L. c. 175M, s. 3(b)(2). Note that these numbers change every year.
Example 1: AWW = $539.00. Half of SAWW is $914.57. Because AWW is less than $914.57, it is replaced at 80%. WBA = $539.00 * 0.8 = $431.20.
Example 2: AWW = $1,093.00. Half of SAWW is $914.57. Because AWW is greater than $914.57, it is replaced as follows: WBA = $914.57 * 0.8 + ($1,093.00 - $914.57) * 0.5 = $820.87.