The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Federal government have programs allowing citizens to collect unemployment benefits while attending full-time, approved educational and training programs. Please note, these programs are funded by individuals, not by unemployment insurance. You might be eligible for Financial Aid or funding through your local MassHire Career Center
Training Opportunities Program Section 30 (TOP)
You must be admitted to an eligible degree or certificate program at MassBay and apply to TOP within the first 20 weeks (five months) of unemployment and three weeks before the program begins. Deadlines fall on the following dates:
- July/August for Fall semester start
- December/January for Spring semester start
- April/May for Summer semester start
Search here for state approved certificate and degree programs.