Massachusetts: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 11 topic we track for Massachusetts on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Massachusetts compares.

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Workers' comp deadlines · Workers' comp benefits · Paid leave programs · Minimum wage · Final paycheck rules · Unemployment benefits · Meal break laws · Tipped minimum wage · Payday frequency · Rest break laws · Noncompete laws

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Workers' comp deadlines

Tell your employer	As soon as possible
File a claim	4 years after you learn the injury is work-related

Workers' comp benefits Single detailed source

Waiting period	5 days
Waiting days paid back	After 21 days
Max weekly benefit (2026)	–

Paid leave programs

State program	Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
Status	Paying benefits since 2021

Minimum wage Checked on official source

State minimum wage	$15.00
Next change	No change scheduled

Final paycheck rules Single detailed source

If you are fired	Same day
If you quit	Next regular payday

Unemployment benefits Single detailed source

Maximum weekly benefit	$1,154 (plus dependent allowance)
How long it lasts	10 to 30 weeks

Meal break laws Checked on official source

Meal break required	30 minutes for work over 6 hours

Tipped minimum wage Checked on official source

Minimum cash wage	$6.75
Most tips can count	$8.25

Payday frequency Checked on official source

Required frequency	Weekly or every two weeks for hourly workers; twice a month for salaried

Rest break laws Checked on official source

Paid rest break	No state requirement

Noncompete laws Single detailed source

Noncompetes	Restricted by pay level or job