Unemployment Benefits

I don't believe your employment status is relevant to your husband's eligibility for benefits.  Generally speaking, your husband is eligible if he became unemployed through no fault of his own, is able to work, actively looking for work, and earned at least $3,500 during the a specified period of time, currently 52 weeks.  Here is some basic information about Unemployment Insurance benefits.  Just about all workers are covered under the program but not: (1) employees of churches, (2) certain trainees of non-profits, (3) real estate or insurance agents who work on commission only, (4) independent consultants, (5) elected officials, legislators, or judges.
 
Typically, workers can only collect UI if they lose there job through no fault of there own, However, under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151A, those who quit there job for good cause that is attributable to the employer or because of some urgent personal reason may be eligible.  In fact, in some cases, even workers who are fired for poor performance may be eligible.  However, there is no hard and fast rule, and the only way to find out for sure is to apply.  Contact the Massachusetts Office of Labor and Workforce Development.  Good luck.