Log in links for this page

Appeal your unemployment benefits decision

Was your claim for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits denied? Learn how to request an appeal.
You may file an appeal with the Hearings Department within 10 calendar days of the mailing date on your Notice of Disqualification.

DUA Hearings Department

The Details   of Appeal your unemployment benefits decision

What you need   for Appeal your unemployment benefits decision

You must continue to request benefits while your appeal is pending in order to receive payment for those weeks if you win your appeal.

How to appeal   Appeal your unemployment benefits decision

  1. Log in to your UI Online account.
  2. Click View and maintain in the left pane.
  3. Click Monetary and issue summary.
  4. Select the issue ID and then click Appeal.

There are 2 ways to appeal the decision by mail:

  • Complete the Appeal Request Information Form that was mailed to you with your Notice of Disqualification or
  • Write a letter asking for an appeal. Include your:
    • Phone number
    • Claimant ID
    • Signature

Send your completed form or letter to:

Department of Unemployment Assistance
Hearings Department

100 Cambridge Street, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114

 

Next steps   for Appeal your unemployment benefits decision

  1. Once your request is received

    When we receive your request, we will send you 2 letters, either electronically or by U.S. Mail, depending on the method you selected when you filed your claim for benefits. The first letter is sent immediately to confirm we received your appeal request. The second letter (Notice of Hearing) is sent when we schedule the hearing. The Notice of Hearing will:

    • Give you notice of the time and date of your hearing
    • Let you know if the hearing is in-person or by phone (if by phone, we will include a phone number and a PIN)
    • Give you instructions on how to prepare for your hearing
  2. How to prepare for your hearing

    The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) offers the following tips to prepare for a hearing:

    • Gather any documents that will support your facts in this case, such as:
      • Attendance records
      • Payroll records
      • Pay stubs, correspondence (emails or letters)
      • Work documents
      • Employee evaluations
      • Performance warnings
    • Bring all relevant documents to the hearing with a copy for the review examiner and a copy for the other party. If your hearing will be held by phone, we will send you instructions on how to submit documents prior to the hearing. 
    • If you want to introduce evidence in an electronic format, you need to contact the Regional Hearings Office as soon as possible
    • If you plan to have witnesses testify on your behalf, you should identify and contact them as early as possible to request their participation at the hearing
  3. After the hearing

    The person in charge of the hearing (the review examiner) will determine whether or not you’re eligible to receive benefits. The Hearings Department makes every effort to send the written decision of the review examiner within 2-4 weeks after the hearing is over. When the decision is made, you’ll be sent a written decision either electronically or by U.S. Mail, based on the method you selected.

  4. If you disagree with the review examiner’s decision

    You may appeal to the Board of Review.

More info   for Appeal your unemployment benefits decision

Hearings Department procedures

In order to determine the facts of the case and make a fair decision, you will be assigned to an impartial review examiner who has no knowledge of the case aside from reading the file documents. This impartiality ensures that all parties have a fair hearing with an adequate opportunity to present relevant testimony and documents.

If you miss the 10 day deadline to file your appeal

If you miss the deadline, you may still ask for an appeal. We will review your request and decide if there was a valid reason (good cause) for the delay. If you had a valid reason, we will approve your request and give you a hearing date. Otherwise, we will deny your request for the appeal, and you will have the right to appeal the denial.

You have the right to have a lawyer

If you want a lawyer at your hearing, you must find and hire someone as soon as possible. To find a lawyer, you may contact your local bar association or a legal advocacy organization. We’ll provide you with contact information for legal assistance organizations when you file an appeal. You can also find the same information under the Downloads section at the bottom of this page.

Approval of attorney's fees

If you are a claimant and you hire an attorney to represent you in a DUA matter, your attorney must submit a request for approval of attorney’s fees before your attorney can bill you. Please note that the Hearings Department and the Board of Review have separate processes for reviewing fee approval requests.

Important note

The information presented on this site is not legal advice. It should not replace advice from a lawyer. Reference to any specific organizations, attorneys, law firms, corporations, or websites does not constitute DUA's endorsement or recommendation.

Downloads   for Appeal your unemployment benefits decision

Contact   for Appeal your unemployment benefits decision

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback