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Appeal an unemployment decision as an employer

Learn how to file an appeal about an unemployment decision. Appeals can be filed by employers or third-party administrators (TPA) on the employer’s behalf.
Appeals must be filed within 10 days of the mailing date on the determination notice.
Appeal an unemployment benefits decision online 

Contacts

DUA Hearings Department

Phone

Boston office: Call DUA Hearings Department, Boston office: at (617) 626-5200
Lawrence office: Call DUA Hearings Department, Lawrence office: at (978) 738-4400
Brockton office: Call DUA Hearings Department, Brockton office: at (508) 894-4777
Springfield office: Call DUA Hearings Department, Springfield office: at (413) 452-4700

The Details

What you need

Employers and TPAs can appeal unemployment decisions about:

  • Benefits
  • Claim status
  • Subjectivity
  • Certified assessments
  • Seasonal certifications
  • Business transfers
  • Audits

Appeal requests can be submitted online. As part of the request, you can:

  • Select the type of hearing you want (phone, in person, virtual)
  • Request an interpreter
  • Upload supporting documents
  • Provide information about your attorney or representative (if applicable)
  • Provide information about witnesses (if applicable)

Filing deadline

Appeals must be filed within 10 days of the mailing date on the determination letter. If you file after the deadline:

  • If the request is submitted within 30 days, it may be approved if there was a good reason for the delay
  • In very limited circumstances, DUA may approve an appeal submitted after 30 days
  • If your appeal request is denied, you can appeal that decision in your Unemployment Services for Employers account

How to appeal

  1. Log in to your Unemployment Services for Employers account
  2. From the Employer information panel, select View more employer details
  3. Select File an appeal
  4. Select the determination you want to appeal, then select Next
  5. Follow the prompts to complete the request 

Next steps

  1. Look for notices from DUA

    You’ll get two notices from DUA: Confirmation of your appeal and Notice of Hearing. Both include important information about how to prepare for the hearing.

  2. Get ready for your hearing

    As soon as possible, start getting ready for your hearing. You may want to hire a lawyer, contact witnesses, and collect documents that support your appeal.

    Get ready for an unemployment benefits appeal hearing

  3. After the hearing

    After the hearing, a written decision will be sent to the claimant and the employer. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the Board of Review.

Contact

Address
Boston Regional Hearings Office
2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111
Directions
Northeast Regional Hearings Office
360 Merrimack St., Bldg 9, Entry I, Suite 327, Lawrence, MA 01843
Directions
Southeast Regional Hearings Office
226 Main St, Brockton, MA 02301
Directions
West/Central Regional Hearings Office
243 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 01104
Directions
Phone
Boston office: Call DUA Hearings Department, Boston office: at (617) 626-5200
Lawrence office: Call DUA Hearings Department, Lawrence office: at (978) 738-4400
Brockton office: Call DUA Hearings Department, Brockton office: at (508) 894-4777
Springfield office: Call DUA Hearings Department, Springfield office: at (413) 452-4700

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