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Appeal an unemployment determination

Did you receive an unfavorable decision regarding your worker’s unemployment benefits? Learn how to request an appeal.
You may file an appeal to the Hearings Department within 10 calendar days of the mailing date on your determination notice.
Log in to UI Online for employers  Log in to UI Online for TPAs 

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   of Appeal an unemployment determination

How to appeal   Appeal an unemployment determination

  1. Log in to your UI Online account.
  2. Click Determination and issue summary in the left pane to search for a determination. 
  3. Using the search features, find the determination that you wish to appeal and click Select.
  4. Click the File appeal radio button and follow the required steps.

There are 2 ways to appeal the decision by mail:

  • Complete the Appeal Request Information Form that was mailed to you with your determination notice, or
  • Write a letter asking for an appeal. Include the following:
    • Employer account number (EAN)
    • Employer name
    • Name of claimant and any issue ID numbers
    • Date
    • Signature

Send your completed form or letter to:

Department of Unemployment Assistance
Hearings Department
100 Cambridge Street,
4th Floor, Suite 400,
Boston MA 02114

Next steps   for Appeal an unemployment determination

  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. 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:

    • Be prepared with all required documentation (including disciplinary actions, policies, handbooks, etc.)
    • Review the case file beforehand
    • Prepare witnesses appropriately. Present witnesses who actually saw or heard the events which led to the separation.
    • Present both written evidence and direct testimony, especially on company policy-related matters
    • Keep to the facts and information relevant to the case at hand

  3. After the hearing

    The person in charge of the hearing (the review examiner) will determine whether or not the claimant is eligible to receive benefits. 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 an unemployment determination

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.   You can find a lawyer online through the Mass Bar Association and Boston Bar Association. 

Contact   for Appeal an unemployment determination

Address
DUA Hearings Department, 2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111
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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