You must appeal within 30 calendar days of the date of the disqualification.
Was your claim for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits denied? Learn how to request an appeal.
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- This page, Appeal your Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits decision, is offered by
- Department of Unemployment Assistance
Appeal your Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits decision
Contacts
Department of Unemployment Assistance
Phone
Open 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. Multilingual call agents are available.
Online
To access PUA application online:
Log in as a claimant
The Details of Appeal your Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits decision
What you need for Appeal your Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits decision
If the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) determines that you are not eligible to receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits, you will receive a disqualification electronically.
How to appeal Appeal your Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits decision
To appeal the PUA benefits disqualification:
- Log in to your PUA account
- Find the disqualification notice
- Click on “I want to appeal” on the notice
To appeal the PUA benefits disqualification:
- Call the DUA Call Center at (877) 626-6800
- The Call Center is open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Multilingual call agents are available.
- Tell an agent that you want to file an appeal
Next steps for Appeal your Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits decision
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Hearings
When the Hearings Department receives the appeal, it will be scheduled for a hearing and you will be sent a notice of the date and time. Until DUA’s offices are reopened to the public, hearings will generally be conducted by phone or virtually. In some cases, particularly for identity verification issues, they will be conducted in person.
Hearings are conducted by review examiners. After the hearing, the review examiner will issue a written decision based on documents and information presented at the hearing.
Board of Review
If you disagree with the review examiner’s decision, you have 30 calendar days after the date of mailing of that decision to appeal to the Board of Review.
If the Board of Review accepts the case for review, it will make a decision using the case material received from the Hearings Department, including the recorded hearing. When the Board of Review issues a decision, it provides instructions about how to appeal the decision to the District Court or the Boston Municipal Court.You can also appeal to the District Court or the Boston Municipal Court if the Board of
Review declines to accept the case for review. You have 30 days from the mailing date of the Board’s decision or denial of review to file a court appeal.To learn more about appealing to court, including whether to file your appeal in the District Court or the Boston Municipal Court, see Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151A, Section 42.
More info for Appeal your Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits decision
Your right to representation
If you wish to be represented at any level of appeal, it is important that you arrange representation as soon as possible. An authorized agent of your choice, such as an attorney or advocate, may represent you at any level of agency appeal.
Contact your local bar association or a legal advocacy organization for assistance. DUA cannot recommend or appoint a representative.
Contact for Appeal your Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits decision
Phone
Open 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. Multilingual call agents are available.
Online
To access PUA application online: Log in as a claimantRelated