Board of Review Decision 352-N3TV-RM5R

-

Board of Review
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Issue ID: 352-N3TV-RM5R

Board of Review Decision

Introduction and Procedural History of this Appeal

The claimant appeals a decision by a review examiner of the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to deny an extension of the claimant’s unemployment benefits while she participated in a training program. We review, pursuant to our authority under G.L. c. 151A, § 41, and affirm.

On September 19, 2025, the agency initially determined that the claimant was not entitled to receive an extension of up to 26 times her weekly benefit rate while attending a full-time training program. The claimant appealed and attended the hearing. In a decision rendered on November 10, 2025, the review examiner affirmed the agency determination, concluding that the claimant was ineligible for training benefits because she had not begun her training program on the date set forth in her application nor did she have a definite date to begin the program in the future and, thus, she was disqualified under G.L. c. 151A, § 30(c). The Board accepted the claimant’s application for review.

Ruling of the Board

After considering the recorded testimony and evidence from the hearing, the review examiner’s decision, and the claimant’s appeal, we conclude that the review examiner’s decision is based on substantial evidence and is free from any error of law affecting substantive rights.

The review examiner’s decision is affirmed. The claimant is not entitled to training benefits pursuant to G.L. c. 151A, § 30(c), from October 6, 2025, through March 16, 2026.

Boston, Massachusetts          Date of Decision - January 15, 2026

N.B.: G.L. c. 151A, § 30(c), provides that “the commissioner, in his discretion, may extend the [20-week application] period [to apply for training benefits] once for not more than two weeks for any applicant whose initial application is denied.” In her appeal to the Board, the claimant stated that, as of December 1, 2025, she had secured Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding and was attending her training program full-time. In light of this, the claimant may submit a new application for training benefits to attend this training program under the claim for benefits she filed effective March 9, 2025, within two weeks of the date of this decision. See 430 CMR 9.05(6)(b).

Charlene A Stawicki, Esquire
Member

Michael J. Albano
Member

Any further appeal would further appeal further appeal would be to a Massachusetts State District Court.
(See Section 42, Chapter 151A, General Laws, Enclosed)

The last day to appeal this decision to a Massachusetts District Court is thirty days from the mail date on the first page of this decision. If that thirtieth day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the last day to appeal this decision is the business day next following the thirtieth day.

Visit this page to locate the nearest Massachusetts District Court.

Please be advised that fees for services rendered by an attorney or agent to a claimant in connection with an appeal to the Board of Review are not payable unless submitted to the Board of Review for approval, under G.L. c. 151A, § 37.

RB/rh