Board of Review Decision 352-ND8P-P9N6

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

Issue ID: 352-ND8P-P9N6

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 he participated in a training program (training benefits). We review, pursuant to our authority under G.L. c. 151A, § 41, and affirm.

On November 18, 2025, the agency initially determined that the claimant was not entitled to receive an extension of up to 26 times his weekly benefit rate while attending a full-time training program. The claimant appealed and attended the hearing. In a decision rendered on December 23, 2025, the review examiner affirmed the agency determination, concluding that the claimant was ineligible for training benefits because his chosen training program did not meet the requirement to provide at least 20 hours per week of supervised instruction, and, thus, he 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 January 12, 2026, to June 8, 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 his appeal to the Board, the claimant asked that he be found eligible for training benefits while attending the program for which he had applied for benefits or be given an opportunity to select another program. The claimant may submit a new application for training benefits to attend a different training program under the claim for benefits he filed effective May 4, 2025. See 430 CMR 9.05(6)(b). 

The claimant must commence training prior to the expiration of his benefit year on May 2, 2026. See430 CMR 9.03(11).

Boston, Massachusetts                                              Date of Decision – April 9, 2026

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.

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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.

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