Board of Review Decision 352-NDKF-6PNH

The Board affirmed the denial of an extension of benefits to participate in a training program under G.L. c. 151A, § 30(c). Because the claimant’s online training program is self-paced, it does not meet the requirement of 20 hours per week of supervised training, as required by 430 CMR 9.04(2)(b).

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Issue ID: 352-NDKF-6PNH

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. We review, pursuant to our authority under G.L. c. 151A, § 41, and affirm.

The claimant had filed a claim for unemployment benefits, effective May 4, 2025, and was approved. Subsequently, he submitted an application to the DUA for an extension of benefits to attend a training program, which the agency denied in a determination, dated November 28, 2025. The claimant appealed and participated in a hearing. In a decision rendered on April 27, 2026, the review examiner affirmed the agency’s determination, concluding that the requested Data Analytics Certificate program was not an approved training program 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 requested online training program is self-paced. As such, it does not meet the definition of full-time enrollment under the DUA regulations, which require that the training program be at least 20 hours per week of supervised classroom training. See 430 CMR 9.04(2)(b).

The review examiner’s decision is affirmed. The claimant is not entitled to receive an extension of up to 26 times his weekly benefit rate under G.L. c. 151A, § 30(c).

Boston, Massachusetts                                              Date of Decision – June 18, 2026

Martha M. Wishart, Esq.
Chair

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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