Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) appeals timeline

Learn what to expect after you appeal a PFML decision, including how long the appeals process takes.

Overview

Here is a quick summary of what to expect when you appeal a decision about your PFML application. For more details about each step, see below.

1. File your appeal within ten (10) calendar days after you receive your notice of determination from the Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML). You may appeal any aspect of a decision.
2. Within thirty (30) calendar days, DFML will review your appeal. 
3. Be on the lookout for a phone call or mail from a DFML Appeals representative. If possible, we'll resolve the issue this way, including providing instructions for updating your application. 
4. If we can’t resolve the problem this way, we will schedule a hearing. You will be notified about your hearing no less than ten (10) days before your hearing date. Typically, hearings are scheduled 2 to 4 weeks after your appeal notification.
5. After your hearing, we will issue a decision within thirty (30) calendar days.
6. If you want to further appeal your decision, you may do so by filing a complaint in your local District Court with thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of our decision.

Download a 1-page summary of the DFML appeals timeline (PDF).

Filing an appeal

The Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) usually makes a decision within fourteen (14) days of receiving your completed application. You must appeal a decision about your Paid Family and Medical Leave application within ten (10) calendar days of receiving a notice about the decision. If you file an appeal later than ten (10) calendar days, you must communicate on the form that you missed the deadline for reasons beyond your control.

If you submitted your application online, you can appeal at paidleave.mass.gov.

Otherwise, call the DFML Contact Center at [phone]  from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET to file an appeal over the phone. 

You can also send in your appeal by mail or fax to:

Department of Family and Medical Leave  
Attn: Claims Processing 
P.O. Box 838  
Lawrence, MA 01842

Fax: [phone]

Note: If you received a denial for paid leave from a private carrier, you must first appeal with them. If they deny your appeal, you can then use the Request an appeal for Paid Family and Medical Leave form to appeal that denial.

Reviewing the appeal

After you file your appeal, we will review your case within thirty (30) days. Be on the lookout for a phone call or mail from a DFML Appeals Representative. If possible, we will resolve any issues this way, including providing instructions for updating your case. 

Your appeal hearing

If we can’t resolve the problem by contacting you, we will schedule a virtual hearing. We will notify you about your hearing’s date and time no less than ten (10) days before your hearing date. The notice will also have instructions for how to prepare. Typically, hearings are scheduled 2 to 4 weeks after your appeal notification.  

We will send you a confirmation email (from [e-mail]) ahead of time. This confirmation email will include a link to join your hearing. Alternatively, you can also visit https://paidleaveappeals.eol.state.ma.us and enter your hearing ID.

After your hearing

After your hearing is over, we will issue a new decision about your case within thirty (30) days. If your case is approved, you can expect the changes to be implemented within 2-4 weeks.

If you want to further appeal your decision, you may do so by filing a complaint in your local District Court with thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of our decision.

Last updated:	February 2, 2023