Appealing Unemployment
G.L. c. 151A, § 39 — ten days to request a hearing, and thirty days to the board of review
Ten days. Any interested party notified of a determination may request a hearing within ten days after delivery in hand or mailing of the notice.
Good cause, with an outer limit. A late request may be allowed for good cause under the commissioner's procedures, but in no event is good cause considered if the request comes more than thirty days after the delivery or mailing.
The decision. Every reasonable effort is made to mail the decision, with findings and reasons, within forty-five days after the request for hearing.
| The decision | The time to appeal it |
|---|---|
| The decisionA determination | The time to appeal itTen days after delivery or mailing, by request for hearing |
| The decisionA hearing decision | The time to appeal itThirty days after mailing, by application to the board of review |
The board of review. The board grants or denies an application for review no later than twenty-one days after it is filed. If it does not decide in that period, the application is deemed denied on the twenty-first day.
What disqualifies a person from benefits is on the unemployment benefits page. A particular claim is a question for the state's unemployment agency, its appeal tribunal, or a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
Sources for this section (3)
- G.L. c. 151A, § 39 — Determination of claim and benefits; procedures; payment of claims or denials
- G.L. c. 151A, § 40 — Application for review
- G.L. c. 151A, § 41 — Review by board; procedures; findings of fact; decision; judicial review
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.