DUA Board of Review – Boston, MA

DUA Board of Review

The Board of Review is an independent, quasi-judicial body located within the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Situated at the Lafayette City Center in Downtown Crossing, the Board serves as the higher authority for unemployment insurance appeals in Massachusetts. It reviews decisions made by the DUA Hearings Department to ensure that unemployment laws are applied consistently and fairly across the Commonwealth. The Board operates independently of the DUA’s initial claim determinations.

Appeal Process and Functions

The Board of Review handles the final stage of administrative appeals before a case potentially moves to the state court system. Its primary functions include:

• Case Review: Examining applications for review filed by claimants or employers dissatisfied with a hearing decision.
• Decision Making: Affirming, modifying, or reversing previous decisions based on the evidence and applicable law.
• Remanding Cases: Sending cases back to the Hearings Department for additional fact-finding when necessary.

Office Access

While the Board acts as a court of record for the agency, most of its reviews are conducted based on the recording of the initial hearing and written arguments. In-person hearings at this level are rare and typically scheduled only under specific circumstances. The Lafayette City Center is a mixed-use building with security protocols; visitors generally need an appointment or a specific hearing notice to access the upper floors. Claimants are encouraged to manage their appeals through the UI Online system or via mail.