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Can you get an extension of benefits past the time limit?

Alert

DTA made a number of changes and suspended a number of rules during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Guide notes in red when a rule was suspended during the pandemic.

Produced by Deborah Harris and Betsy Gwin, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
Reviewed December 2022

The time limit was suspended during the pandemic. The rules below are the rules before the pandemic.

You can ask for an extension of your benefits. In deciding whether you get an extension, DTA says that it looks at

  • what you are doing to find a full-time job,
  • whether you have complied with work requirements and DTA work activities,
  • whether you have been sanctioned for not complying with DTA rules,
  • whether there are jobs in your area that you could do,
  • whether suitable child care is available. See 106 C.M.R. § 703.130(A); DTA Operations Memo 2013-38 (July 26, 2013).

You can also get an extension if

  • you are working at least 35 hours a week and you are still financially and otherwise eligible.
  • you are in a DTA-approved education or training program and need additional time to complete the program. 106 C.M.R. § 703.130(A).

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