What if your extension request is denied?

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

DTA will send you a notice when it makes a decision on your extension request. If your extension request is denied, the notice should give the reasons for the denial. DTA Online Guide (Extension Request Notices and Forms). Operations Memo 2013-38 (July 26, 2013). If DTA denies your request, you can appeal. If you appeal the denial of an extension within 10 days of the date DTA sent notice of the denial, you should continue to receive benefits while you are waiting for a decision on the appeal. See How much time do you have to ask for a fair hearing?

Advocacy Reminders

• You can appeal the written notice terminating your benefits whether or not you filed an extension request or an appeal from the denial of an extension request. If you file the appeal within 10 days of the date DTA sent the notice, your benefits should continue until the appeal is decided. Contact your local legal services program, Appendix D: Massachusetts Legal Services Offices, for help with your appeal.
• If you appeal, ask DTA for a copy of the recommendations and the reasons for the recommendations at all four levels – the DTA worker, the supervisor, the local DTA office director, and the DTA Commissioner.
• Some DTA staff say they do not recommend extensions because their previous recommendations have been rejected. This may be a ground for challenging an extension denial.
• Contact your local legal services program, Appendix D: Massachusetts Legal Services Offices, if DTA denies your extension request.