Rights and Obligations of Program Participants

(1) Benefits provided under M.G.L. c. 151A, § 30(c) are payable only while the claimant is in attendance at the training course, or while participating in a Section 30-approved classroom training portion of an apprenticeship program approved by the Division of Apprenticeship Standards and the Director under 430 CMR 9.04. If the claimant finishes training or ceases to attend training, the claimant will be entitled to the remaining regular unemployment insurance benefit credit if otherwise eligible. In order to qualify for benefits under M.G.L. c. 151A, § 30(c), a claimant must begin training prior to the expiration of the benefit year, unless otherwise permitted under 430 CMR 9.00. If a claimant is approved to collect benefits under M.G.L. c. 151A, § 30(c) and the benefit year then expires while the claimant is still attending training, a new benefit year claim must be filed and the facts investigated. If, as a result of the new benefit year claim, the claimant is not eligible for the new benefit year claim, the claimant may continue to collect benefits on the old benefit year claim under M.G.L. c. 151A, § 30(c) beyond the benefit year expiration date. If the claimant is eligible for a new benefit year claim, the facts will be investigated and another determination of entitlement to training benefits under M.G.L. c. 151A, § 30(c) will be made on the new claim. (2) Participants approved under M.G.L. c. 151A, § 30(c) shall not be required to engage in work search activities, and shall be deemed available for suitable work during any week in which the participant is in attendance at the approved training program, or during an approved break in training pursuant to 430 CMR 9.07.