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Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) appeals timeline

Learn what to expect after you appeal a PFML decision.

Overview

This webpage gives an overview of the Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) appeals process. Get details on how to appeal a decision about your PFML application, including what documents you may need. You can also review the DFML virtual hearings guide for detailed information on how to attend your scheduled appeals hearing.

Please note that if you received a denial for paid leave from a private carrier, you must first appeal with them. If they deny your appeal, you may then request an appeal with DFML. Call the DFML contact center at (833) 344-7365 to request an Appeal Request Information Form mailed to you.

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Step 1: File an appeal

You will receive a notice when the Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) makes a decision on your PFML application. If you wish to appeal the decision, you must do so within ten (10) calendar days of receiving the decision notice. If you appeal after 10 days, you must explain that you missed the deadline for reasons beyond your control.  

There are three ways to submit your appeal:

  1. You can submit your appeal in your PFML account.
  2. You can also submit an appeal over the phone by calling the DFML Contact Center at (833) 344-7365.
  3. Print and fill out the appeal form included in your decision notice and mail it to the address listed on the appeal form.

Step 2: Appeal Acknowledgment

You will receive a notice acknowledging that DFML has received your appeal. Our team will take time to review your case. Please expect a phone call or email from a DFML appeals representative. We will gather information from you that we will need to resolve your case. We will also provide instructions for updating your case.

You can request your DFML Case File

If you would like to request a copy of your DFML case file, you can do so by completing a case file request form. Please note that you will need your application number (the number beginning with NTN that appears on correspondence regarding your application).

Step 3: Appeal hearing

If we can’t resolve the problem by contacting you, we will schedule a virtual hearing. We will notify you of the date and time of your hearing no less than ten (10) days before your hearing date. The notice will also have instructions for how to prepare. You can review our virtual hearings guide for details on how to participate in your virtual hearing, including setup logistics.

We will send you a confirmation email (from noreply-pfml@cloverhound.com) ahead of time. This confirmation email will include a link to join your hearing. You can also visit the virtual appeals website and enter your hearing ID.

Step 4: After your hearing

After your hearing is over, we will issue a new decision about your case within thirty (30) days from the close of your hearing. If your case is approved, you can expect the changes to be implemented within 2-4 weeks.

If you want to further appeal your decision, you may do so by filing a complaint in an appropriate Massachusetts District Court with thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of our decision.

Last updated: February 2, 2023

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