GCC Training Opportunity Program (TOP) Application Guide

(aka. Section 30)

Unemployed in-state students sometimes qualify for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits from the MA Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

When a full-time in-state students is approved for UI benefits, they then need to apply for the MA DUA Training Opportunities Program (TOP/Section 30). If approved for TOP/Section 30, they will receive one or more of the following benefits:

  1. Permission to study while collecting MA UI benefits
  2. Up to 26 more weeks of unemployment payments
  3. A waiver from the weekly UI job search requirement
GCC TOP Application Guide & Checklist

The GCC TOP Application Guide & Checklist can help GCC students navigate the TOP application process more responsibly, quickly, and effectively. After you open it, make a copy for your own use, so you can check off steps completed and add whatever additional steps and information you would like to it.

Disclaimer: This GCC checklist (and webpage as a whole) is designed to supplement vs. supplant information and guidelines provided by the state of Massachusetts and its representatives. Individual students are responsible for finding, reading and following all Massachusetts Section 30/TOP notifications, guidelines, timelines, etc. 

Assistance for GCC Students

If you are enrolled in a non-credit GCC program, contact Hannah Milton, miltonh@gcc.mass.edu.

If you are enrolled in a credit-earning Certificate or Associate program at GCC, contact Shannon Doran, dorans@gcc.mass.edu or make an appointment.

GCC provides the following TOP/Section 30 supports and resources for students:

  • This TOP web page
  • A supplementary checklist to aid in the completion of TOP applications
  • Fill in part D of TOP applications
  • Provides general (vs. conclusive) advice about how to complete a TOP application
  • Refers students to other valuable state and community-based resources and services

Disclaimer: We cannot take full responsibility for the completion, submission or approval of TOP/Section 30 applications. The primary relationship is between the student and the state when it comes to TOP/Section 30 benefits. Students are responsible for submitting the complete application to the state, tracking progress and reading and following up on all correspondence. 

Eligibility for TOP/Section 30

Official State Resources: 

Ultimately, only a Massachusetts TOP application evaluator can determine if a GCC student qualifies for TOP benefits by reviewing a student’s TOP application. According to State/Federal Policy (update 2023):

TOP approval may only be granted if the claimant demonstrates (i.e. in page 2 of the TOP application) that they are unable to obtain employment without training, and at least one of the following criteria needs to be met by a TOP applicant:

(a) The claimant requires training to become re-employed in his or her current occupation, because his or her present skills in that occupation are insufficient or are technologically out of date; provided, however, that a claimant possessing sufficient skills in his or her current occupation to obtain suitable employment in that occupation shall not be determined to be in need of training, unless the claimant has separated from a declining occupation or is unemployed as a result of a permanent reduction of operations and the claimant is training for a demand occupation;

(b) A claimant’s existing skills are obsolete due to technological change or because there is currently no demand for his or her skills in his or her work search area, or because a disability has made the claimant unable to perform the essential functions of jobs in the claimant’s previous occupation;

(c) A claimant is in need of Basic Skills training or any other training in combination with Basic Skills.

(d) The claimant has applied for or is participating in a course or training program authorized by WIOA;

For Out-of-State Students

If you are not a Massachusetts resident, contact your state’s unemployment office to find out if there are any programs or benefits you can take advantage of, while a studying at GCC.  Then, if you need any assistance from GCC: