Section 4.97 - Request for Retroactive Payment of Benefits(1) An individual shall make application for payment of retroactive benefits either in person or in writing no later than six weeks from the beginning of an academic year or term.(2) Notice of Claim Filed with request for information attached shall be mailed to the educational institution or educational service agency from which the individual was given reasonable assurance.(3) The Commissioner of his/her authorized representative shall promptly determine whether or not an opportunity to perform service was given to the individual. A determination shall be issued under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 151A, § 39 to all interested parties. Such determination shall inform all interested parties of their right to appeal under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 151A.(4) The local office will take signatures of claimants for weeks of unemployment occurring between the date of filing of the initial claim and the beginning of the succeeding academic year or term. These signatures shall constitute the filing of a timely claim for retroactive unemployment benefits.