§ 38

The department shall not approve an application for new benefits for any person required to register pursuant to sections 178C to 178P, inclusive, of chapter 6 and who has failed to register until the individual registers as required by said sections 178C to 178P, inclusive, of said chapter 6; provided, however, that prior to the denial of benefits, the department shall provide the applicant with notice of the applicant's failure to register pursuant to said sections 178C to 178P, inclusive, of said chapter 6 and a reasonable opportunity to be heard.