(a) The council shall
(1) review all denials of benefits made by the person responsible for the administration of the fund; and
(2) make all initial determinations regarding claims for additional benefits under AS 23.35.140.
(b) Under regulations adopted by the department, the commissioner shall hear all appeals from the council's denial of benefits and denials of claims for additional benefits under AS 23.35.140. The commissioner's decision is final and may be appealed as provided under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act).