Over 80,000 Vermonters have filed unemployment claims since the middle of March. The state unemployment fund covers 46% of weekly gross earnings averaged over the past three quarters. On top of that, the U.S. Congress passed the CARES act adding $600/week to claimant’s benefits. The state allows for up to six months on unemployment (with a possible 13 week extension); the federal stimulus runs out in four months.
Filing initial claims
Those looking to establish an initial claim for unemployment insurance benefits may do so any time online at labor.vermont.gov or by calling 1-877-214-3330 or 1-888-807-7072 from 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Filing of weekly claims
Unemployment claims must be filed weekly. The VDOL has set up a weekly claim filing schedule based on claimant last names to prevent an overload to the online and phone systems.
Monday: A-E
Tuesday: F-L
Wednesday: M-R
Thursday: S-Z
Sunday and Friday: open to everyone
To file for weekly claims electronically, go to labor.vermont.gov. To file for weekly claims by phone, follow the last name schedule above and call 1-800-983-2300 which is available 24 hours on Sunday and 5 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Claimant assistance
In an effort to prevent an overload to the system, VDOL has set up the same schedule as above based on claimant last names, except Friday and Saturday are the days open for everyone.
The Claimant Assistance Line can be reached at 1-877-214-3332 from 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday or from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday.
For more information visit Vermont Department of Labor’s website at: labor.vermont.gov/Covid19.
