If you are one of Vermont’s many unemployed adults, chances are you have questions about how to get help meeting your bills and supporting yourself and your family.  One source of help many people are turning to is Vermont Unemployment Insurance.

This blog will help guide you through the Vermont Unemployment system and answer many questions that you may have.  Please sign up at the right to receive for free tips and advice as they become available.

What is Vermont Unemployment Insurance?

Vermont Unemployment Insurance is a joint state-federal program that provides temporary, partial wage replacement for workers that become unemployed through no fault of their own.

How do I know if am eligible?

To qualify for Vermont Unemployment benefits, you must:

1)      Have worked in Vermont during the last 18 months;

2)      Have earned sufficient wages in your base period (the first four of the last five calendar quarters) to qualify;

3)      Have become unemployed through no fault of your own (if you quit or were fired for misconduct, you may be disqualified);

4)      Be able and available to work; and

5)      Actively look for work (three work contacts must be completed every week).

How do I apply for Vermont Unemployment Insurance?

You may file a claim for Vermont Unemployment Insurance benefits by calling 1-877-214-3330 Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 5:00pm and Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, or you may file online at https://uipublic.labor.vermont.gov/Claimant.html.

To establish your Vermont Unemployment claim for the first time, you must provide your:

·         Social Security Number;

·         Mailing Address and Home Address;

·         Telephone Number (including area code);

·         Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen);

·         Amount and duration of any separation pay you may receive (vacation pay, severance pay, etc.);

·         Return to work date (if you expect to be recalled to your job) ;

·         Valid Driver’s License Number (or state issued ID Number, if applicable);

·         Banking information for Direct Deposit of your unemployment check;

·         Military Form DD-214, Member 4 Copy (if you were in the military in the past 18 months); and

·         Form SF-8 (if you worked for the Federal Government during the past 18 months and received one) .

You must also provide the following information for all of your employers during the last 18 months:

·         Complete name and address of each employer (including zip code) you worked for;

·         Payroll address (if different from employer address);

·         Employer telephone number (including area code);

·         Beginning and ending dates of employment; and

·         Reason for separation

What’s next?

If you are approved for Vermont Unemployment Insurance benefits, you will begin receiving your benefit checks within two to three weeks.  Most applicants receive a maximum of 26 weeks of Vermont Unemployment benefits, however, this period can be extended by law.

I hope this helps.  Please sign up  to continue receiving free news and updates on how to make it through this rough economic period.  Good luck!

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