Vermont Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide

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Looking for tips to access the Vermont Unemployment Insurance Benefits? 

In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with Vermont Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.

We understand.

The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming. 

Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help. 

You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Why did we create the Vermont Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?

Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling. 

Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.

Who’s in charge of Alaska Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

The Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) is in charge of administering the state’s unemployment insurance program. 

Below is what its official website looks like.

How To Qualify for Vermont Unemployment Benefits

To be eligible for unemployment benefits in Vermont, you must fulfill certain requirements. You must have worked in Vermont for the previous 12 months and are currently jobless due to no fault of your own. If your weekly work hours are less than 35, you should apply for unemployment benefits.

  • To be eligible for unemployment benefits in Vermont, you must be a Vermont resident and meet all of the following criteria:
  • You are jobless due to no fault of your own.
  • During the last 12 months, you worked in Vermont.
  • You were paid a certain amount of money according on Vermont criteria.
  • You are looking for job every week and receiving benefits.

How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in Vermont? 

  • Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
  • Alt Base Period: Last 4 completed quarters
  • Duration of Benefits: 21-26 weeks
  • Weekly Payment: Min $74 to Max $531
  • Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $13,338

How Do I Apply for Vermont Unemployment Benefits?

Create an account with the Vermont Department of Labor at labor.vermont.gov to apply for unemployment benefits. You will get regular contact from the Vermont Department of Labor at the email address you enter while receiving benefits.

Unemployment insurance claims can be filed online with the Vermont Department of Labor. If you are unable to apply online, call the Unemployment Insurance Claimant Assistance Center between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday to explore alternate options for making your initial claim.

How do I Manage My Vermont Unemployment Benefits

To keep receiving benefits after your initial claim for unemployment compensation has been authorized, you must attest weekly. When you submit your first weekly claim certification, the system will ask you to choose a four-digit Personal Identification Number, which you will need to provide together with your Social Security number on each weekly benefit claim.

To continue receiving benefits, you must make a weekly claim. Select “File an Unemployment Claim” once you’ve logged in. Your Claimant Portal also has detailed instructions for submitting your claim.

To evaluate if you still match the eligibility standards, you will be asked to answer specific questions concerning your job-search activity for the past week.

If a worker fails to file a weekly claim at any time throughout the week, he or she may be denied unemployment benefits for that week.

How Do I Appeal a Vermont Unemployment Decision?

The Vermont Department of Labor will not accept every claim for unemployment insurance benefits. If your claim is denied, Vermont enables you to appeal the decision within 30 days by utilizing one of the following methods:

  • Online: Request a Hearing
  • Mail: Vermont Department of Labor: P. O. Box 488, Montpelier, Vermont 05601-0488
  • Email: labor.appeals@state.vt.us
  • Fax: 802-828-4289
  • In-person: Deliver a statement of appeal in person at the administrative office:
    Vermont Department of Labor
    5 Green Mountain Drive
    Montpelier, VT 05602

There are three levels of appeal, beginning with an administrative law judge review, followed by an appeal to the Vermont Employment Security Board, and ending with a Vermont Supreme Court review.

How Do I Report a Vermont Unemployment Fraud?

Participants are asked to report suspected unemployment insurance fraud to the Vermont Department of Labor. The source of these reports shall be kept confidential. Fraudulent communications, identity theft, claimant fraud, and misclassifications can all be reported online to the Vermont Department of Labor.

How Do I Talk to a Person in Vermont Unemployment Customer Service?

Steps:

  1. Dial 1-877-214-3332
  2. Press 3 (if you have already filed your unemployment insurance claim and need to speak to a representative)
  3. Stay on the line
  4. The automated phone system will connect you to a live customer service agent from Vermont Unemployment

VT Unemployment Voice Main Menu

  • Press 1 for the 1099-G incident hotline.
  • Press 2 to file a new unemployment insurance claim.
  • Press 3 if you have already filed your unemployment insurance claim and need to speak to a representative.

Vermont Unemployment Customer Service Representatives Hours

Live Vermont Unemployment Insurance customer service is available from 8am to 5:30pm Monday-Saturday, Sunday closed.

Vermont Unemployment Support Phone Numbers

  • VT Unemployment Support Phone Number: 1-877-214-3332. 
    • Live Vermont Unemployment Insurance customer service is available from 8am to 5:30pm Monday-Saturday, Sunday closed.
  • Establish an Initial Claim: 1-877-214-3330 or 1-888-807-7072. 
    • Live customer service representatives from Vermont Unemployment Insurance are available from 8am to 4:30pm Monday-Saturday, Sunday closed.
  • File Weekly Claim: 1-800-983-2300.
  • Supplemental Assistance Line: 1-573-751-4034. 1-888-807-7072. 
  • Live customer service representatives from Vermont Unemployment Insurance are available from 8:15am to 4:30pm Monday-Friday, Saturday-Sunday closed.
  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Hotline: 1-877-660-7782.
  • Employer Services (Wage and Contribution Information): 1-802-828-4344.

VT Unemployment Fax Number

  • Unemployment Claims for Individuals: 1-802-828-9191.
  • Employer Services (Wage and Contribution Information): 1-802-828-4248.

What if I got fired?

You may be disqualified for benefits if the employer can prove you were discharged for work-related misconduct. An employer must prove misconduct before you are eligible for benefits.

What if I quit?

In general, you are not eligible if you leave your work freely.

If you quit for “good cause,” though, you may be able to collect. The state unemployment office determines what constitutes good reason, and you can make your case for getting benefits.

You should be entitled to a hearing if your claim is denied so that you can explain your claim. You should contact your local office because regulations and conditions differ from state to state.


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Vermont Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

Vermont Unemployment  OfficeVermont Unemployment Office LocationsVermont Unemployment Phone Number
Barre Resource Center5 Perry Street Suite 200Barre, VT 05641802-476-2600
Bennington Resource Center200 Veterans Memorial Drive Suite 2Bennington, VT 05201-1945802-442-6376
Brattleboro Career Resource Center28 Vernon Street Suite 212Brattleboro, VT 05301802-254-4555
American Job Center63 Pearl StreetBurlington, VT 05401-4331802-863-7676
Middlebury  Resource Center1590 Route 7 South Suite 5Middlebury, VT 05753802-388-4921
Morrisville Resource Center197 Harrell StreetMorrisville, VT 05661802-888-4545
Newport Resource CenterEmory E. Hebard State Office Bldg100 Main Street Suite 210Newport, VT 05855802-334-6545
Rutland Resource Center200 ASA Bloomer Building 88Rutland, VT 05701802-786-5837
Springfield Resource Center56 Main Street Suite 101Springfield, VT 05156-2900802-289-0999
American Job Center27 Federal Street Suite 100St. Albans, VT 05478-2246802-524-6585
St. Johnsbury American Job Center1197 Main Street Suite 1St. Johnsbury, VT 05819-0129802-748-3177
White River Junction  Resource Center118 Prospect Street Suite 28White River Junction, VT 05001802-295-8805

 

Final Thoughts

We hope the above info has been helpful to you. 

We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.

  • Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled. 
  • Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
  • Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself. 
    • 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay, 
    • 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits, 
    • 3) Ask about outplacement resources, 
    • 4) Request a reference letter from your employer 
  • Review your financial positions, obligations. 
  • Make a weekly or monthly budget. Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
  • Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
  • Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.


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Editor
Sabrina is a former campaign manager who has decided to focus her effort to help people contact senators and get help. She leads our Editorial Team with Ronald and Lawrence to curate content and resources that help us navigate the system.

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