The Vermont Department of Labor announced today that a the Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation 2008 program will come to an end this week.As of June 23, 2012, Tier 2 extended benefits will be phased out in Vermont, a direct result of Vermontâ s declining unemployment rate which was 4.6 percent in April and May. The low unemployment rate brought Vermontâ s 3-month-average unemployment rate down to 4.67 percent, well below the federal threshold requirement of 6.0 percent for Tier 2 extended benefits.
To explain how this works, regular Unemployment benefits are up to 26 weeks. Tier 1 benefits are currently 20 weeks, (however, that will change to a total of 14 weeks in September). Individuals that exhaust their Federal Tier 1 benefits on or before the week ending June 23, 2012, will be eligible to transition into the Tier 2. However, those that exhaust Tier 1 after week ending June 23, 2012, will not be eligible for the additional Tier 2 benefits. Qualifying new unemployment claimants will still be able to collect regular unemployment benefits of up to 26 weeks and claimants who exhaust regular unemployment prior to January 2, 2013 may be eligible to continue on Tier I benefits.
â We know that the loss of extended benefits will be difficult for people who have lost their job. The Department of Labor staff will continue to help Vermonters find jobs and become successfully reemployedâ , said Commissioner, Annie Noonan. â We have specialized programs for Reemployment Assistance, as well as funding for persons who qualify for training, and options for apprenticeships, internships and other on the job training.â
The Vermont Department of Labor has 12 regional Career Resource Centers that provide Vermonters assistance with job seeking skills and strategies. For a list of the Departmentâ s resource centers and other information, please visit our website at www.labor.vermont.gov.
VDOL 6.19.2012
Vermont to phase out Tier 2 federal emergency unemployment compensation
Submitted by tim
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