Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) announced today that federal workers in Vermont who are required to work without pay because of the ongoing federal government shutdown will be eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits. With the support of legislative leaders, Governor Scott has directed the Commissioner of Labor to treat “essential” and “excepted” federal employees the same as other furloughed employees for the purposes of Unemployment Insurance benefit eligibility.
“The core principle of Unemployment Insurance is to remedy temporary economic hardship created by an unanticipated loss of income,” said Commissioner Lindsay Kurrle. “There are Vermonters who have been showing up to work every day, but not getting a paycheck, for more than a month. There is no end in sight for Federal shutdown and the Governor and legislators have asked us to help these individuals feed their families, pay their bills, and put gas in their cars.”
How Federal Employees Apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits
If you are a federal employee who is being required to work without pay, and you would like to apply for temporary assistance during this Federal shutdown, call 1 (877) 214-3330, Monday through Thursday, 8:30am – 4:00pm, Friday 9am – 4:00pm.
Please refer to the Department’s website guidance for Establishing an Unemployment Claim at http://labor.vermont.gov/unemployment-insurance/unemployed/establishing-an-unemployment-claim/, before calling.
Gathering required information ahead of placing a call to our Claims Center significantly reduces the time it takes to establish a claim.
The Department of Labor is aware that as a result of the shutdown, furloughed employees may not have access to all required forms. Department of Labor staff are prepared and equipped to work with claimants to obtain alternative documentation as needed.
Important Information
On January 16, 2019 President Trump signed S.24, a bill that assures employees who have been on unpaid furloughs will receive back pay. Federal employees that receive UI benefits should be aware that any unemployment insurance benefits received will be required to be repaid to the Vermont Department of Labor after the federal government issues backpay at the conclusion of the shutdown.