Vermont Business Magazine Federal employees in Vermont who may be deemed “non-essential” and furloughed due to the temporary federal government shutdown may file for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits beginning the first day of the shutdown.
“The Department recognizes that a federal shutdown can cause uncertainty and stress for many Vermonters employed by the federal government,” said Kendal Smith, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Labor. “Our goal is to ensure that those who have been impacted understand their options, know what documentation will be required, and feel prepared to access unemployment benefits if eligible.”
Federal workers impacted by a shutdown have up to two weeks from the start of the shutdown to file an unemployment claim. Individuals can apply for UI by calling the UI Claims Center at 1-877-214-3330 (Monday – Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm / Friday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm). Please note that calling later in the week will not affect eligibility for benefits.
If Congress later approves back pay for workers who were furloughed during a shutdown, any UI benefits received will need to be repaid to the state. The Department of Labor encourages federal employees who may want to apply for UI to ensure they have the necessary documentation and information prepared in the event they file a claim.
Necessary documentation and information for filing:
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Wage verification (copies of pay stubs or W-2 forms) from all sources of income
- Mailing addresses and phone numbers of all employers you worked for in the last 18 months
- The start and end dates of your last job(s)
- Most recent Standard Form-50 (SF-50) and Standard Form-8 (SF-8), if issued
- Most recent Federal Earnings and Leave Statements (pay stubs)
- If you worked any time during the week you are filing your claim, be sure you know the gross amount (total dollars and cents before any deductions) of your pay
Federal employees can apply for benefits even if they have not yet received separation paperwork, such as the SF-50 or SF-8.
Additional information and guidance are available on our website at labor.vermont.gov. The Department will continue to update resources as new information becomes available.
Vermont Department of Labor, Montpelier, labor.vermont.gov
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