In response to the federal government shutdown, the Vermont Department of Labor staff has geared up to assist any federal employees, or other workers, who may be eligible for unemployment as a result of being furloughed without pay from their jobs.
According to Labor Commissioner Annie Noonan, the state’s unemployment insurance program will continue without interruption and no lapse of payments to unemployed workers during the federal government shutdown.
For individuals considering unemployment, UI claims can be filed as early as the first week of the shutdown (assuming the individual has not worked more than 35 hours during that week). Once a claim has been established, a statutory one-week waiting period is required before benefits can be issued.
The Vermont Department of Labor has posted information on its website that will guide and assist Vermonters who are trying to determine their eligibility for Unemployment benefits during the period of shutdown. Visit the Department’s website at www.labor.vt.gov. Two specific links for federal employees have been set up: http://www.labor.vermont.gov/FederalEmployees, and
http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/furlough-guidance/#ur...
Contact the Department by telephone at (877) 214-3330, and a staff member will talk with you to help you with your claim. Please review the Vermont Department of Labor website (www.labor.vt.gov) and have ready the required information prior to calling in to open a claim.