Federal emergency unemployment compensation in Vermont still up in the air

The Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) provided today information on the status of the Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation 2008 (EUC 08) program.
While discussions in Congress continue, Congress has still not acted on authorizing new entitlement under the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC08) program. EUC08 has two tiers for which Vermont currently qualifies. Tier 1 provides up to 20 weeks and Tier 2 provides up to 14 weeks of additional benefits. While individuals are still receiving EUC payments under their current Tier, absent Congress taking action, Vermont is not authorized to establish new EUC Tier entitlement. Qualifying new unemployment claimants will still be able to collect regular unemployment benefits of up to 26 weeks.
At this time, the lack of an extension is currently impacting approximately 140 claimants per week who either have or soon will exhaust their regular benefits (26 weeks).
The Vermont Department of Labor recognizes this is a difficult period for some who may have been counting on the additional benefits beyond the traditional 26 weeks. In the event Congress passes another extension, Vermont has developed a process where individuals may elect to continue filing for benefits using the weekly claims on-line application. This continuation of filing will enable Vermont to release payment upon passage to eligible claimants. Individuals in this situation are being provided a notice advising them to report to their nearest career resource center to set up their claim for continued filing.
In addition, Federal Additional Compensation (FAC) stimulus payment of twenty-five ($25) dollars will be brought to complete phase out effective December 11, 2010. This means, based on federal law, no FAC will be paid beyond the December 11, 2010 date.
The Vermont Department of Labor has 12 career resource centers and satellite offices that will continue to provide Vermonters assistance with job seeking skills and strategies including a compilation of occupational data for those interested in career changes or new entrants to the workforce. In addition, the Department continues their collaboration with Community College of Vermont to offer the Career Readiness Certificate training, free of charge, to Vermonters interested in bolstering their work readiness skills. The Department has a variety of federal and state training programs to assist unemployed individuals seeking work and/or employers needing to train new hires. Regional career resource center staff can assist folks interested in learning more about these opportunities. For a list of the Department’s resource centers and other information, visit www.labor.vermont.gov.