Why do I have to look for work when I just lost my job?
If you do not have a job to return to, you must immediately begin looking for other employment, by making 3 job contacts every week. Unemployment is temporary income to help tide you until suitable work can be found. While making job contact, you must document your efforts. The work search report will provide you with the necessary information you need to document.
Why do I have to register with the local unemployment office after moving out of state, when I already have a return to work date?
Registration in Vermont was automatically done for you when you originally established your claim. Federal regulations require that all individuals receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits be registered for work, as you must be able and available for work, should work be offered to you. Inasmuch as you have moved out of state, you must do the registration in that state.
If I live outside Vermont but worked in Vermont, where do I file my unemployment claim?
Because you performed work in Vermont, you should call our claims center to file your claim.
Why is there a 10-day waiting period before my unemployment check can be issued?
You will be paid for all weekly claims filed, provided you meet all eligibility requirements. This waiting period is provided to enable the employers involved in your claim to respond to the department of any potential adverse information that could effect your entitlement of benefits. If the employer responds with no adverse information prior to the 10-day period expiring, your payment will be processed promptly. However, if the employer responds with adverse information, fact finding must be conducted, in which case you will be contacted for further information.
Where is my unemployment check?
You can check on the payment status of your unemployment check by calling the toll free Weekly Continued Claims Line at 1-800-983-2300 and selecting option 2. If there is an issue on your claim that is delaying payment, you will be notified accordingly.
What does it mean when there is an issue on my claim?
An issue is a situation that must be resolved to determine proper eligibility for Unemployment Insurance benefits. Once the issue is resolved, a determination is generally done, especially in cases where the issue results in a denial of Unemployment Insurance benefits. There are numerous types of issues that could impact a claim. Generally issues are resolved through a fact-finding process conducted by Claims Center staff. During low periods of unemployment, it takes an average of 10 days to resolve most issues; during high periods of unemployment (typically during the winter months) it will take longer to resolve most issues.
What will the determination be based on and what if I don’t agree with the determination?
Information about the Claims Adjudication Process best explains the overall steps taken to resolve an issue. Any interested party who receives a determination has the opportunity to file an appeal if they disagree.
How do I change my mailing address?
Complete and return the Claimant Change of Name and Address form. All address changes must be requested in writing.
How do I file my weekly unemployment claim?
This can be done by calling our toll free Weekly Continued Claims Line or via the internet.
How do I properly report gross wages I’m earning while working part time and filing for Unemployment Insurance benefits?
You are required to report any gross wages earned from employment, beginning on Sunday through Saturday of the week being claimed. The most common mistake made is erroneously reporting money when it’s paid, and not when earned. The department provides a worksheet, which will assist you in proper reporting. If you have any questions regarding proper reporting of gross wages, contact the Claims Center for further instructions.
Why did you pay me money if I wasn’t entitled to it?
Unemployment Insurance benefits must be paid when due. These benefits are originally paid based on the information the unemployed worker provided the Department when they filed their weekly claim. If they have not provided truthful information, or received disqualifing remuneration, which is later discovered, the benefits then become overpaid.
What happens when taxes have been withheld for a unemployment check that have been determined to be overpaid?
Once an Unemployment payment has been processed, with Federal and State taxes withheld, the taxes withheld are immediately transferred to the respective agencies, on behalf of the claimant. Therefore, the only way to avoid having to repay the taxes withheld (if the week is determined to be overpaid) would be to return the actual Unemployment Insurance check. If the UI check is returned, we will notify the respective agencies to cancel the previous tax credit. If the UI check has already been cashed or processed through direct deposit, it will then be necessary for the worker to repay the tax credit already given, for which he/she was not entitled to, based on the overpayment determination.
Why would the Tax Department attach more money than what was owed and/or request a pro-ration of the non-debtor spouse?
Once the Department of Taxes has attached the refund, the Vermont Department of Labor must process it, in such case we will issue a check for any amounts attached exceeding the actual amount owed. Generally a notification of pro-ration to the non-debtor spouse is received from the Tax Department after the original refund has been processed. Refund checks in either case are usually processed and mailed within 2-4 working days from the receipt of the appropriate information.
How can I receive credit on my Federal Tax return when I have repaid an unemployment overpayment?
Instructions for this credit are included in the Federal Tax booklet. In past tax years the IRS has indicated if the overpayment is repaid in the same tax year that the original UI benefits were received, the taxpayer can report the net difference as income on their tax return. If the overpayment was repaid in a different tax year than when the money was received, the tax payer will have to file a Schedule A form. You should always refer to the Federal Tax instructions for directions as these requirements may have changed. If you have further questions, you should contact the IRS.
All 1099 forms, by Federal rules and regulations, must include all monies paid in Unemployment Insurance benefits - even if those monies have been repaid in full. However, the 1099 does not include any amounts of money that were used to "offset" the debt; therefore the worker can not claim any "offset credits" as a repayment credit when filing his/her tax return.