There are several factors that must be reviewed to determine if you would be eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits while you are receiving or have received Workers' Compensation benefits.  Therefore, it is suggested you call the toll-free Unemployment Claimant Assistance Line at 1-877-214-3332 for detailed information regarding your specific situation.

General Unemployment information related to Workers' Compensation

In order to be eligible for benefits, an individual must have earned a least a minimum amount of wages during a fixed period of time known as the “base period.”  The wages used to determine your unemployment eligibility and your weekly benefit amount (WBA) are wages that were paid to you during each calendar quarter of your base period, regardless of when you earned them.

Vermont law provides three main methods to determine a base period.  If you are found monetary ineligible under the first three method and separated from employment due to an “on the job injury” resulting in a Workers' Compensation Claim, the law provides a fourth method.  To be paid under this provision of law, you must have filled you new claim for Unemployment Insurance benefits within six months of the date your temporary Workers' Compensation payments ended.

Able and Available for Work

One of the tests for becoming eligible for unemployment insurance benefits is that you must be able and available for work.  Being able for work means you are both physically and mentally capable of performing work during a week of unemployment that you are qualified to perform based on your work experience, education, and training.

Being available for work means that you are willing to accept work that is offered to you that is considered suitable work based on your work experience, education, and training.  The type of work you are qualified to perform includes all types of jobs, not just the ideal job you would like to have.