Currently there are two active extended benefit programs in the State of Vermont the Department of Labor is authorized to pay unemployment benefits under. The first program will pay up to 20 weeks of Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) to individuals who have exhausted and are ineligible for state unemployment compensation. In mid-February, Vermont triggered onto Tier 2 of the EUC program, which added an additional 13 weeks on top of the 20 weeks available under Tier 1. This means, for those who are eligible for the EUC Benefits, they will receive up to 33 weeks under this program, which is a 100% federally funded program. The EUC program is scheduled to end December 31, 2009.
On March 22, 2009 Vermont also triggered onto a State Extended Benefit (EB) program, which provided up to 13 weeks of EB for those individuals who have exhausted all rights to Regular and EUC benefits. However, when the unemployment rate reduces and Vermont triggers off, EB benefits will stop. When this occurs, individuals filing will be notified. Normally the cost of the EB program is split equally between the federal unemployment trust fund and the state’s employers. However, the federal government will pick up 100 percent of the cost through December of 2009 as part of the stimulus bill for most employers. If former government employees receive EB, the state government or town will continue to pay its share of benefit cost.
It is very likely the potential 13 weeks paid under the EB program will be the last unemployment benefit program available to unemployed workers absent another extension being approved through legislation on a federal or state level.
With both programs, the Vermont Department of Labor will notify individuals of ‘next steps’. In many cases, those eligible for EUC benefits will automatically be set up for the appropriate extension. Those potentially eligible for EB benefits will be required to participate in an EB orientation hosted by our Regional Resource Centers. The EB program has much stricter work requirements and in all cases, those filing for EB will be required to report details on where they looked for work during the week being claimed. Additional resources about the EB program are provided under “Related Links” on the right hand side of this web page.
In all cases, with both programs notices will be mailed with filing instructions. If a recipient's mailing address changes, such change must be submitted in writing to enable proper notification.
Individuals who have already received their full regular and extended benefits entitlement will be mailed filing instructions if/when additional benefits become available. Information about future extensions (if/when available) will be posted on this web page.
Press Releases regarding both programs are available.
Last updated: 05/08/09