Reopening a Claim

If you remember your PIN, you may be able to re-open your unemployment claim online.  Click the "Claimant Applications" link in the "Unemployment Insurance" green box on the left hand side of any labor website page.  If the conditions are such that will allow re-opening online, the appropriate link will be displayed towards the bottom of the web page once you sign in.  If you have have forgotten your PIN or the link is not available to you once you have signed in, it will be necessary for you to call our claims center as indicated below

Establishing a New Claim

If you become unemployed and have worked in Vermont anytime in the past 18 months, you may be eligible to receive unemployment insurance.  Once you become totally or partially unemployed, the time to establish a new claim is during the first week you work less than 35 hours.  An Unemployment Compensation claim becomes effective when filed and cannot go backward in time so it is very important that you open your claim timely.  A Customer Service Representative is available to assist you with this process. A list of required information needed when you call is provided for your convenience. 

Effective Monday, March 22 our Claims Center extended hours are: 

Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 4:00pm
Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm

Call Toll-Free: 1-877-214-3330

Persons with hearing impairment or TTY users may file their claim by calling the department directly. To reach a TTY Customer Service Representative, call: 1-800-650-4152

After you have established your unemployment claim, you will be required to certify that you have read and understand your Responsibilities and Rights.  To receive an unemployment check, it will be necessary for you to file weekly claims.  Your Responsibilities and Rights, other important information and regulations is available in our Claimant Handbook, which will be mailed to you after establishing your unemployment claim. 

A Customer Service Representative is also available to answer any questions you might have after your claim has been established.  Our toll-free Claimant Assistance line is: 1-877-214-3332.