Claimants can file an "Initial Claim" for unemployment insurance between Monday-Saturday from 8:00am-5:30pm by calling 1-877-214-3330.
Establish an Initial Claim
Call Claimant Assistance to open an initial claim (Monday - Saturday 8am-5:30pm at 1-877-214-3330).
Our online initial claim application is not available at this time. Please call to establish an initial claim.
Required Documents: Click here for a list of required documents you will need to have on-hand when submitting your application
PUA Details: Those individuals not normally eligible for benefits (self-employed, etc.) may now be eligible for benefits through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. Find more information on PUA page.
Re-Open Claim
If you established an initial claim within the last 12 months, you will likely need to re-open your claim. If you are unsure, go to labor.vermont.gov and log-in to the UI Claimant Portal to check your status.
Open a New Benefit Year
After a period of 12 months AFTER your initial claim is submitted, you will be required to open a new benefit year in order to continue to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Find more information on ourOpen a New Benefit Year page.
Contact Unemployment Insurance Division:
Open an Initial Claim:1-877-214-3330 (Mon-Sat, 8:00am-5:30pm)
