UI Initial Claim Application

Claimants can file an "Initial Claim" for unemployment insurance between Monday 8:00am - Friday 4:30pm. Please check back during these times to open a new claim. 

Initial claim application

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)
• File Weekly Claim: 1-800-983-2300 (Automated - 12:01am Sunday - 4:30pm Friday)
• Claimant Assistance: 1-877-214-3332 (Monday-Saturday, 8:00am - 5:30pm / Sunday: Closed)
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA): 1-877-660-7782 (Monday-Saturday, 8:00am - 5:30pm / Sunday: Closed)