While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Unemployment Insurance is a benefit program designed to replace part of the income of recently unemployed or underemployed workers. Unemployment Insurance is available to workers who are out of work through no fault of their own.
Learn more about unemployment in Vermont here.
Unemployment Insurance benefits are weekly payments that are given to eligible workers who apply to and are accepted into the program. These payments can be provided via a direct deposit to their bank account.
You can learn more about how Unemployment Insurance payments work here.
To qualify for Unemployment Insurance in Vermont, you must:
You can learn more about Vermont’s monetary requirements to qualify for Unemployment here, and Vermont’s personal eligibility requirements to qualify for Unemployment here.
Apply for benefits online here during the week you are seeking payment, when your hours have been reduced or when you are no longer employed. Do NOT wait until the week is over.
Learn more information on when to apply for Unemployment Insurance here.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance in Vermont, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need here.
The Vermont Unemployment Office does not accept claims over the telephone.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance online, click here to access Vermont’s Unemployment claim portal.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance by phone, call the Unemployment Insurance Claims Center at 1-877-214-3330.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Vermont Claimant Assistance line at one of the following numbers:
These lines are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except for observed holidays listed here.
The amount of Unemployment Benefits you receive is based on your past reported earnings by employers that you have worked for in Vermont. To determine how much an applicant will receive each week, the Vermont Department of Labor takes the two highest-earning quarters in the applicant’s base period and divides that amount by 45.
The maximum benefit amount possible in Vermont is $513.
To find out more about the base period and how benefits are calculated, click here.
Vermont does not have a minimum waiting period for when you will start receiving benefits. However, depending on your weekly claim certification, it can take time to review your request. You must file a Weekly Continued Claim through the claimant portal here or by calling 1-800-983-2300 and the Unemployment Office will make sure you are still unemployed or underemployed, and meet all other eligibility requirements. If approved, you will begin receiving your weekly benefits the following week.
Learn more about the Weekly Continued Claim here.
Keep track of your work-search contacts. You are required to make at least two contacts per week to receive payments.
If you were discharged or quit your last job, expect a call (or email if that is your preferred contact method) to determine if you are eligible for unemployment insurance.
You can learn more about what to expect after applying here.
You must file a Weekly Continued Claim every week you are receiving Unemployment Benefits until you are employed again. This weekly claim is like a follow-up application that certifies your continued eligibility for the program, and proves you are actively applying for new jobs.
Learn more about the Weekly Continued Claim here. File your Weekly Certification Applications here.
It’s important to remember that you will stop receiving Unemployment Benefits and your Unemployment Claim will be canceled if you have not filed weekly claims for two or more consecutive weeks.
If your Unemployment Insurance application was denied, you have the right to file an appeal within 30 days of when your determination was given.
You can submit an appeal verbally by calling the appeals line at (802) 828-4368.
You may also obtain an appeal request form here, which you can submit by mail, fax or email to the Appeals Unit. (Note: Usually, you would be able to file an appeal in person as well, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this option is not currently available.)
You can mail your completed appeal form to the following address:
Appeals, Department of Labor
P.O. Box 488
Montpelier, Vermont 05601-0488
To fax your appeal form, send your form to this number: 802-828-4289.
Finally, you can email your appeal form to: labor.appeals@vermont.gov.
Remember to continue filing a weekly claim even as your determination is being appealed to receive benefits for those weeks if your appeal is approved.
If you need help with an application or you have any further questions about your claim, you can call the Vermont Department of Labor claimant assistance line at 1-877-214-3332. To reach a TTY claims assistant, dial 1-800-650-4152.
These lines are available from Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. except for observed holidays listed here.
You can also call your nearest local Career Resource Center for further assistance. You can find the location nearest you and its contact information here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
If you have general questions about the Unemployment Benefits provided in Vermont, you can call the Vermont Department of Labor’s (VDOL) claimant assistance line at 1-877-214-3332 Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. except for observed holidays listed here.
If you would like to speak with a representative at the main office, you can also call 802-828-4000. To reach a TTY claims assistant, dial 1-800-650-4152.
If you would like to apply for Unemployment, you can call the Unemployment Insurance Claims Center at 1-877-215-3330. There is also a supplemental assistance line that can be reached at 1-888-807-7072 if you need help with your application. Both these lines are available from Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
If you are already receiving Unemployment Insurance and you want to file a weekly claim, call the automated phone system at 1-800-983-2300 between 5:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
If you have questions about appeals or would like to submit an appeal to the Department of Labor, you can reach the appeals line at 802-828-4368.
Vermont has 11 Unemployment Offices known as Career Resource Centers. Find your nearest local Unemployment Office’s location, hours of operation, and phone number. Or, go to the Vermont DOL Contact Us page here.
| Location | Address | Phone Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barre | McFarland State Office Bldg. 5 Perry Street, Suite 200 Barre, VT 05641 | (802) 476-2600 | Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Bennington | 200 Veterans Memorial Drive Suite 2 Bennington, VT 05201 | (802) 442-6376 | Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Brattleboro | 28 Vernon St., Suite 212 Brattleboro, VT 05301-3675 |
(802) 254-4555 | Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Burlington | 63 Pearl Street, Burlington, VT 05401-3818 |
(802) 863-7676 | Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Middlebury | 197 Harrel Street Morrisville, VT 05661-8522 |
(802) 888-4545 | Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Newport | Emory E. Hebard State Office Building 100 Main Street, Suite 210 Newport, VT 05855-4898 |
(802) 334-6545 | Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Rutland | 200 Asa Bloomer Building, 2nd Floor Rutland, VT 05701-9408 |
(802) 786-5837 | Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Springfield | State Office Building 27 Federal Street, Suite 100 St. Albans, VT 05478 |
(802) 524-6585 | Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| St. Johnsbury | 1197 Main Street, Suite 1 St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 |
(802) 748-3177 | Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| St. Albans | State Office Building 27 Federal Street, Suite 100 St. Albans, VT 05478 |
(802) 524-6585 | Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| White River | 118 Prospect Street, Suite 302 White River Junction, VT 05001-2015 |
(802) 295-8805 | Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
*Due to public health concerns surrounding COVID-19, The VDOL Career Resource Centers are currently closed to the public but still offering virtual services to individuals. To learn more information, contact your local Career Resource Center.
To find more information on Vermont Unemployment Benefits and Services, visit:
To file an Unemployment Insurance claim:
If you have a question about Vermont Business Unemployment Insurance, visit the Vermont Employer UI page here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance in Vermont, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need here.
The Vermont Unemployment Office does not accept claims over the telephone.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance online, click here to access Vermont’s Unemployment claim portal.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance by phone, call the Unemployment Insurance Claims Center at 1-877-214-3330.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Vermont Claimant Assistance line at one of the following numbers:
These lines are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
If you have already applied for Unemployment Insurance online, you can check the status of your application by logging in to the state portal here.
You can also check the status of your application by calling the Vermont Department of Labor’s customer service line at 1-877-214-3332.
You will not begin receiving Unemployment Benefits immediately after submitting the application. While most states have a waiting week, which occurs the week after your file your unemployment claim, Vermont does not have a minimum waiting period. However, depending on your weekly claim certification, it can take time to review your request.
You must file a Weekly Continued Claim through the claimant portal here or by calling 1-800-983-2300 and the Unemployment Office will make sure you are still unemployed or underemployed, and meet all other eligibility requirements. If approved, you will begin receiving your weekly benefits the following week.
Learn more about the Weekly Continued Claim here.
If your Unemployment Insurance application was denied, you have the right to file an appeal within 30 days of when your determination was given.
You can submit an appeal verbally by calling the appeals line at (802) 828-4368.
You may also obtain an appeal request form here, which you can submit by mail, fax or email to the Appeals Unit.
You can mail your completed appeal form to the following address:
Appeals, Department of Labor
P.O. Box 488
Montpelier, Vermont 05601-0488
To fax your appeal form, send your form to this number: 802-828-4289.
Finally, you can email your appeal form to: labor.appeals@vermont.gov.
Remember to continue filing a weekly claim even as your determination is being appealed to receive benefits for those weeks if your appeal is approved.
If you need help with an application or you have any further questions about your claim, you can call the Vermont Department of Labor claimant assistance line at 1-877-214-3332. To reach a TTY claims assistant, dial 1-800-650-4152.
These lines are available from Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
You can also call your nearest local Career Resource Center for further assistance. You can find the location nearest you and its contact information here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
