If you find your Vermont unemployment compensation benefits denied, there are steps you can take to appeal or try again. Applicants with VT denied unemployment benefits have a chance to appeal the state’s decision. As an applicant for benefits, you have 30 calendar days to appeal the Vermont Department of Labor’s decision to deny your claim. “What can I do if unemployment denied me benefits?” is the first question many denied applicants ask.

We have compiled helpful information, hints, and tips about appealing an unemployment benefits denial in Vermont on this website and FAQs and our free guide.

Learn more about this process in Vermont by reading below, checking out our Vermont FAQs, and reading our free guide.

What to Do If You Are Denied Vermont Unemployment Benefits

If your Vermont unemployment compensation benefits are denied, first review the eligibility requirements. If an applicant looks over the eligibility requirements for these benefits and truly feels he or she has met all the qualifications, the appeals process may be the next step. After being denied unemployment benefits in VT, it is time to gather evidence and prepare a case for the first appeal.

To begin the unemployment denial appeal process, you must submit an appeal in writing to the Vermont Department of Labor. This letter can be submitted by mail or in person at the local office. Even after the letter has been sent or delivered, it is important to continue filing claims for weekly unemployment compensation.

If these claims are not filed, the claim benefits you missed filing for will be forfeited. Before a Vermont unemployment denial appeal is started, an applicant should gather all evidence and facts about previous employment and why he or she deserves to have the denial judgment overturned.

Wrongful Termination and Vermont Denied Unemployment

Wrongful termination is a common reason for denied benefits. Vermont denied unemployment benefits can result from the assumption that the applicant was fired.

In this case, an appeal should be filed. An unemployment denial appeal can be successful as long as you’re prepared with accurate facts and truthful evidence that supports your case. If you had a wrongful termination, speaking with previous co-workers who agree with your opinion will come in handy throughout the appeals process.

When you find your Vermont unemployment benefits denied, the appeals process is the next step. A wrongful termination warrants the applicant to try and supply as much proof and evidence of this as possible during the appeal.

Vermont Unemployment Appeal Process

An unemployment denial appeal may be necessary for applicants who feel eligible for the denied funds. After denied unemployment benefits, the first appeal goes directly to the Administrative Law Judge. A phone hearing is conducted between the judge, the applicant, and the former employer.

To find if the Vermont unemployment denial appeal should be granted, the judge will ask pertinent questions of both parties. As the applicant of unemployment benefits, it is suggested to explain your side of the story and make it known why your denial of benefits should be further investigated. Once decided, the Administrative Law Judge will mail the verdict of the appeal to all parties involved in the case.

When VT unemployment compensation benefits denied the applicant, the second level of appeal goes to the Vermont Employment Security Board. An unemployment insurance benefits hearing is conducted at the state’s capital to examine all evidence and testimonies provided in the first appeal by the Administrative Law Judge.

While the applicant is allowed to attend and participate in this hearing, no new evidence or testimony will be permitted to be added to the case. After the completion of this appeal, a decision is sent to all parties in written form.

If an applicant was denied unemployment in Vermont, a third appeal request needs to be received by the proper authorities no more than 30 calendar days after the last appeal decision was made. The third and final level of appeal goes all the way up to the Vermont Supreme Court. A lawyer or attorney is not required by the employer or applicant for this third level of Appeal, but it is common practice for an applicant to hire one to assist in the process.

Once the court has made a decision, all parties involved in the case will be notified in writing by mail. The Vermont denied unemployment benefits decision made in the third appeal is final and no more appeals can be made after the trial has ended.

Your Options When Vermont Denied Unemployment Benefits

A Vermont unemployment denial appeal is the best course of action when your benefits are denied. Keep in mind, however, that for your third appeal, a filing fee is applicable. If the denied unemployment decision is overturned, sometimes the court will reimburse these fees for you. Throughout the appeals process, an applicant should stay organized and tap into resources that can help his or her case.

An applicant who is entrenched in the appeals process but wants to withdraw an appeal can do so. To withdraw an appeal, the applicant must write or call the appeals office directly and request the withdrawal. The VT denied employment decision that was originally made will stand once the appeal is withdrawn by the applicant.

Last Updated: March 1, 2023