Vermonters who have exhausted their benefits received through the regular Unemployment and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program were eligible to collect Extended Benefits (EB). But recently, the U.S. Department Of Labor has notified the state’s Department Of Labor that it would end EB in Vermont. So, when will the extended unemployment benefits end in Vermont?
In this post, we will tell you when exactly the Extended Benefits will end in the state and what you can do post its expiration.
Ending Of Extended Unemployment Benefits Program In Vermont
On December 11, the Vermont Department Of Labor received a notification from the U.S. Department Of Labor regarding the end of the Extended Benefits in the state. According to the notification, the final benefit week will be the week ending on December 19.
The U.S. Department Of Labor decided to end the extra weeks because the Department believes Vermont’s unemployment rate has dropped below the threshold level required to receive benefits for additional weeks.
Following the notification, Governor Phil Scott stated, “Last night, at 5:52 p.m., the U.S. Department of Labor notified us via email that it would be cutting unemployment benefits to Vermont families. This decision comes at the height of a global pandemic, the middle of the holiday season, and at the start of what will be a long winter.”
“For weeks, my Administration has called on the federal government to accept the bleak reality states are facing in combating this crisis and to act in support of its citizens, who were forced into unemployment through no fault of their own. Instead, it appears it is turning its back on them, and we now need Congress to step up to fix this,” stated Governor Phil Scott in a press release.
Further, “While we’re thankful for the support we’ve received from Vermont’s congressional delegation, we hope they can persuade their colleagues to put people over politics and come to an agreement on relief funding that extends wage replacement programs and overturns the unwillingness of the bureaucracy to do the right thing as we work to defeat COVID-19,” said Governor Phil Scott.
Commissioner Harrington stated, “We are extremely disappointed that the federal government has refused to recognize the real and distinct humanitarian crisis that this pandemic has created and instead is choosing to use outdated methodology resulting in benefits being cut for struggling Vermonters.”
Harrington further said, “Thousands of families are relying on these benefits to simply survive, and the Scott Administration has been calling for the federal government and Congress to act to prevent this inevitability for weeks. We will continue to push for federal action and flexibility so states can continue providing the necessary support for families.”
What Will Happen If The Extended Unemployment Benefits End In Vermont?
Post December 19, Vermont will be one of more than 2 dozen states that have witnessed the end of the extended unemployment benefits in the past few months. Based on the most recent Department’s report, about 885 Vermonters have filed for the Extended Benefits for the week ending December 5.
As a result of the Extended Benefits ending, the maximum number of benefit weeks available to claimants has decreased from 52 to 39 weeks, further impacting claimants moving through the system.
What Can You Do Post The Ending Of The Extended Benefits?
Post the ending of the extended unemployment benefits in Vermont, you can consider the following programs to meet your needs.
1. Consider 3SquaresVT Program
3SquaresVT program can help you receive healthy and nutritious foods. To qualify for this program, your gross household income must be equal to or less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, and you have children and receive the VT Earned Income Tax Credit.
If you are 60 years old or are disabled, you can consider 3SquaresVT in a SNAP program. To qualify for this program, you must meet the following requirements.
- You are at least 60 years old or are receiving disability benefits
- You are not earning income from a full-time or part-time job or self-employment
2. Emergency/ General Assistance (EA/GA)
The EA/GA program can help you meet your housing, fuel, medical, dental, incidentals, personal, and burial costs. To qualify for the EA/GA program, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. They include:
- You don’t have the income to meet your basic needs
- You have an emergency need
Steps Taken By The State To Help The Unemployed Vermonters
The Vermont state government is generating a hiring pool of candidates who will be assigned various roles in the event of staffing shortages due to the pandemic outbreaks. Currently, the authorities are focusing on long term care facilities and positions such as licensed nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and unlicensed caregivers. The authorities are encouraging individuals who are recently retired, new to the field, or work part-time to apply for the post.
Final Words
Post ending of the Extended Benefits, you will be able to collect benefits only for 39 weeks and not 52 weeks. Also, with the expiration of the PEUC program on December 26, the unemployment weeks may further decrease. If you have any questions regarding the same, contact authorities at the Vermont Department Of Labor.