Vermonters who lost their jobs as a result of this month's devastating flooding are likely eligible for unemployment assistance through the Vermont Department of Labor, the department's commissioner said Monday.
"If someone's place of employment is closed, and they are not working, they are more than likely eligible for unemployment insurance benefits right out of the gate," said Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington.
Vermonters can call 877-214-3330 and open an unemployment claim — however, Harrington is worried that the call center will become overwhelmed. An online application portal should open Wednesday.
Anyone who can wait and file for unemployment online on Wednesday should do so, Harrington said.
In most cases, the state will not require claimants to prove that they are searching for a new job if they are unemployed for flood-related reasons and expect to get back to work within 10 weeks.
People affected by the flood who aren't typically eligible for traditional unemployment — they are self-employed, for example — should still file through the state's unemployment phone line or website. If they aren't eligible for Vermont unemployment, they may be eligible for the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program, which has not yet launched.
If your job hasn't been impacted, but you are unable to work because of the impact from flooding, you might also be eligible for the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program, Harrington said.
More information about the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program is still to come, and people can sign up for updates on the Department of Labor's website.
Flood recovery resources
- For state road closure information, visit newengland511.org or follow @511VT on X. (For local road closures, use the Waze app or monitor town communications, such as a website or Facebook page.)
- You can sign up for alerts from the state at vtalert.gov.
- The latest forecasts and water levels for specific rivers are provided by the National Water Prediction Service.
- Find power outage information at vtoutages.org.
- To find more resources and services, and to report flood damage, call Vermont 2-1-1 or visit vermont211.org.
- For a list of state resources and guidance about flooding, visit vermont.gov/flood. The guidance includes returning home after a flood, cleaning up, and dealing with mold.
- Find flood recovery information in multiple languages at vem.vermont.gov/flood/translation.
- To request cleanup help from volunteers and groups, call the Crisis Cleanup hotline at 802-242-2054.
- For mental health support, call 9-8-8 or call or text the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
- To register through the state to volunteer, visit vermont.gov/volunteer.
- If flood waters reached your private well or spring, order a drinking water test kit through the Vermont Department of Health.
- Find flood-prone areas near you with the Vermont Flood Ready Atlas.
