People having trouble filing claims for the week ending Dec. 26 under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program may have reached their maximum benefits under the program, according to the Department of Labor.
Extension of the CARES Act program begins this week, that is the week ending Jan. 2. Claimants whose benefits expired prior to the week ending Dec. 26 can file claims on Jan. 2, but the extension does not cover the previous week of expired benefits.
The department says it is communicating directly with those who are unable to file. More information is available at labor.vermont.gov/covid19.
A bill signed Sunday by President Donald Trump extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation programs have been extended, and the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program has been reinstated, providing an additional $300 weekly benefit until March 14.
“I’m pleased that this extension has been passed as we’ll be able to provide unemployed Vermonters with the support they desperately need,” said Gov. Phil Scott. “Our team at the Department of Labor is working to implement these changes and get benefits to claimants as quickly as possible so that Vermonters don’t experience any further delays.”
–Cate Chant
