Vt. reinstating work search requirement for jobless claims

Clouds sweep the sky at sunset in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Starting May 9, Vermonters on unemployment insurance will once again be required to look for work each week, as the state reinstates its work search requirement.

Since early last year, Vermont’s work search requirement was suspended due to public health concerns during the pandemic. At a Tuesday press briefing, Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington noted the situation had changed, with vaccinations going well and state restrictions gradually loosening. 

“This means more opportunities for Vermonters to return to work or seek new opportunities safely, and we know employers are actively seeking people to fill open jobs,” he said. In Vermont, COVID-19 cases continue to decline across all age groups, officials said Tuesday. 

Under the standard work search rule, those receiving jobless benefits must make three formal job inquiries per week, consisting of submitting a job application or a request for an interview. They must submit proof of those inquiries the following week when they file for benefits through the labor department’s online portal. Because of COVID-19, business outreach can be done by email or phone, and applications or interviews can be done virtually or by phone, Harrington said. 

“However, claimants must be able to provide proof of outreach upon request by the department,” he said. 

That weekly job search is required, unless the claimant has a COVID-qualifying reason preventing them from looking for work. Proof of that reason must also be furnished when filing for benefits, and be available upon request. 

Harrington also provided guidance for those in the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. He said anyone in the PUA program who isn’t self-employed, and isn’t an independent contractor or sole proprietor, must also perform a weekly work search. Others in the PUA program may face additional requirements down the road and should be ready, he added.

“Self-employed individuals, independent contractors or sole proprietors, should be prepared to report business engagement efforts or activities should the federal government require it at a future time,” Harrington said.  

About 30,000 Vermonters are currently collecting unemployment, and a number of vacant positions have been reported in multiple sectors in the state. 

“Research shows that the longer an individual is removed from the labor force, the harder it is for them to return, and the business community across Vermont continues to report labor shortages across all sectors and industries, so we are hopeful that claimants will be able to find safe and meaningful work relatively easily,” Harrington said. 

He added that state health experts have worked with businesses to minimize risk and ensure people can return to the workplace safely. Those wishing to learn more about the work-search requirement can visit the labor department’s website. Upcoming virtual town halls and other department programs will be available to help claimants during this process.

— Gareth Henderson