How to File for Unemployment in Vermont

Vermont routes claims through its Claimant e-Services system, which requires signing in with a myVermont account rather than a separate unemployment-only login. A distinctive quirk here is the 'benefit year' — once you establish a claim it stays open for 12 months, and if you've already filed within that window you're supposed to reopen your existing claim rather than start a brand-new one.

Updated July 2026

1. 1

   Check whether you need a new claim or a reopened one

   If you've drawn Vermont unemployment at any point in the last 12 months, log in to check your status — you'll usually reopen that claim instead of starting fresh.

2. 2

   Set up or log into your myVermont account

   An email address is required to establish a claim, since the Department of Labor sends claim updates and correspondence by email.

3. 3

   Submit your initial claim online or by phone

   File through the Claimant e-Services portal, or call the initial-claims line at (877) 214-3330 (Monday–Thursday 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.) if you'd rather talk to someone.

4. 4

   Wait for your monetary determination

   After your claim processes, Vermont mails you a monetary eligibility determination, typically within 3 to 4 days.

5. 5

   Read your rights and responsibilities before certifying

   You'll be required to confirm you've reviewed the claimant handbook before your first weekly claim is accepted.

6. 6

   File weekly claims on the right schedule

   Each week runs Sunday through Saturday, but you file between Sunday at midnight and Friday at 4 p.m. — either online or through the automated phone line at 1-800-983-2300.

Verified against the official Vermont unemployment agency site. View source