With Vermont’s three-month average unemployment rate at 2.6%, the state offers up to 26 weeksof unemployment compensation under Regular UI. No Extended Benefits (EB) are triggered at this level, so the total available duration remains 26 weeks.
Why EB isn’t available now
Extended Benefits turn on only when unemployment rises substantially. Under federal rules, a state can trigger EB (typically 13 extra weeks, up to 20 in very high unemployment) if it meets one of the statutory thresholds—such as a high Insured Unemployment Rate (IUR) or a Total Unemployment Rate (TUR) ≥ 6.5% averaged over three months and elevated versus prior years. At ~2.6%, Vermont is far below those trigger points.
What could change the number of weeks?
- If unemployment rises and an EB trigger is met, eligible claimants could receive additional weeks beyond 26. (For example, Vermont briefly triggered EB in spring 2020 during the pandemic.)
- If unemployment stays low, only Regular UI applies (max 26 weeks under current state rules).
New to Vermont? How to get started
- File a claim or ask questions: Vermont Department of Labor resources are listed via Vermont Law Help (phone numbers and filing links).
- Plan your timeline: Budget on 26 weeks unless and until the state formally announces an EB “on” period. For the latest status, track monthly unemployment updates from the state and DOL.
With unemployment hovering near historic lows, Vermont’s current Regular UI + EB total is 26 weeks—all from Regular UI because EB is not triggered at today’s rates.