The Vermont Department of Labor says its workers are ready to assist any federal employees who may be eligible for unemployment benefits as a result of being furloughed from their jobs without pay.
The department has posted information on its website to guide Vermonters trying to determine their eligibility for benefits during the federal government shutdown.
Labor Commissioner Annie Noonan says the state's unemployment insurance program will continue without interruption and there will be no lapse of payments to unemployed workers during the shutdown.
Claims can be filed as early as the first week of the shutdown, assuming the individual has not worked more than 35 hours during that week. Once a claim has been established, there is a one-week waiting period for benefits.
