VIDOL Updates on Services and Operational Changes
The VI Department of Labor provides updates on operations and best practices to best serve the needs of clients.
USVI, March 22, 2021– The VI Department of Labor issues updates weekly to share information on the Unemployment Insurance changes and progress required to help those in need.
Current Status of Benefit Payments:
The following information details the funds processed and paid to claimants based on the eligibility standard required to qualify for unemployment insurance.
Additional Program Information and Updates:
Lost Wage Assistance program ended as of December 27, 2020
• FEMA issued disaster relief fund grants for lost wage payments through a one-time grant program
• Supplement of lost wages as a result of COVID-19
• State opt-in application
• Must have a WBA of at least $100 in order to qualify for supplemental lost wages payments
Applying for Unemployment Insurance and Program deadlines:
The Public is reminded to apply for unemployment insurance by visiting our website at www.vidol.gov and you will be connected to our new site at https://myuiclaim.vi.gov to apply. To prevent contacting the wrong website host, double check address before entering sensitive information.
Just a reminder: As of December 27, 2020, the Pandemic Assistance provided by supplemental programs outline in by the CARES Act have ended. While VIDOL is still processing any backlog associated with this program, please note that the benefits paid to most claimants from this program has come to an end and claimants were notified of their last payment. Eligible claimants will have to be transitioned to the Continued Assistance Act (CAA) which in effect extends benefits for an additional 11 weeks or until March 14, 2021. As a result, claimants will experience a pause in benefit payments due to the transition as VIDOL has to again reprogram its system as well as be in receipt of the funding from the USDOL before processing payments. Claimants experiencing a delay in payments due to this transition, from the CARES to the CAA, will be compensated retroactively for any missed payments once they meet the eligibility criteria.
Also, please note that the CAA will transition in the ARPA, as a result, payments will be processed from the CAA first before the ARPA can be implemented. VIDOL apologizes for the unavoidable delays in advance, as our system must be reprogrammed to be able to implement any new programs.
Fraud Watch Alerts:
To prevent the occurrence of fraud or possible identity theft, the VI Department of Labor requires community members processing or inquiring information, on behalf of an individual, must complete the third-party access consent form. This form must be requested from VIDOL and must be signed by the claimant and notarized prior to returning to VIDOL’s Legal Counsel.
The public is reminded that social media is not the primary tool recommended when individuals seek to gain knowledge on specific programs, especially those with a request for confidential/financial information.
Client Service Updates:
Governor Bryan’s directive that all offices should be opened from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday-Friday for public engagement, as was the case pre-COVID, as of Monday, February 22, 2021. VIDOL readjusted our schedules accordingly to increase services while safe-guarding against the spread of COVID-19.
To efficiently process the volume of claims filed for Unemployment Insurance, the Department will need to use Mondays and Fridays for processing, filing, and check runs. As a result, on Monday, and Fridays, VIDOL will serve the public via appointments only and with scheduled virtual meetings in all divisions, specifically on those days. The appointments will be scheduled by the respective Divisions calling and emailing the client to schedule and confirm those appointments and virtual meetings between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
As of now, the Department will continue the full in-person service of all clients on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Claimants can also get general information about their claims from the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. The IVR system can be accessed by calling (340) 715-5744. The claimants will need their security number and Personal Identification Number (PIN) available to be able to access their claim information.
Our contact numbers are back to the original contact lines, St. Thomas 340-776-3700 and on STX 340-773-1994. NO LONGER IN EFFECT: 1-877-374-0356. This former Call Center number is no longer in effect.
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