VIDOL Updates on Benefits from the CARES Act, CAA and ARPA UI Programs
The VI Department of Labor provides reminder to clients on benefit payments from CARES Act, Continuing Assistance Act and the American Rescue Plan Act.

USVI, March 26, 2021– The VI Department of Labor Unemployment Division issues a reminder to clients of the following:

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 Continued Assistance Act (CAA) will transition in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) recently signed by President Biden, as a result, payments will be processed from the CAA first before the ARPA can be implemented as the VIDOL system will again require additional programming before payment of benefits can be made.

Due to the reprogramming of our system, VIDOL anticipates a delay in the implementation of the new programs (Continued Assistance Act (CAA) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)).

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.

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.

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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