VIDOL Updates on Services and Operational Changes
The VI Department of Labor takes new approach on updates, operations and best
practices while serving the needs of clients.
USVI-April 29, 2021– The VI Department of Labor continues to give updates to help keep claimants informed as payments are processed for expansions or extensions made to the Unemployment Insurance benefit programs that were created to provide aid during the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to reminders and answers to frequently asked questions this weeks focus there has been a reduction in the unemployment rate that impacts Extended Benefits in the Territory. The VIDOL will be live after the Governor’s Weekly 1pm Press Briefing, VIDOL will continue to provide a LIVE Weekly Unemployment Insurance update. The VIDOL is sharing the following information, which will be explained in depth by the Unemployment Insurance Team on Facebook Live. VIDOL has processed a total of 21,038 claims broken by district as follows: St. Thomas – 11,481, St. Croix – 6,110, Interstate – 2,233 and St. John – 1,214. The breakdown in the chart reflects the most accurate breakdown:
Here are some frequently asked questions to help inform the public.
Is there a delay in benefit payments? Who is being affected?
Some claimants are experiencing a delay in payments due to this transition, from the CARES to the Continued Assistance Act(CAA,). These claimants will be compensated retroactively for any missed payments once they meet the eligibility criteria.
Why is this delay occurring?
Individuals receiving unemployment benefits are compensated based on their employer contributions. The CARES Act programs utilize federal funds that must meet financial reports requirements. These requirements are technical adjustments and website building to help protect from possible fraud or identity theft, or potential miscalculations. Once these adjustments are made, funds can be released.
How will the pending Benefit Programs be implemented?
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.
Are there any new delays to prepare for?
Workforce Increase and Reduction in Extended Benefits
For the week ending April 10, 2021, the Virgin Island’s 13-week Insured Unemployment Rate( IUR) fell below the 5.0 percent threshold necessary to remain “on” Extended Benefits for Unemployment (EB). Therefore, the payable period in EB for the Virgin Islands will end on May 1, 2021.
This means claimants on the EB program will not be eligible for benefits after this time period. Claimants that are eligible for weeks prior to the May 1, 2021 will continue to be paid benefits.
Claimants who are on the EB program may be eligible for the Pandemic Employment Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) after May 1, 2021 will have to file a PEUC claim.
The Department will be sending out notifications and instructions to these individuals beginning May 10, 2021.
Continued Assistance Act and American Rescue Plan Act
Due to the reprogramming of the VIDOLA$ system, VIDOL anticipates a delay in the implementation of the new programs (Continued Assistance Act (CAA) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)). This delay is unavoidable as the rules issued by the USDOL for the implementation of these programs require that our system be reprogrammed. No federal funds can be administered/released without clearance from the Federal Partners guidance.
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.
The public is reminded that the www.vidol.gov website is the primary tool recommended when individuals seek to gain knowledge on specific programs. When reaching-out to the Department, especially those with a request for confidential/financial information, avoid using social media sites.
Client Service Updates:
Claimants may encounter issues with the online claim portal. To find out more information on accessing information online, or to report issues with online accounts, claimants can visit the VI Department of Labor in-person at respective district locations to report the issue.
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.
Full in-person service is available to 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.
The diagram on page four(4) displays Benefit payments and program disbursements that are presented by title including other details such as taxes withheld, and numbers of checks cashed. Individuals with direct deposit will not be included in printed check data. The following is the updated payment information for the Regular UI, the FPUC, the PUA, the PEUC, the LWAP and the Extended Benefits (EB) payments as of Wednesday, April 14, 2021.
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