VIDOL Shares Unemployment Reminders for Employees

Updates for UI Benefits and Availability of Disaster Funds

USVI-March 20, 2020- The COVID-19 State of Emergency has created a need for employees and employers to prepare for economic challenges. The VI Department of Labor Commissioner Gary Molloy shares information to help eligible individuals receive the assistance they qualify for. See frequently asked questions attached to find answers and prepare for future actions if necessary.

The current period does not qualify individuals for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. During the COVI19 State of Emergency, many have asked about DUA benefits to prepared as self-employed or individuals affected by downsizing. However, the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program provides Unemployment benefits to individuals who have become unemployed as a direct result of a Presidentially declared major disaster. Current benefits are being processed under regular Unemployment Insurance.

Employers:
Any employer that needs to reduce hours give furloughs, layoffs, or a possible reduction in hours,
the Virgin Islands Department of Labor is requesting that employers do the following:

1. Send a letter to the Office of the Commissioner that includes the names of the affected
   employees in advance of the reduction of hours to twenty (20) a week, discharge or layoff.
2. Contact the Department of Labor directly at the following numbers:
   • St. Thomas 340-776-3700 at the following extensions: 2094 or 2013
   • St. Croix 340-773-1994 at the following extensions: 2152 or 2154
3. Timely file your quarterly reports. The filing of quarterly reports is necessary to assure persons
   receive the correct unemployment compensation.
4. Send a notice to the employee with the reason for the separation before reducing in hours,
   discharge, or layoff
   Employees:

Employees:

1. The following criteria can help individuals affected by job loss due to the current COVID-19
   State of Emergency.
2. Laid-off individuals
3. Those who have seen a reduction that results in weekly employment of 20 hours or less
   To help expedite the application process please refer to our checklist online at
   www.vidol.gov/forms. For more information, contact the Department of Labor directly at the
   following numbers:
   • St. Thomas 340-776-3700 at the following extensions: 2094 or 2013
   • St. Croix 340-773-1994 at the following extensions: 2152 or 2154

For information on COVID-19, visit the Virgin Islands Department of Health’s website at
doh.vi.gov/coronavirus or text COVID19USVI to 88877 or contact the Department of Health at 340-712-
6299 on St. Croix or 340-776-1519 on St. Thomas.
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