VIDOL Reminds the Public of Rapid Response Services Available to Assist Individuals Impacted by Layoff and the Online UI Initial Claims Portal  

Assisting affected workers in need through service and an online portal for easy access to information regarding their UI claims.

USVI–June 21, 2021– Labor Commissioner Gary Molloy reminds the public and individuals recently impacted by a layoff of the services available to assist both businesses and individuals under Rapid Response. The VI Department of Labor deploys Rapid Response teams to support the unemployment registration process and oversee that the transition for employees and employers affected. Rapid Response includes on-site services and activities provided by the state or designated entity to respond as quickly as possible following an announcement of permanent closure, mass layoff, or natural or other disasters which result in mass job loss.  Through Rapid Response, the state or designated entity delivers services to enable dislocated workers to transition to new employment as quickly as possible. The purpose of Rapid Response is to promote economic recovery and vitality by developing an ongoing, comprehensive approach to identifying, planning for, or responding to layoffs and dislocations, and preventing or minimizing their impacts on workers, businesses, and communities. 

Individuals impacted by layoff do not have to file for unemployment at the Department. Any workers affected by the loss of employment can access the claimant portal by visiting https://myuiclaim.vi.gov  to apply for unemployment insurance benefits and maintain benefits once qualified. The online portal provides access to direct deposit, online reporting for weekly certification, and work search required by law.  Clients can submit certifications, submit work search information, view benefit year balances, and register for direct deposit to get direct payments to personal accounts of a member of the Federally Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Claimants and individuals can still visit the vidol.gov website and click on the ‘Apply for U.I.’ button which will route them to the MyUIClaim portal.

Rapid Response is authorized by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act at 134(a)(2)(A). The Rapid Response Regulations are found at 20 CFR 682.300.

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