Based on data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Oct. 22, the estimated three month average, seasonally adjusted total unemployment rate in the Virgin Islands was 9.8 percent, exceeding the 9.0 percent trigger rate threshold to trigger “on” in Tier 4 of EUC08. The week beginning Nov. 10 will be the first week in which EUC08 claimants in the V.I. who have exhausted Tier 3 and are otherwise eligible, can establish Tier 4 eligibility. The V.I. triggered on to Tiers 2 and 3 back in July of this year, according to a press release issued Tuesday by the V.I. Department of Labor.
“This is indeed welcomed news for our residents who have exhausted Tier 3 and still remain unemployed, stated Lockhart. However, while this occurrence provides some temporary relief, claimants are reminded that this is not a long term fix and as such, all efforts should remain active in securing job training and other workforce preparation services offered by the department.”
As these additional benefits take effect; unemployed residents will continue to receive re-employment and workforce development services to prepare them for returning to work and potentially better job opportunities. The department encourages job seekers to visit www.vidol.gov and utilize the new VIeWS job search platform to search for available jobs, create resumes, access educational service and view labor market information.
VIDOL highlights the following:
• Individuals who have exhausted Tier 3 benefits will receive an application in the mail within the next week to determine their continued eligibility.
• Claimants can submit their completed applications via e-mail to:
o [email protected] on St. Croix or
o [email protected] on St. Thomas/St. John
• Individuals that may have gone back to work should disregard our request for submittal of an application and are reminded to inform the agency of their return to work status and details.
• Individuals knowingly misrepresenting their employment status by making false statements in connection with their claim are committing a federal offense, punishable by a fine or imprisonment for no more than five years, or both.
For more information, contact DOL offices on St. Croix at 773-1994 or St. Thomas at 776-3700.