On Your Own; Your Legal Right @ Eighteen On Your Own formatted final version | Page 54

testing unless required by federal law. You may only be drug tested if
your employer has probable cause to believe you are under the influence
of a drug on the job. The employer must also have a drug or alcohol
rehabilitation program available for employees, and if you successfully
complete this program, you cannot be terminated for your first positive
drug test.
It is substantially easier for Vermont employers to test job applicants. If
an employer has offered you a job, you are given appropriate written
notice of the type of drug test the employer wants you to take, and the
test is part of a comprehensive physical examination, you may be required
to submit to the test in order to move forward with employment.
Unemployment Insurance and Workers’ Compensation
If you become unemployed and have worked in Vermont at any time in
the past 18 months, you may be eligible to receive unemployment
insurance. Once you become totally or partially unemployed, you should
establish a new claim with the Vermont Department of Labor as soon as
possible. An unemployment compensation claim becomes effective when
filed, so if you choose to wait to file your claim, then you may not go back
to the date you first became unemployed.
You also have certain rights if you are injured on the job. These rights arise
under the Vermont Workers’ Compensation Law. Employers are required
to post notices summarizing your workers’ compensation rights.
Generally, workers’ compensation benefits may include compensation for
time away from work while you are totally or partially disabled by a work
injury. If you have an injury on the job, you should report it immediately
to your employer.
RENTAL HOUSING
Renting an apartment or house is a step to being “on your own.” Being
careful about the legalities of renting will save you many hours of turmoil
and money. A general rule to remember here is, “When in doubt, write it
out.” For more information on any of the topics discussed in this section,
contact the free tenant hotline operated by the Champlain Valley Office of
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