Virginia Unemployment

Virginia Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Administered by the Virginia Employment Commission, the state's unemployment insurance program helps provide financial stability for Virginia's eligible workers who become unemployed.

Designed to replace a portion of a worker's income while they look for new work, these benefits are paid for by employer taxes. They are covered under the Virginia Unemployment Compensation Act.

Virginia Unemployment Services

How To Qualify for Virginia Unemployment Benefits

To qualify for unemployment insurance benefits in Virginia, a claimant must meet the following criteria for eligibility:

• Is a resident of Virginia

• Has earned at least $3,000 during at least two-quarters of the base period while in covered employment.

• Is separated from an employer due to no fault of the employee. This usually means a reduction in force or layoffs. If the employed resident voluntarily quit, the Commission will determine whether they did so with good cause. It is in force whether the employer is from Virginia or not.

• Is reporting on activities related to the worker's job search. In some cases, the recipient may be required to submit documentation of efforts related to their job search and to document a minimum number of outreach efforts for suitable work.

Benefit Payments and Duration

How To Apply for Virginia Unemployment Benefits

Unemployed Virginians may submit their initial claims online or by phone at 1-866-832-2363. Applicants are encouraged to submit their UI benefits claims online since call center volume is quite busy. You may face an extremely long wait time if you attempt to make your claim by phone.

When you file your initial claim, you will have the opportunity to register for work, which may help move along your job search more quickly. The Virginia Employment Commission requires claimants actively seek to rejoin the labor force to remain eligible to receive your weekly UI benefits amount.

Managing Your Unemployment Benefits

While receiving unemployment insurance benefits, you are required to continue submitting weekly claims. This step ensures that you are looking for work and remain eligible for benefits. To submit your weekly claim, you must access the Commission's online web portal, or you can call 1-800-897-5630 to certify by phone. The online portal is recommended for unemployed workers to submit claims.

Filing an Appeal in Virginia

If you are denied Virginia unemployment benefits, you have the right to appeal. You are not given much time to file an appeal, so be sure to request a hearing as soon as possible. You can do so in any of the following ways:

• In person – at the VEC local office where your original unemployment claim was filed. Appeal forms are available in all local offices, and appeals delivered by courier are considered in-person filings.

• By mail – send your appeal statement to the Clerk of the Commission, P.O. Box 26441, Richmond, VA 23261-6441.

• By fax -Clerk of the Commission, FLA 804-786-8492.

• Online – via the Virginia Internet Appeals website.

Once your appeal has been submitted, it will be reviewed to determine whether your original decision was correct.

Reporting Fraud

The Virginia Employment Commission asks for the assistance of all unemployment insurance benefits recipients in reporting individuals or employers suspected of fraud and unemployment insurance system abuse. Doing so helps ensure that Virginia tax dollars are used effectively to help support eligible individuals in need. You can report suspected fraud via any of the methods listed below:

Online: https://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/fraud

Mail: Virginia Employment Commission
Attention: Benefit Payment Control
Post Office Box 27887
Richmond, VA 23261-7887

Fax: 804-692-0580
Fraud Hotline: 800-782-4001

Be sure to include as much information as you can to help document and support the allegation.

Virginia Unemployment Office Locations