START YOUR APPLICATION ON CUSTOMER SELF SERVICE

Navigate Filing for Benefits with Confidence

Apply and Manage Claims

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) is committed to guiding you through the unemployment process. We’ll help you understand the benefit requirements and navigate the system as you seek temporary assistance while looking for new employment. Our unemployment benefits program provides short-term aid to those who have lost their job through no fault of their own. 

Watch & Learn

Learn about eligibility requirements, the application process and weekly certification procedures for those seeking unemployment benefits. 

Visit our Video Library to learn more.

Benefits Roadmap

PREPARE TO APPLY

To streamline your application process, collect the required documents, compile your employment history and choose your payment method before you begin. 

APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT

Access Customer Self Service to register and apply for unemployment benefits online. 

SEARCH FOR WORK

Register with the Virginia Workforce Connection to access a wide selection of up-to-date job postings and career resources. 

CERTIFY WEEKLY

File your weekly claim to certify you are still eligible for unemployment benefits every week. 

All About Customer Self Service

Secured with ID.me, VEC’s Customer Self Service portal that lets you stay up-to-date and easily file your weekly claims online. 

LOG IN NOW

APPLY FOR BENEFITS

Using Customer Self Service is the quickest and easiest way to apply for unemployment benefits. 

FILE YOUR WEEKLY CLAIM

You can use Customer Self Service to file your weekly claim, certifying that you’re still eligible for benefits every week. 

FILE OR WITHDRAW AN APPEAL

Manage appeals related to your monetary decision within your Customer Self Service account. 

UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION

If any information changes, such as your address or contact information. 

Common FAQs

Further Assistance

For information on reasonable accommodations, please contact Brenda Henderson at Brenda.Henderson@vec.virginia.gov or by phone at (804) 718-5209. 

Virginia Relay enables people who are deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf/Blind, or speech disabled to communicate by TTY (text telephone). Individuals who need this service can access the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711 or (800) 828-1140. 

For information on language translation services, please contact Lorna Battles, Language Access Coordinator at Ma.Lorna.Battles@virginiaworks.gov, or by phone at (804) 584-9841 (VA Relay 711).