View Video Tutorial on Creating Your Account
VUIS features include:
- Complete your Registration
- Update your Personal Information
- Apply for Benefits
- File a Weekly Claim
- View 1099-G Tax Document
- Calculate your benefits using the Benefits Estimator
- View Payment History
- View Issues Blocking Payment
- Complete Fact Finding for New Issues
- View Correspondence
- File an Appeal
Virginia Employment Commission: System Changeover FAQs
- Q: What is a changeover period and what does that mean for me? What steps do I need to take in order to prepare?
A: The “changeover period” is the period of time in which the current Unemployment Insurance system, including Gov2Go, will be down in preparation for the go-live of the new Virginia Unemployment Insurance system (VUIS). Claimants and employers should take any necessary time-sensitive actions prior to the changeover period. If this is not possible, you will need to complete these actions once the changeover period has ended. Guidance for necessary, time-sensitive actions are detailed in the following questions.
- Q: What is the reason for the change to the new Virginia Unemployment Insurance System (VUIS)?
A: The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) is committed to improving the overall experience of its customers. By modernizing the system, VEC has laid the foundation for a more efficient delivery of benefits and services to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- Q: Will the new Virginia Unemployment Insurance System (VUIS) change how I interact with the VEC?
A: Yes. VEC will provide the same core services to Virginians across the state. VUIS will provide more online features to claimants and employers through a simple, easy-to-use self-service portal.
VUIS features include:- Complete your registration
- Update your personal information
- Apply for benefits
- File a weekly claim
- File an appeal
- View 1099-G tax document
- Calculate your benefits using the Benefits Estimator
- View payment history
- View issues blocking payment
- Complete fact-finding for new issues
- View correspondence
All new users and existing claimants must register in VUIS to access these online services.
- Q: What are the dates for the changeover period?
A: The changeover period will begin at 5 p.m. on November 8. This transition will last several calendar days, although timing may be subject to change. Please refer to this webpage for any updates to this timeline.
- Q: Can I file a new claim during the changeover period?
A: No. You will not be able to file a new claim during the changeover period. Once the new system is live, you will be able to file your claim. For individuals who were unable to file a new, additional, or reopened claim, you will be able to request that your claim be made effective for the week that you originally attempted to file, but the system was down.
- Q: Can I access my Gov2Go account during the changeover period?
A: No. You will no longer be able to access your Gov2Go account for Unemployment Insurance Services once the changeover period begins. It is suggested that you check your account prior to the changeover period if you need to access any information pertaining to your claims or benefits.
- Q: Can I file my weekly claim during the changeover period?
A: No. You will not be able to file your weekly claim during the changeover period. Once the new system is live, you will be able to file weeks you may have missed during the changeover period. In order to avoid a delay in payment, it is suggested that you file your weekly claim each week without delay. The changeover period will begin on November 8 at 5 p.m. in preparation for VUIS implementation. PLEASE FILE YOUR WEEKLY CLAIM PRIOR TO 2 P.M. ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8.
- Q: My claim is pending; will any changes happen during the changeover period?
A: No. Your claim will remain in pending status throughout the changeover period as our staff will not have access to any claims or benefit information during this time.
- Q: Will staff be reviewing my claim during the changeover period?
A: No. Your claim will remain in pending status throughout the changeover period as our staff will not have access to any claims or benefit information during this time.
- Q: Will I receive benefit payments during the changeover period?
A: Yes. Claimants who certify their weekly claim before the changeover period (PRIOR TO 2 P.M. ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8) will receive their payments for the following week if eligible for benefits.
- Q: Will I be able to upload my documents and forms during the changeover period?
A: No. You will not be able to upload any documentation during the changeover period.
- Q: If my waiting week occurs during the changeover period, does it still count?
A: Yes. The one-week period will still be counted during the changeover period.
- Q: Will the Customer Contact Center be open to answer phone calls during the changeover period?
A: No. The Customer Contact Center will not be open to take calls during the changeover period.
- Q: If I have previously been directed to the VEC website to complete fact-finding, will I still be able to do so during the changeover period?
A: Yes. You will be able to complete fact finding through the link provided to you via text or robocall.
- Q: I am an employer; how will the changeover period affect me?
A: As an employer, you will not have access to any VEC services other than Appeals services during the changeover period.
- Q: What do I do if my appeal period ends or I have a hearing scheduled during the "changeover period?"
A: Appeals functions (such as filing an appeal, participating in a scheduled appeal hearing, and registering a telephone number for an upcoming appeal hearing) will continue without interruption.
- Q: Will I be able to submit evidence, a request for postponement, letter of representation, or withdrawal letter concerned with a pending appeal or hearing before First Level Appeals or Commission Appeals during the "changeover period?"
A: Yes. All means of correspondence outlined on your Notice of Appeal, Notice of Hearing, or Important Instruction letters will continue to function during the "changeover period."
- Q: Will the Offices of First Level Appeals or Commission Appeals be able to answer questions or provide advice concerning my claim or payments during the changeover period?
A: Yes. During normal operation hours, the staff in the Administrative Law Division may only discuss procedural matters concerning a pending appeal case or how to file an appeal. All other questions concerning a claim (including resumption of payments based on an examiner's decision) must be directed to the Customer Call Center at 1-866-832-2363, once the changeover period has ended.
- Q: Will there be any changes to my Gov2Go account?
A: Yes. During the changeover period and once the new Virginia Unemployment Insurance System (VUIS) is live, you will no longer have access to Gov2Go. VUIS will completely replace Gov2Go and all actions you will need to take will occur in VUIS.
- Q: Will there be any changes to how I receive my benefits payments?
A: No. There will not be any changes to how you receive benefits once the new system is live.
- Q: Will there be any changes to how I file my weekly claim?
A: Yes. You will now file your weekly claim through the new online Virginia Unemployment Insurance System (VUIS) or via phone through the interactive voice response number at 1-800-897-5630. For TTY callers, call 711.
- Q: Will there be any changes to how I file a new claim?
A: Yes. You will now file new claims through the new online Virginia Unemployment Insurance System (VUIS) or via phone through the Customer Contact Center at 1-866-832-2363. For TTY callers, call 711.
- Q: Will there be any changes to how I access my existing claims information?
A: Yes. You will now access your existing claims information through the new online Virginia Unemployment Information System (VUIS). All existing claimants will need to register through VUIS, creating a new user name and password, in order to access online services.
- Q: Will there be any changes to how I upload my forms and documents?
A: Yes. You will be able to upload documents as directed in VUIS.
- Q: I need help navigating the new VUIS system; who can I contact for help?
A: Our customer service agents are available from 8:15 a.m. EST to 4:30 p.m. EST Monday – Friday.