Benefits Roadmap

I'm Unemployed, Now What?

Navigating unemployment can be challenging, but the VEC is here to guide you every step of the way. Our Benefits Roadmap provides a clear path for applying for benefits, maintaining eligibility, and moving confidently towards reemployment.

1

Determine Eligibility

If you lost your job through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to unemployment benefits. 

You may be eligible to receive these benefits if you meet ALL of the following:

Monetary Qualification

You must earn at least $3,000 in two quarters of your base period while in covered employment.

Separation qualification

You must be unemployed due to a reduction in workforce such as a layoff or furlough. Other reasons may qualify, but we’ll need to review them.

Weekly eligibility requirements

To keep getting benefits, you must file weekly claims (also known as weekly certifications). These confirm you’re able and available to work, you’ve reported any work hours and wages, and made at least two job contacts.

2

Prepare to Apply

The fastest and easiest way to apply for unemployment insurance benefits is online using ID.me. It only takes about three minutes to create an account (if you don’t already have one). Then you’ll be reconnected with VEC’s Customer Self Service where you can begin your application. To ensure a smooth process, please have following information handy: 

TWO FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION

You’ll need your Social Security number and one of these government-issued IDs: 

  • Driver's license 
  • Passport 
  • Passport card 
  • State ID 

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

We’ll need the names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of your employment within the last 18 months. 

METHOD OF PAYMENT

Be ready to select how you want to receive your benefits: debit card or direct deposit. 

ID.me is a trusted service used by many government agencies to securely and digitally verify your identity. It’s how we make sure you are you – and not someone pretending to be you. 

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Quick Tip

When logging into Customer Self Service, if you enter incorrect information multiple times, you may experience a security lockout. Wait 30 minutes before attempting to log in again. 

3

Apply for Benefits

The best time to apply is during the first week of your unemployment. If you believe you’re eligible and have gathered all the necessary information, you’re ready to apply. A few important reminders: 

  • You can file a claim if you did any work in Virginia during the last 18 months 
  • If you obtain work through a local union hall you will need the name and union number 
  • If you are NOT a US citizen, you will need your Alien Registration number

NO COMPUTER? NO PROBLEM.

While filing online is the quickest and easiest way to apply, you can also apply by phone. 

Call the Customer Contact Center at (866) 832-2363 

This service is toll free and available from 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday - Friday. The center is closed Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays.

4

Review Monetary Determination

Once we verify your eligibility, we’ll mail you your monetary determination. This outlines the amount in benefits you qualify for each week. 

Please review the determination carefully. If you believe the amount is incorrect, call (866) 832-2363. 

CHECK YOUR ACCOUNT FOR UPDATES AND KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR MAIL

If the VEC needs more information, we may contact you through your Customer Self Service account, or mail you a request. This might happen, for example, if there's an issue with your monetary determination that requires correction. It’s important to provide us this information promptly. If you miss a request, you may lose benefits. 

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Quick Tip

You can get claim status updates by logging into your Customer Self Service account or calling (800) 897-5630 and following the prompts for claim information. 

5

Register and Search for Work

You must register for work with Virginia Workforce Connection within 10 days of filing your initial claim. If you don’t register, your benefits may be delayed or denied. To stay eligible for benefits, you must: 

  • Actively seek work, contacting a minimum of two different employers each week 
  • Submit job contacts to the VEC through Customer Self Service or by phone 
  • Accept all offers of suitable work 
  • Accept any referrals to suitable work from your local Workforce Center 
  • Report your income from any source

About Virginia Workforce Connection

The Workforce Connection offers helpful services such as job referrals and placements, training referrals, and skill building activities.

You can also use it to search for jobs, find training opportunities, and see key industry and occupational trends.

Virginia Workforce Connection
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Quick Tip

Keep a written record of all your job contacts, including company names, interview dates and times, and the names and phone numbers of the people you spoke with. You’ll need this information for your weekly claim and to follow up on your job applications. 

6

File Your Weekly Claim

After applying for benefits, you’ll need to file your first weekly claim (also known as your weekly certification). You should file your weekly claim within 21 days of applying.   

Each week, you must certify for weekly benefits in a timely manner, and answer questions about: 

  1. Employment 
  2. Ability to work 
  3. Work search 
  4. Job offers/refusals 

You can file your weekly claim online or by calling our Voice Response System (VRS) at (800) 897-5630.