Unemployment Insurance

Federal Government Reopening

Important Information for Furloughed Federal Employees Regarding Unemployment Benefit Repayment...

Employer Alert!

New Consequences for Late Claim Responses Starting July 1st. Read more...

Federal Government Transition

View Resources for Virginia's Impacted Former Federal Employees and Other Workers

Workforce centers may offer basic UI assistance.

Check with Virginia Works for locations and any closures or delays before visiting.

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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.

Quick Links

AM I ELIGIBLE?

Learn what requirements you must meet to receive unemployment benefits.

HOW DO I APPLY?

You can apply for benefits online. Learn what documents you need and how to create an account.

REGISTER FOR WORK

Access job listings, training programs, hiring events, and career resources by registering for work today.

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Benefits Roadmap

View Full 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.

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 Issues

Appeals

Any claimant or employer who disagrees with the initial decision on an unemployment claim has the right to appeal.

Waiver of Overpayment

If a claimant receives benefits they weren’t fully entitled to and are found to be overpaid, they must repay the full amount. A review will be completed to determine if the overpayment is eligible for a waiver. If it is not arrangements must be made to repay the amount in full.

Interstate Filing

If you now reside in Virginia but worked in another state during the past 18 months, you may be able to file an Interstate Claim.

Common FAQs

See Full FAQs

How do I update my personal information on my unemployment claim?

If you need to update your name, date of birth, address, or other contact information, you can complete the official Request for Information Change form and submit it by fax.

How often do I need to certify weekly benefits?

You must file your weekly certification every 7 days until you return to work. If you do not complete your weekly claim within 20 days, your claim will be closed.

When will I get paid after filing an initial claim for benefits?

Claimants are generally paid within 21 days of filing for benefits. However, some claims may require additional time or review for eligibility.

When do I file an initial claim for benefits?

You should file for unemployment insurance benefits within the same week you become unemployed. When filing an initial claim, you cannot back date the start date of the claim.

Further Assistance

For information on reasonable accommodations, please email: customeradvocate@vec.virginia.gov or contact the Customer Contact Center at (866)-832-2363.

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: customeradvocate@vec.virginia.gov or call 711 or (800) 828-1140 (Virginia Relay).

VEC B-14 - Physician's Certificate of Health/Request for Medical Information
To be used when your medical condition was a factor in your separation from your employer.
VEC B-14A - Medical Professional Certificate of Health
To be used when your medical condition affects your weekly availability for work while receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits.
Claim Cancellation Form
To be used to cancel your claim if only Virginia wages were included and you meet the requirements for cancellation.
Combined Wage Claim Cancellation Form
To be used to cancel your claim if wages from multiple states were included and you meet the requirements for cancellation.
Request for Information Change Form
To be used to update your name, date of birth, address, or contact information on your unemployment claim. This form must be faxed to the Benefit Payment Charge Unit along with required identification and supporting documentation.

There are many programs offered within the Commonwealth to help those in need of relief. View our quick guide to these programs.

Loss of health coverage? Explore your options with Virginia's Insurance Marketplace.

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Employer Information

Assistance and Incentives