The Virginia Employment Commission manages the state of Virginia’s unemployment insurance program, which strives to provide financial security to qualifying individuals who lose their jobs.
These benefits, paid by employer taxes, supplement a worker’s income while looking for recent work. The Virginia Unemployment Compensation Act covers them.
Do you know how to apply for unemployment in Virginia and the requirements? Sit still as we explain that in detail.
Table of Contents
- Overview of the Virginia Unemployment Benefits
- Requirements To Apply For Unemployment In Virginia
- How Can I Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Virginia?
- Can I Apply For Unemployment In Virginia Over The Phone?
- How Can I Apply For Unemployment In Virginia Online?
- What are the Eligibility Requirements to Apply for Unemployment in Virginia, VA?
- Can you Request your PIN by mail?
- How Can I Submit a Weekly Benefit Payment Request in Virginia?
- How To Manage Your Unemployment Benefits In Virginia
- How to File an Appeal in Virginia (VA) for Unemployment Benefits Denial
- How To Apply For Unemployment In Virginia VA Services Website
- FAQS on How To Apply For Unemployment In Virginia VA 2023 | Full Guide
- In Conclusion
- References
Overview of the Virginia Unemployment Benefits
Unfortunately, many individuals have lost their jobs due to the substantial economic impact of the coronavirus. As a result, we are giving this information on how to file for unemployment benefits in Virginia to assist anyone affected.
You can also check out the Virginia Employment Commission’s “Unemployment Insurance Handbook for Claimants,” available at http://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/Claimant-Handbook.
Requirements To Apply For Unemployment In Virginia
Before applying, you must gather the following information:
- Your social security number.
- Exact names, locations, contact information, and dates of employment in the previous 18 months.
- Your union hall’s name and phone number if you acquire a job through a union.
- Your Alien Registration Number if you are not a US citizen.
- For non-Virginia employers, you must have the correct mailing address, phone number, and dates of employment.
- You will be asked to select a payment method: Direct deposit or a VA debit card are both options. If you choose direct deposit, you’ll need your account number, which can range from 5 to 17 digits and varies by bank, and your routing number, the first nine numbers on the bottom of your checks.
See also: How To File For Unemployment In Oklahoma And Receive Benefits
How Can I Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Virginia?
There are two basic ways to apply for unemployment in Virginia, which are
- Through Phone Calls
- Online
Can I Apply For Unemployment In Virginia Over The Phone?
Once you have gathered the necessary information, you can apply for unemployment benefits over the phone by dialing 1-866-832-2363.
The phone number is available 8:15 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and between 9 am and 1 pm on Saturday. On federal holidays, they are closed.
Because of the large number of claims being filed, phone wait times will be abnormally long.
As a result, you should submit your initial application online.
How Can I Apply For Unemployment In Virginia Online?
You can apply online for unemployment benefits in Virginia.
When you have all of the essential information, follow the procedures below to apply for unemployment benefits online:
- Open the Virginia Workforce Connection website in your browser by typing https://www.vawc.virginia.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx.
- If you do not already have an account, click Register.
- Select “Individual” under “Option 3 – Create a User Account”
- To begin the application, Choose “I Agree” on the page marked “Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Notice.”
- On the “Privacy Agreement” page, select “I Agree.”
- This takes you to the “Unemployment Insurance Compensation” page.
- After marking “Yes” next to “Are you attempting to register an Unemployment Insurance claim at this time?” click “Next.”
- Welcome to the Virginia Workforce Connection page
- Select “Next.”
- “Social Security Number” page
- After entering your social security number in both sections, click “Next.”
- Complete the application.
NOTE: If you are applying for unemployment benefits because your employer is laying off staff, closing down, or you are otherwise unable to report to work due to the coronavirus, select Laid Off / Reduction in Force as your reason for leaving your company.
The application should take 45 to 60 minutes to complete. You can track your progress at the top of each screen, just below the “Unemployment Insurance Claim Filing Process” status bar.
See also: How To File For Unemployment in Texas in 2023
What are the Eligibility Requirements to Apply for Unemployment in Virginia, VA?
Unemployment Benefits Eligibility Determination
When you apply for benefits, the Virginia Employment Commission will determine whether you meet each of the three requirements:
- Financial eligibility
- Separation eligibility
- And weekly eligibility
Eligibility for Financial Assistance:
To be eligible for benefits, you must have earned enough money in covered employment during the base period.
Your weekly benefit amount and the maximum number of weeks (12 to 26) for which you are eligible will be determined by your earnings (benefit computation tables are accessible on the Virginia Employment Commission website).
You will be given a Monetary Determination that specifies your earnings during the base period, the maximum number of benefit weeks you can receive, and the amount of your weekly benefit.
Requirement for Separation:
Even if you earn enough to qualify, there are various scenarios in which you may be ineligible for unemployment benefits. You will not be eligible if either of the following conditions applies to you:
- You left your job or are on leave without good reason; or
- You were fired or suspended from your job due to workplace misconduct.
Weekly Eligibility:
You must be able to work, be available without severe restrictions, and actively look for work each week for which you claim benefits.
Note: Governor Northam has ordered that the requirement to conduct a weekly job search for anyone receiving unemployment insurance benefits be lifted, beginning with claims filed on March 15, 2020.
See also: How To File For Unemployment In PA.
Can you Request your PIN by mail?
If your claim is approved, you will get a six-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) in the mail. This figure is significant and should be kept hidden.
Each time you apply for weekly benefits or check the status of your application, you must provide your PIN and Social Security number.
If you lose your PIN, contact the Virginia Employment Commission immediately at 1-866-832-2363, and a copy will be mailed.
How Can I Submit a Weekly Benefit Payment Request in Virginia?
To be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must request payment of benefits each week (benefits are claimed on a calendar week basis, starting on Sunday and ending at midnight on the following Saturday).
You can submit your ongoing weekly claim by calling 1-800-897-5630 or going to www.vec.virginia.gov.
Before submitting your weekly claim, please have your Social Security number and PIN ready. If you choose not to file online, you must use the VRS to submit your weekly claim over the phone.
NOTE: Beginning with claims submitted on or after March 15, 2020, Governor Northam has ordered that the one-week waiting requirement for people receiving unemployment insurance benefits be waived.
How To Manage Your Unemployment Benefits In Virginia
You must continue to file weekly claims as long as you receive unemployment benefits.
This activity ensures that you are still looking for work and eligible for benefits.
To file your weekly claim, use the Commission’s online website or certify over the phone by phoning 1-800-897-5630.
It is recommended that unemployed workers file claims through the website.
How to File an Appeal in Virginia (VA) for Unemployment Benefits Denial
You have 30 days to file an appeal with the VEC if your unemployment claim is denied. A hearing will be held before the Appeals Examiner decides on your appeal, during which you can testify, present witnesses, and offer evidence.
If you disagree with the Appeals Examiner’s decision, you have 14 days to file an appeal with the Office of Commission Appeals. If you disagree with the Commission’s decision, you may file an appeal in state court.
For more information on the unemployment procedure, including the most recent qualifying standards and benefit levels, visit the Virginia Employment Commission website.
How Much Unemployment Is There In Virginia Right Now?
The current minimum and maximum weekly benefit amounts are also $60. An individual had to earn at least $18,900.01 over two quarters to be eligible for the maximum weekly benefit amount during the base period.
The length of the benefit might range from 12 to 26 weeks, depending on the salaries obtained during the base period.
See also: What is Unemployment Insurance? | How to file in NJ
How To Apply For Unemployment In Virginia VA Services Website
| Website | https://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed |
| Private Website | Virginia Unemployment |
| Phone | 866-832-2363 |
| Apply Online | https://web.getgov2go.com |
| Weekly Certification | https://web.getgov2go.com |
| Appeal a Denial | https://www.vec.virginia.gov/appeals |
| Find a Local Office | Office Directory |
| Report Fraud | https://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/fraud |
| Coronavirus Updates | https://www.vec.virginia.gov/covid19 |
FAQS on How To Apply For Unemployment In Virginia VA 2023 | Full Guide
To be eligible for benefits, you must:
Make yourself unemployed.
Make a benefits application.
Report all jobs, including temporary, part-time, and freelance work.
To be able to work and be ready for work without unjustified restrictions; and
Visit, apply for jobs and go to the VEC Workforce Connection.
You will not be eligible if the deputy discovers that you left your employment without reason or that you were fired for unlawful behavior at work. If you or your employer are unhappy with the outcomes, you can appeal the deputy’s judgment.
Visit UCWorkforce to estimate your weekly benefit amount based on West Virginia salaries reported to the Unemployment Division. Please remember that this figure is only a rough estimate and may not be exact. Out-of-state salaries, military pay, and federal pay are not included.
If you listed “Fired” or “Discharged” as the reason for your separation or if your employer reported either reason, you must have a fact-finding interview with a deputy to determine your eligibility for benefits.
www.vec.virginia.gov
The website address is www.vec.virginia.gov. You can find VEC Workforce Center locations and phone numbers in the phone book or the VEC website.
In Conclusion
This article has explained all the information you need on how to apply for unemployment in Virginia.
We hope you enjoyed reading it. Please get back to us in the comment section.
References
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