Virginia's unemployment system runs through the Virginia Employment Commission, and you file online through their website or by phone

Virginia's unemployment insurance program is administered by the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). You can file your initial claim through their website at vec.virginia.gov, by phone at 866-832-2363, or by mail. Most people file online because it's the fastest route — the system asks for your work history, reason for separation, and basic income information, then tells you when ready whether you've been determined to have a valid claim or whether VEC needs more information from you or your employer.

The state processes claims within two to three weeks under normal conditions, though during periods of high volume (like after mass layoffs or economic downturns) processing can take longer. You don't have to wait for a information letter to arrive in the mail before filing your next weekly claim — you file weekly regardless of whether your initial claim has been approved.

Key Takeaways

  • File your claim at vec.virginia.gov, by calling 866-832-2363, or by mail to the Virginia Employment Commission.
  • You need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and your work history for the past 18 months, including employer names and dates worked.
  • Virginia requires you to file a weekly claim every week you want to receive benefits, even if your initial claim is still being processed.
  • The state pays a maximum weekly benefit amount that changes each year based on state wage data; the amount you receive depends on your prior earnings.
  • You must be able and available to work, and you must actively search for work each week to remain may be able to access for benefits.

What you need before you file

Gather your Social Security number, your Virginia driver's license or state ID number, and information about your employment for the past 18 months. For each job, have the employer's name, the dates you worked there (month and year), your job title, and the reason you left. If you were laid off, fired, or quit, VEC will ask you to describe what happened in your own words.

If you were self-employed or worked as an independent contractor, have documentation of your income for the past two years. If you received severance pay or unused vacation pay after you left your job, have the amount and the date you received it — Virginia counts this as wages in the week you received it, which can affect your benefits that week.

You'll also need your employer's contact information. VEC contacts your employer to verify the information you provided and to ask whether they dispute your claim. If your employer contests your separation (for example, if they say you quit when you say you were laid off), VEC will investigate and make a information based on what they find.

Filing online through the VEC website

Go to vec.virginia.gov and look for the "File a Claim" or "Unemployment Insurance" section. The online form walks you through your work history, asking for each employer's name, your dates of employment, your wages, and why you left. You'll also answer questions about whether you've worked since your separation, whether you've been offered any work, and whether you're able and available to work.

The system will ask you to create a login account so you can return to file your weekly claims and check the status of your claim. Save your username and password — you'll use this account every week. After you submit your initial claim, the system usually gives you a confirmation number and tells you what happens next. If VEC needs more information, they'll contact you by phone or mail.

Once your initial claim is filed, you must file a weekly claim every week you want to receive benefits. You do this through the same online account. The weekly claim asks whether you worked that week, how much you earned if you did, and whether you've been searching for work. File your weekly claim by the important date VEC gives you — missing the important date means you won't receive benefits for that week, even if you're otherwise may be able to access.

Filing by phone or mail

If you can't file online, call 866-832-2363. A VEC representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and file your claim over the phone. This takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You'll receive a confirmation number and instructions for filing your weekly claims by phone going forward.

To file by mail, contact VEC at 703-391-0004 to request a paper claim form. Mail it to the Virginia Employment Commission, P.O. Box 27005, Richmond, VA 23261. Paper claims take longer to process — usually four to six weeks — so phone or online filing is faster if you can manage it.

How Virginia calculates your weekly benefit amount

Virginia's weekly benefit amount is based on your average weekly wage during the highest-earning quarter of the past 18 months. The state divides your total wages in that quarter by 13 to get your average weekly wage, then pays you a percentage of that amount — currently 60% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum weekly amount that changes each year.

For 2024, Virginia's maximum weekly benefit is $378. If your average weekly wage was $500, you'd receive $300 per week (60% of $500). If your average weekly wage was $700, you'd receive $378 per week (the maximum, not 60% of $700). The state also has a minimum weekly benefit amount; if your prior earnings were very low, you may receive a small benefit even if 60% of your average wage would be less.

Virginia pays benefits for up to 26 weeks in a benefit year, though during periods of high unemployment the state may extend benefits through federal programs. The benefit year runs from the week you file your initial claim through 52 weeks later.

Work search requirements and reporting

To receive benefits, you must be able and available to work, and you must actively search for work each week. Virginia requires you to document your work search efforts — typically three contacts per week with potential employers, either in person, by phone, email, or through online job boards. When you file your weekly claim, you'll report whether you've met this requirement.

VEC may ask you to provide details about your work search contacts. Keep records of the employer name, date of contact, method of contact, and the position you inquired about. If you're unable to work due to illness, injury, or other reasons, you're not may be able to access for benefits that week. If you turn down a job offer without good cause, VEC may find you ineligible for benefits.

What happens after you file

VEC sends your employer a notice that a claim has been filed against them. Your employer has about ten days to respond and can either accept the claim or contest it. If they contest it, VEC investigates by reviewing the facts you both provided and may hold a hearing. You'll receive notice of any hearing and can participate by phone.

If VEC approves your claim, you'll receive a information letter in the mail. If they deny it, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal. You have 30 days from the date on the information letter to file an appeal. If you appeal, VEC holds a hearing before a hearing officer who reviews the evidence and makes a new decision.

Once your claim is approved, your benefits are deposited into your bank account or onto a debit card each week, usually on Wednesday or Thursday. The first payment may take an extra week or two because VEC processes the initial claim separately from weekly payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for unemployment if I quit my job?

You can file, but VEC will investigate whether you had good cause to quit. Good cause usually means your employer created unsafe working conditions, cut your pay significantly, or violated the law. If you quit for personal reasons — like wanting a different job or moving — VEC will likely deny your claim. Your employer will have a chance to explain their side.

What if I was fired?

Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you. VEC looks at whether you were fired for misconduct. Misconduct means you deliberately violated a reasonable employer rule or deliberately acted in a way that harmed the employer's business. If you were fired for a single mistake or poor performance (not deliberate), you may still be may be able to access. Your employer will explain why they fired you.

Do I have to report income from part-time work or gig work?

Yes. When you file your weekly claim, report any wages you earned that week, including from part-time jobs, gig work, or self-employment. Virginia reduces your weekly benefit by the amount you earned, so if you earned $100 and your weekly benefit is $300, you'd receive $200 that week. Report all income honestly — VEC cross-checks with employers and tax records.

What if my employer says I was laid off but I think I was fired?

File your claim and describe what happened from your perspective. VEC will contact your employer and ask them to explain the separation. If there's a disagreement, VEC investigates and makes a information based on the evidence. You can appeal if you disagree with their decision.

How long does it take to receive my first payment?

If you file online or by phone, VEC usually processes your claim within two to three weeks under normal conditions. Your first payment arrives one to two weeks after your claim is approved, so you may wait three to five weeks total from filing to receiving your first check. During high-volume periods, processing takes longer.