Where Virginia's Unemployment Offices Are Located

Virginia's unemployment system is run by the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), and you can file your claim online, by phone, or in person. The VEC does not operate walk-in centers the way it used to — most filing now happens through their website or by calling their claims line. If you need to speak to someone in person about a specific problem with your claim, you can visit a Virginia Career Works center, which are spread across the state and partner with VEC to handle some unemployment questions.

The main VEC phone line is 1-866-832-2363. This number handles new claims, claim status questions, and payment issues. Call times are heaviest early in the week and early in the morning, so expect longer waits on Mondays and Tuesdays. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time.

Virginia Career Works centers are located in every major city and many smaller towns. You can find the one nearest you by entering your zip code at www.deq.virginia.gov/career-works. These centers can help you file a claim if you cannot do it online, answer questions about your claim status, and connect you with job training programs. No appointment is required, though wait times vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • File your claim online at www.vec.virginia.gov — this is the fastest route and you can do it any time of day.
  • If you cannot file online, call the VEC claims line at 1-866-832-2363 Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., or visit a Virginia Career Works center in your area.
  • You must file within two weeks of your last day of work to receive back pay for the week you were laid off or separated.
  • Have your Social Security number, driver's license or ID, and your most recent pay stub ready before you file, whether online or by phone.

How to File Your Claim Online

The VEC website is www.vec.virginia.gov. Click "File a New Claim" on the homepage. You will need to create an account using your email address and a password you choose. The system will then ask you a series of questions about your job, your employer, why you left work, and your work history for the past 18 months.

The online form takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, driver's license or state ID number, your most recent employer's name and address, your last day of work, and the reason you separated (laid off, quit, fired, or other). If you were fired, you will be asked to explain the circumstances — answer honestly and in detail, because VEC uses this to determine whether you are disqualified.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down. VEC will mail you a notice within 10 business days confirming your claim was received. Your first payment, if you are found to be in a may have access to situation, typically arrives within two to three weeks of filing, though this varies depending on whether your employer contests your claim.

Filing by Phone or In Person

If you cannot file online, call 1-866-832-2363. A VEC representative will ask you the same questions as the online form. The call usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. Have your information ready before you call: Social Security number, ID number, employer name and address, last day of work, and the reason you left. The representative will give you a confirmation number at the end of the call.

To file in person, go to any Virginia Career Works center. Bring your ID, Social Security card or number, and information about your last job. A staff member will help you file the claim on a computer or take your information and file it for you. This route is useful if you have questions about whether you may have access to or if you need help explaining your separation from work.

What Happens After You File

Once your claim is filed, VEC sends a notice to your last employer asking whether they contest your claim. Your employer has 10 business days to respond. If they do not respond or agree you are in a may have access to situation, you will be found to have a valid claim and payments will begin. If your employer contests, VEC will schedule a phone hearing where you and your employer can explain what happened.

While you wait for a decision, you can check your claim status online at www.vec.virginia.gov by logging into your account. The status page shows whether your claim is pending, approved, or denied, and it displays any payments that have been issued. You can also call the claims line to ask about your status, though the online system is usually faster.

If your claim is approved, you will receive weekly payments by direct deposit or debit card, depending on which method you choose during filing. You must file a weekly claim form every Sunday through Friday to continue receiving payments. This takes two minutes and can be done online or by phone.

Documents You Will Need

Before you file, gather these documents and information:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your Virginia driver's license or state ID number and expiration date
  • Your most recent pay stub (to verify your wages)
  • Your last employer's name, address, and phone number
  • The exact date you stopped working
  • The reason you left work (laid off, quit, fired, or other)
  • Names and dates of any other jobs you held in the past 18 months
  • Your bank account number and routing number if you want direct deposit

If you were fired, have a clear explanation of what happened. If you quit, be ready to explain why. If you were laid off, have the date and any notice or letter your employer gave you. The more detail you provide, the faster VEC can process your claim.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Claims are most often delayed because the employer takes time to respond to VEC's notice, or because the filer did not provide complete information. If you left a field blank or gave conflicting information, VEC will contact you to clarify. Answer quickly — delays in responding can push back your payment date by weeks.

Claims are denied most often when you quit without good cause, were fired for misconduct, or did not meet Virginia's wage requirement (you must have earned at least $3,000 in your base period, which is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed). If your claim is denied, you have the right to request a hearing. The denial notice will explain how to request one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim if I was fired?

Yes, but you must show that you were not fired for misconduct. Misconduct means you deliberately or recklessly broke a rule or failed to do your job. If you were fired for poor performance, being late, or a single mistake, you may still be found to have a valid claim. Be honest about why you were fired — VEC will contact your employer anyway.

How long does it take to get my first payment?

If your employer does not contest your claim, you will receive your first payment within two to three weeks of filing. If your employer contests, a hearing will be scheduled, which can add two to four weeks. Payments are made weekly once your claim is approved.

What if I cannot reach anyone by phone?

The VEC phone line is very busy, especially early in the week. Try calling after 2 p.m. or on Thursday or Friday. You can also file online at www.vec.virginia.gov, which does not require waiting on hold. If you need to speak to someone in person, visit a Virginia Career Works center — wait times are usually shorter there than on the phone.

Do I have to report my income if I find a part-time job while filing?

Yes. Report any wages you earn, even from part-time or temporary work. VEC will reduce your weekly payment by a portion of what you earn. Some earnings are allowed without reducing your payment — the amount changes each year, so ask VEC what the current threshold is when you file your weekly claim.

What if my employer is contesting my claim?

VEC will notify you by mail that a hearing has been scheduled. You will be given a date, time, and phone number to call. Attend the hearing — if you do not show up, your claim will likely be denied. Prepare to explain clearly why you left work or why you were not at fault for being fired. You can bring documents, witnesses, or a representative to the hearing.