Each week that you collect unemployment benefits in Virginia lowers the amount you have left to collect. Once you exhaust your entire initial award from the Virginia Employment Commission, you may be eligible for extensions of unemployment benefits awarded by the federal government.
How do I apply for unemployment benefits in Virginia?
- By mail, by sending a letter to: Clerk of the Commission, P.O Box 26441, Richmond, VA 23261-6441
- By fax at (804) 786-8492
- Online, by visiting Virginia Internet Appeals
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in VA?
You will be required to submit the following information:
- Social Security or Alien Registration number
- Union hall contact details (if applicable)
- 18-month work history with your employers' contact information, start and end dates and why you no longer work for them
- Your bank account routing and account numbers (if you wish to be paid by direct transfer)
How much does unemployment pay in Virginia?
You can collect benefits if you meet a series of legal eligibility requirements:
- Have earned qualifying wages
- Are unemployed through no fault of their own
- Are able and obtainable to work full-time and
- Are keenly looking for full-time work
How do you collect unemployment in Virginia?
Unemployed workers who lost their jobs in October and November said they’re still waiting on approvals and payments, while the VEC undergoes a leadership change.
How long will unemployment benefits last in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The funds are available for any weeks of unemployment beginning after Dec. 26, 2020, and ending on or before March 14, 2021. You don't need to apply separately to receive this supplemental amount.
Is there additional relief available if my regular unemployment compensation benefits do not provide adequate support?
See full answerThe new law creates the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program (FPUC), which provides an additional $600 per week to individuals who are collecting regular UC (including Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) and Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX), PEUC, PUA, Extended Benefits (EB), Short Time Compensation (STC), Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA), Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), and payments under the Self Employment Assistance (SEA) program). This benefit is available for weeks of unemployment beginning after the date on which your state entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor and ending with weeks of unemployment ending on or before July 31, 2020.
Can I remain on unemployment if my employer has reopened?
No. As a general matter, individuals receiving regular unemployment compensation must act upon any referral to suitable employment and must accept any offer of suitable employment. Barring unusual circumstances, a request that a furloughed employee return to his or her job very likely constitutes an offer of suitable employment that the employee must accept.
How much time do I have to complete the on-line unemployment benefits claim?
You must complete your application and submit it before midnight on Saturday of the week in which you begin the application process. If you do not submit your completed application by midnight on Saturday, the information will be erased and you must begin the process anew.
What is the difference between a hearing for oral argument and for additional evidence for unemployment benefit hearing?
At an oral argument hearing, you can explain why, based on the information previously submitted, the appeals examiner's decision should be changed or remain the same. You will not be allowed to present new evidence.At a hearing for additional evidence, you will have the opportunity to present additional information that was not provided earlier. There may be limitations imposed by the special examiner who hears the case. If so, those limitations will usually be explained on the hearing notice or in a separate letter.
When must an unemployment benefits appeal be filed?
All appeals must be filed within 30 days of the date the deputy's determination was mailed, unless the appeal period is extended. Each deputy's determination contains the final date on which an appeal can be filed.
What if an employee refuses to come to work for fear of infection?
Your policies, that have been clearly communicated, should address this.Educating your workforce is a critical part of your responsibility.Local and state regulations may address what you have to do and you should align with them.
Do I need to submit a weekly claim for the unemployment insurance during the coronavirus disease outbreak in Virginia?
If you have filed an unemployment insurance application (UI), you must then file a weekly claim for each week or you will NOT be paid! VEC recommends you do this on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday of each week if you remain unemployed and want to be paid for the prior week. You can complete and submit your weekly UI payment request by calling 1-800-897-5630. You can also find more information by visiting our website at vec.virginia.gov.
What should be done when a unemployment benefits Notice of Appeal is received?
Once notice is received, all parties should carefully read the information contained on both sides of the notice. Parties insure their respective interests will be represented at the hearing. This includes contacting witnesses and gathering documents and other evidence. Any party desiring to engage the services of an attorney or other representative should do so immediately upon receipt of the Notice of Appeal.
What should I do if the Internet unemployment benefits claim filing system does not have my job title?
Search for a job title that most closely represents your job title. You will be mailed a job seeker registration form that will allow you to provide detailed information about your job title and duties and the positions you are seeking. Your job title does not affect your unemployment benefits.
Who can be a representative for unemployment benefits appeal?
See full answerAny person of their choosing can represent a party. A representative does not have to be an attorney. If a claimant engages the services of an attorney, the Commission must approve the attorney's fee.If a claimant desires to be represented by an attorney but lacks the resources to hire one, free legal services may be available through one of the legal aid offices in the state. The Virginia State Bar or the local bar association can provide information concerning free legal services which may be available. If an attorney or other representative is engaged to represent a party, the attorney or representative should contact the clerk's office immediately to ensure proper notice of future proceedings in the case.
Are parties allowed to tape record their own unemployment benefits appeal hearings?
No. The appeals examiner makes the official recording of the hearing. Parties desiring to engage the services of a court reporter may do so, at their own expense.
How to get an extension for unemployment in VA?
If you have questions about how to get an unemployment extension in VA, try to find out if the federal government initiated a Virginia unemployment compensation extension. If you are still receiving benefits, or eligible to receive an extension, you would be sent a notice from the VEC instructing you regarding how to file unemployment benefits extension and satisfy any other requirements, such as an increased effort to find work. If you are unsure, you can also check with the VEC office, local career center or unemployment agency. There also will be a notice on the Department of Labor website if unemployment extension is in effect.
How long is the third extension for unemployment?
A third, 13 week period of unemployment extension is activated if both the state and federal government agree that the unemployment rate is still too high. The fourth period of extended unemployment benefits lasts six weeks, and is used only in times of especially high unemployment.
How many activation periods are there for unemployment?
The federal unemployment compensation extension consists of four activation periods, which are successively initiated as long as there are sustained periods of high unemployment.
Do unemployment benefits change weekly?
The weekly benefits should be the same as they were under the original unemployment terms. The weekly benefit amount will only change if you have a change in income.
Will Virginia extend unemployment benefits?
Unless the federal government has activated Virginia’s unemployment benefits extension, there is nothing individuals must further do to seek an extension. Look out for a letter containing information about an extension, especially if you are nearing the end of your benefits or if you see that the unemployment rate is rising.
How to apply for unemployment in Virginia?
Submit the application to the Virginia Employment Commission using the envelope provided. If approved, you will start receiving your weekly unemployment claim forms, which you fill out in the same way as your initial weekly claim forms.
How long do you have to list your previous employers on unemployment?
Complete the application, which is identical to the initial unemployment application. You must again list your previous employers during the previous 18 months and why you lost your job.
Can you get an extension on unemployment in Virginia?
Use up all of your initial unemployment benefits in Virginia. You do not qualify for the extension until you have collected all of the initial benefits.
Is there a one time back to work bonus?
Yet many have contested the notion that hiring woes are being caused by the federal boost to benefits, including President Joe Biden. Some have proposed offering one-time “back to work bonuses” to expedite economic recovery. Norment proposes special session to discuss ‘back to work’ bonuses.
Does Virginia have enhanced unemployment?
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — As some governors are ending enhanced unemployment benefits early, Gov. Ralph Northam says that won’t happen in Virginia. “There are individuals in Virginia that are having difficulty finding employment and, until they do that, federal help is something that will help them pay their bills.
When will the unemployment benefits be extended?
Under President Biden’s $1.9 trillion federal coronavirus relief package, known as the American Rescue Plan ( ARP ), enhanced unemployment benefits have been extended until September 6th (week ending September 4th in Virginia). This includes further extensions to the PUA program, PEUC program, $300 weekly payment under the FPUC program and $100 Mixed Earners ( MEUC) program. There were also provisions in the Biden Stimulus package for Unemployment tax breaks on the first $10,200 of benefits received in 2020.
When will the 900 billion unemployment be reinstated?
The $900 billion COVID-19 relief package was passed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, which among several other pandemic relief measures extends and provides additional federal funding for enhanced unemployment benefits. This includes the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance ( PUA ), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation ( PEUC) and a reinstatement, but halving of the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) Program which provides a $300 supplemental weekly unemployment payment.
How long is the VA LWA payment?
Amounts to qualified applicants were paid retroactively to August 1 for 6 weeks (up to $1800 in total if you qualified for all 6 weeks). Several readers have acknowledged the lack of information and delayed payment relative to other states as you can see in the comments below. The original payment date was Sep 30, but got changed several times by the VEC due to ongoing system programming issues. This is much later than other states. I will continue to post updates if new information comes to hand. See further details in the section below including a link to the VA LWA page.
How many weeks of unemployment benefits are there under the Cares Act?
Recipients may receive up to 39 weeks of benefit payments under this program.
How long do you have to file a weekly unemployment claim?
Your weekly claim cannot be filed until the end of the workweek, which is Saturday at midnight. You have up to 28 days after the end of each week that you are unemployed to file this weekly claim. Weekly claims can be filed online or over the phone.
What happens if your benefit year ends?
However, if you are notified that your benefit year (BYE) has ended you must file a new traditional claim (UI) to establish a new benefit year.
Will the stimulus money be used to extend unemployment?
While there has been a lot of discussion around extending pandemic unemployment benefits, the Biden administration has confirmed ( see video) that states will have to use already allocated stimulus funding to expand or extend traditional state unemployment programs. The VEC has not indicated that is planning to do so at this stage, but I will post updates if things change.
When to use a medical condition for unemployment?
To be used when your medical condition affects your weekly availability for work while receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits.
What is a B-14 form?
These forms are to be used only after being directed to do so by a VEC representative. 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.
When will the Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation program be available in Virginia?
This program will be implemented in Virginia. We anticipate the application for this new program to be available by April 26, 2021. The application will be accessed through Gov2Go. More details will be provided in future updates to this page.
When do you have to file weekly unemployment claim?
If you have filed an unemployment insurance application (UI), you must then file a weekly claim for each week or you will NOT be paid! VEC recommends you do this on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday of each week if you remain unemployed and want to be paid for the prior week.
How to submit weekly UI payment?
You can complete and submit your weekly UI payment request by calling 1-800-897-5630. You can also find more information by visiting our website at www.vec.virginia.gov.
What is the Virginia Department of Social Services website?
The Virginia Department of Social Services has recently launched a mobile app and website, COVID-19 Virginia Resources, to streamline access to resources and guidance Virginians are in most need of during this crisis. The content is based on information and pathways from a variety of state and federal agencies.
Do you have to file a weekly claim for unemployment?
If you have filed an unemployment insurance application (UI), you must then file a weekly claim for each week or you will NOT be paid!
Who can provide details of this law and how it affects the various programs under the Unemployment Insurance umbrella?
The Virginia Employment Commission can provide details of this law and how it affects the various programs under the Unemployment Insurance umbrella.
Does VEC automatically enroll you in PUA?
The VEC will automatically enroll you in the appropriate extension based on the program you are already under (PUA and PEUC specifically). However, if you are notified that your benefit year (BYE) has ended you must file a new traditional claim (UI) to establish a new benefit year.
