Virginia State Unemployment Benefits Guide

If you are one of the rising numbers of Virginians who recently found themselves unemployed, you will perhaps be signing up for benefits at the Virginia Employment Commission. Before you do, there are a few things you need to know. This guide includes pertinent information to keep in mind when you are signing up for Virginia Unemployment benefits.

REGISTERING FOR BENEFITS

The VEC recommends using their online service if you are registering for unemployment benefits. To start a claim online, go to: http://www.vec.virginia.gov/vecportal/unins/insunemp.cfm. It will take approximate 30-45 minutes to complete the claim application. However, if you do need to reach the VEC by phone, call the toll free number at 1-866-832-2363. You can also visit your local area unemployment office to sign up for benefits but be prepared for a long wait. Some areas have Unemployment Express offices where employees are on hand specifically to assist customers who want to file a claim.

The maximum weekly unemployment benefit payment is $378 and the minimum is $54. Eligibility can last up to 26 weeks.

What do I need?

When filing for Unemployment benefits, you will need to give the VEC the name, address, and phone number of your most recent employer. You will also need to provide them with the reason you are no longer employed. You will need to provide your own address, phone number and your Social Security number. If you worked for the Federal government or for any branch of the military, you will need to present your separation documents such as your SF 50 or your DD214.

When should I register?

You should register for unemployment benefits when you are laid off from your job or otherwise lose your job. On occasion, the VEC will contact your former employer to determine the circumstances of your separation from your job. There may be a hearing between you, the VEC deputy, and your employer regarding your eligibility if there is a separation issue. Separation issues occur if you are fired from a job or if you resigned voluntarily.

When you register, you will need to provide information such as your previous employer, length of employment, and job title. You must also register for job services at the website: www.vawc.virginia.gov within five days of filing a claim.

After you successfully register whether online, by phone or in person, you will receive documentation in the mail with your benefit determination and your PIN (Personal Identification Number). Keep these documents in a safe place. You will need the PIN when you register for benefits.

When should I file?

After it has been determined that you are eligible to receive benefits, you must file on a weekly basis. If you are filing online, you should file any time after midnight of the previous Saturday. If you are filing by phone and your social security number ends with an odd number, the VEC asks you to call on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. If your social security number ends in an even number, you are asked to call on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. This will not cause a delay in benefit amounts or processing times.

There will be an initial one week delay before you begin receiving your checks.

Filing Instructions

When you file for weekly benefits online, you will need your username and password to login to the site as well as the PIN the VEC provided to you. If you file by phone, you will need your social security number and your PIN provided by the VEC.

Online Filing

Enter the required information into the appropriate boxes. You will be asked a series of questions regarding your work history such as were you available to work and did you apply for any jobs in the past week. To be eligible for weekly benefits, you MUST apply for at least two jobs in the week previous to your filing.

NOTE: You must have the name, address and telephone number of each company where you applied for a job. You will be required to input this information into the weekly filing.

After you enter all the required information, click submit and wait to receive notification that your claim has been received.

Telephone Filing

If for some reason you cannot access the VEC website, you can call by phone to file your weekly unemployment claim at 1-866-832-2363. Enter your social security number and your VEC PIN number. Follow the prompts to answer the questions the operator asks such as were you able to work and did you apply for the required number of jobs. You will need to state the names of the companies where you applied for work the previous week.

After all information is provided, wait until the operator states that your claim has been received.

When and how do I receive my money?

After your claim is successfully received by the VEC, it will be processed. You will receive the funds the following week determined by when you registered for benefits. You can have the funds directly deposited into your checking account or you can receive a debit card from the VEC in the amount of the funds.

HELPFUL HINTS:

1. Keep a job search spreadsheet. Include the position, the date on which you applied, and the company contact information.
2. Keep your job search records in a safe place as the VEC requires you hold onto them for one year
3. Start an unemployment file with a copy of your claim and any documentation received by the VEC. This includes your PIN.
4. Memorize your PIN in case your paperwork is destroyed. You will need the PIN to file for weekly benefits.
5. Check the VEC website as it contains FAQs and other relevant information such as job fairs that are being held in your area.
6. You may want to have Federal Income Tax withheld from your weekly check as benefits are taxable.