How do I file for unemployment benefits in Virginia?

Q: How do I file for unemployment benefits in Virginia?

Virginia unemployment is administered by the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) under Va. Code § 60.2-100 et seq. 1. How and When to File - File online at vec.virginia.gov through the VUIS (Virginia Unemployment Insurance System). - File the first week of unemployment — claims become effective the Sunday of the filing week. - The waiting week was eliminated effective 2024. 2. Weekly Benefit Amount - Range: $60 to $378 per week (2025). - Calculated as 1/50th of two highest base-period quarters' wages . - Maximum 26 weeks , but Virginia uses a sliding scale based on the statewide insured unemployment rate (Va. Code § 60.2-602). 3. Eligibility Requirements (Va. Code § 60.2-612) - At least $3,000 in your two highest base-period quarters combined. - Lost work through no fault of your own — not discharged for misconduct (§ 60.2-618(2)) or voluntary quit without good cause (§ 60.2-618(1)). - Be able to work, available, and actively seeking work . 4. Work Search Requirement - Must make at least 2 employer contacts per week . - Must register on Virginia Workforce Connection within the first week. - Maintain a detailed log. 5. Certifying for Benefits - File a weekly certification online or by phone. - Earnings less than your WBA reduce benefits dollar-for-dollar above $50. 6. Appeals - Appeal a denial within 30 days to an Appeals Examiner. - Further appeal to the Commission and then Circuit Court. This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Accepted Answer

Virginia unemployment is administered by the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) under Va. Code § 60.2-100 et seq.

1. How and When to File

File online at vec.virginia.gov through the VUIS (Virginia Unemployment Insurance System).

File the first week of unemployment — claims become effective the Sunday of the filing week.

The waiting week was eliminated effective 2024.

2. Weekly Benefit Amount

Range: $60 to $378 per week (2025).

Calculated as 1/50th of two highest base-period quarters' wages.

Maximum 26 weeks, but Virginia uses a sliding scale based on the statewide insured unemployment rate (Va. Code § 60.2-602).

3. Eligibility Requirements (Va. Code § 60.2-612)

At least $3,000 in your two highest base-period quarters combined.

Lost work through no fault of your own — not discharged for misconduct (§ 60.2-618(2)) or voluntary quit without good cause (§ 60.2-618(1)).

Be able to work, available, and actively seeking work.

4. Work Search Requirement

Must make at least 2 employer contacts per week.

Must register on Virginia Workforce Connection within the first week.

Maintain a detailed log.

5. Certifying for Benefits

File a weekly certification online or by phone.

Earnings less than your WBA reduce benefits dollar-for-dollar above $50.

6. Appeals

Appeal a denial within 30 days to an Appeals Examiner.

Further appeal to the Commission and then Circuit Court.

This is legal information, not legal advice.