Where to file and what you need before you start
Virginia's unemployment system is run by the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). You file directly with VEC, not through your employer or a third party. You can file online at vec.virginia.gov, by phone at 866-832-2363, or by mail — but online is fastest and the system will tell you when ready if documents are missing.
Before you start, gather: your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, the names and dates you worked for each employer in the past 18 months, your final paycheck stub if you have it, and the reason your employment ended. If you were laid off, fired, or quit, the reason matters — VEC uses it to decide whether you are disqualified. Have this information ready whether you file online or call.
The online filing takes about 20 minutes. You will create a VEC account, enter your work history, and answer questions about why you are no longer working. The system saves your progress, so you can stop and return later if you need to find documents.
Key Takeaways
- File with the Virginia Employment Commission at vec.virginia.gov or by calling 866-832-2363 within two weeks of your last day of work to avoid losing back pay.
- You need your Social Security number, ID number, work history for the past 18 months, and the reason your job ended.
- VEC will contact your employer to verify the information you provided, which usually takes one to two weeks.
- If VEC denies your claim, you have 30 days to file an appeal with written reasons why you believe the decision is wrong.
- Weekly payments are deposited by direct deposit or onto a debit card, and you must certify each week that you are still out of work and looking for a job.
What happens after you file
After you submit your claim, VEC sends a notice to your last employer asking them to confirm the information you provided — your job title, pay rate, reason for separation, and whether you quit or were let go. Your employer has about 10 days to respond. During this time, your claim is "pending" and you will not receive payments yet.
If your employer does not dispute your claim and you meet the other requirements, VEC will approve it and send you a information letter. This letter states your weekly benefit amount and the date payments begin. Most determinations take one to two weeks, though some take longer if VEC needs to investigate conflicting information.
Once approved, you must certify every week that you are still out of work and actively looking for a job. You do this online through your VEC account or by phone. If you do not certify, your payments stop. Certification opens every Sunday and closes the following Saturday.
Weekly benefit amounts and how long you can receive them
Your weekly benefit is based on your earnings in the highest-paid quarter of the past 18 months. Virginia's maximum weekly benefit is set by state law and changes each year — it was $378 in 2024, but check vec.virginia.gov for the current year's amount. Your actual benefit will be lower if your earnings were lower.
You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks in a standard benefit year, though during periods of high unemployment, Virginia may extend this to 39 weeks. The extension is not automatic — you must continue to certify weekly, and you remain out of work and looking for work.
Payments are sent by direct deposit to your bank account or loaded onto a debit card issued by VEC. Direct deposit is faster and more reliable. You can change your payment method in your VEC account at any time.
If your employer contests your claim
If your employer says you quit without good cause or were fired for misconduct, they will dispute your claim. VEC will then investigate by contacting both you and your employer for more details. You may be asked to provide written statements or participate in a phone interview.
If VEC denies your claim based on the employer's dispute, you will receive a information letter explaining the reason. You have 30 days from the date on that letter to file an appeal. The appeal goes to the VEC Appeals Division, and you can submit written statements, documents, or ask for a hearing where you can speak to a hearing officer.
Many appeals are decided on the written record alone, without a hearing. If you request a hearing, it usually takes place by phone within four to six weeks. Bring any documents that support your version of events — emails, text messages, performance reviews, or witness statements from coworkers.
Work search requirements while you receive benefits
Virginia requires you to actively look for work while you receive unemployment benefits. This means explore for jobs, attending interviews, and documenting your search. You do not have to report your job search to VEC every week, but you must be prepared to show it if VEC asks.
Some people are exempt from the work search requirement — for example, if you are on a temporary layoff and expect to return to your job, or if you are in an approved training program. When you file your claim, you will be asked whether any exemption applies to you.
If you turn down a job offer or refuse to participate in a work search activity that VEC requires, your benefits can be stopped. VEC may also reduce your benefits if you earn money from part-time work — the reduction is not dollar-for-dollar, but follows a formula that allows you to keep some earnings.
Common reasons claims are denied
VEC denies claims most often because the person quit their job without good cause, was fired for misconduct, or did not meet the earnings requirement. "Good cause" means a reason that would make a reasonable person leave — for example, unsafe working conditions, a significant cut in pay, or harassment. Quitting because you disliked the job or wanted to try something else is not good cause.
"Misconduct" means deliberately breaking a rule or refusing to do your job. Being slow at your work or making mistakes is not misconduct. If you were fired for a single incident — showing up late once, or a small error — that is usually not misconduct either. Repeated violations or deliberate rule-breaking are.
You also must have earned at least $3,000 in the past 18 months to be may be able to access. If you worked part-time or for only a few weeks, you may not meet this threshold. Some people who do not meet the earnings requirement can still receive benefits under a different rule if they earned enough in one quarter, but this is less common.
If you are still working or working part-time
You can receive partial unemployment benefits if you are working part-time or earning less than your full weekly benefit amount. Report all earnings when you certify each week. VEC will subtract a portion of your earnings from your benefit, but you will usually receive some payment.
If you are self-employed or a contractor, the rules are different. You may not be covered by unemployment insurance at all, depending on the type of work. Ask VEC directly whether your situation qualifies — call 866-832-2363 and speak to a representative.
If you return to full-time work, you must stop certifying when ready. Continuing to certify after you return to work is fraud and can result in a demand to repay all benefits you received while working.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive my first payment?
Most people receive their first payment two to four weeks after filing, once VEC has verified your information with your employer and approved your claim. If your employer disputes the claim, it may take longer. You can check the status of your claim in your VEC account.
Can I file if I was fired?
Yes, but only if you were not fired for misconduct. If you were fired for a single mistake, being slow at your job, or poor performance, you may still be may be able to access. If you were fired for deliberately breaking a rule, refusing to work, or repeated violations after being warned, you will likely be denied. Your employer will explain the reason when VEC contacts them.
What if I quit my job?
You can receive benefits only if you quit for good cause — a reason that would make a reasonable person leave, such as unsafe conditions, a major pay cut, or harassment. Quitting because you wanted a different job or disliked your employer is not good cause. Your employer will tell VEC why you left, and VEC will decide whether your reason qualifies.
Do I have to report my job search to VEC?
You do not have to submit a weekly report, but you must keep records of where you applied, when, and the outcome. VEC may ask you to provide this information at any time. If you cannot show that you are actively looking for work, your benefits can be stopped.
What if I disagree with my benefit amount?
Your benefit is calculated based on your earnings in the highest-paid quarter of the past 18 months. If you believe VEC made a math error or used the wrong quarter, you can request a recalculation. Contact VEC at 866-832-2363 with your pay stubs or tax documents to support your claim.