Where to File Your Claim

Virginia handles unemployment claims through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). You file your claim online at vec.virginia.gov, not through a local office or by mail. The VEC website has a dedicated claims portal where you create an account, enter your work history, and submit your process. You can also file by phone at 866-832-2363 if you cannot use the website, though online filing is faster.

Before you start, gather your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your last job — employer name, address, dates you worked there, and reason you left. If you were laid off, fired, or had your hours cut, have those details ready. The VEC uses this information to contact your employer and verify what happened.

Key Takeaways

  • File online at vec.virginia.gov or by phone at 866-832-2363 within two weeks of losing your job, because benefits start from your filing date, not from when you lost work.
  • You must report your work history, reason for separation, and earnings from the past 18 months so the VEC can calculate your weekly benefit amount.
  • After you file, the VEC contacts your employer to verify the reason you left — this step takes one to two weeks and determines whether you receive benefits.
  • Once approved, you must file a weekly claim every Sunday through the VEC website or by phone to continue receiving payments.
  • Payments arrive by debit card (EDD card) within seven to ten business days of approval, though the card itself may take longer to arrive in the mail.

Step-by-Step Filing Process

Go to vec.virginia.gov and click "File a New Claim" under the Claims section. You will create a login using your email address and a password. The VEC will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions or uploading a photo ID — this usually takes a few minutes.

Fill in your personal information: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Then enter your work history for the past 18 months. Start with your most recent job and work backward. For each employer, provide the company name, address, phone number, your job title, dates employed (month and year), and your final weekly or hourly wage. If you worked multiple jobs, list all of them.

The VEC will ask why you separated from your job. Choose the reason that matches your situation: "laid off," "fired," "quit," "hours reduced," or "other." Be honest here — your answer determines whether you meet Virginia's requirements. If you were laid off or had hours cut, you likely meet the rules. If you quit, you must show that you had good cause (for example, unsafe working conditions or a significant cut in pay without your agreement).

Review your answers, then submit. You will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. The VEC will send you an email confirming receipt, usually within a few hours.

What Happens After You File

The VEC contacts your employer within one to two weeks to verify the information you provided. Your employer will receive a form asking them to confirm your dates of employment, reason for separation, and final pay. This is called a "separation notice" or "fact-finding" process. During this time, your claim is "pending" — you have not been approved or denied yet.

If your employer confirms what you said, the VEC approves your claim and calculates your weekly benefit amount. Virginia's maximum weekly benefit is currently $378, but your amount depends on your earnings in the past 18 months. The VEC will send you a "information letter" by mail explaining your weekly amount and the dates your benefits cover.

If your employer disputes your reason for separation — for example, they say you quit when you say you were laid off — the VEC may schedule a phone interview with you. You will have a chance to explain your side. The VEC then makes a final decision. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal within 10 days of receiving the letter.

Filing Your Weekly Claim

Once your initial claim is approved, you must file a weekly claim every Sunday to continue receiving benefits. Log into your VEC account and click "File Weekly Claim." Answer questions about whether you worked that week, how much you earned, and whether you looked for work. If you earned money, report it — Virginia reduces your benefit by a portion of what you earned, but does not stop it entirely.

File by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. for the week ending that Sunday. If you miss the important date, you lose that week's payment. The VEC allows you to file up to two weeks in advance if you know you will be away, so plan ahead if you have a vacation or appointment.

After you file your weekly claim, the VEC processes it within two to three business days. Your payment is deposited onto your EDD debit card (a Visa card the VEC sends you by mail). If you have not received your card after two weeks, contact the VEC — they can arrange a direct deposit to your bank account instead.

Documents You Will Need

Have these items ready before you start your online claim:

  • Social Security number
  • Driver's license or state ID number
  • Current mailing address
  • Email address (for account login and notifications)
  • Phone number where the VEC can reach you
  • Employer name, address, and phone number for each job in the past 18 months
  • Dates you worked at each job (month and year is enough)
  • Your final wage (weekly or hourly rate)
  • Reason you left each job

If you were fired or laid off, you do not need to bring a termination letter or severance paperwork to file — the VEC will ask your employer directly. However, if you have documents that support your version of events (an email saying you were laid off, a text from your manager, a severance letter), keep them. You may need them if your employer disputes your claim.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not wait to file. Your benefits start from the date you file your claim, not from the date you lost your job. If you lost work on a Monday but do not file until the following Friday, you lose a week of payments. File within two weeks of losing your job to avoid a long gap.

Do not lie about why you left your job. The VEC contacts your employer, and if your stories do not match, your claim will be denied. If you quit, be honest — you may still be approved if you had good cause, but lying will disqualify you.

Do not forget to file your weekly claim. Missing even one Sunday important date costs you that week's payment, and missing multiple weeks can trigger an investigation. Set a phone reminder for Saturday night so you remember to file before the important date.

Do not ignore mail from the VEC. If they send you a letter asking for more information or scheduling a phone interview, respond within the important date they give you. Ignoring a request can result in your claim being denied or closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my first payment?

After you file, the VEC takes one to two weeks to verify your information with your employer. Once approved, your first payment arrives within seven to ten business days. In total, expect three to four weeks from filing to receiving your first payment. Your EDD debit card may arrive later, but the VEC can deposit funds to your bank account while you wait for the card.

What if my employer says I quit when I was laid off?

The VEC will contact you by phone to ask your side of the story. Explain what happened — for example, that you were told your position was eliminated or your hours were cut. Bring any documents you have: emails, text messages, or a severance letter. The VEC makes a decision based on what both you and your employer say. If you disagree with their decision, you can appeal within 10 days.

Can I file for unemployment if I was fired?

It depends on why you were fired. If you were fired for misconduct — stealing, violence, or repeated rule-breaking after warnings — you will not be approved. If you were fired for poor performance, inability to do the job, or a first-time mistake, you may be approved. The VEC asks your employer why they fired you, and they make a decision based on that answer.

Do I have to report my job search to get benefits?

Virginia requires you to actively look for work while receiving benefits, but you do not have to report specific job applications each week. When you file your weekly claim, the VEC asks whether you looked for work — answer honestly. Keep a straightforward list of places you applied in case the VEC asks for details later. If you are unable to work due to illness or disability, contact the VEC to discuss your situation.

What happens if I find a new job while receiving benefits?

Report your new job on your next weekly claim. Tell the VEC how much you earned that week. Virginia reduces your benefit by a portion of your earnings, but does not stop it completely — you may still receive a partial payment. Once you have worked enough weeks and earned enough money, your benefits will end automatically. You do not need to call to stop them.