Estimate your weekly benefit amount, duration, and total compensation for unemployment insurance in Virginia.
$378
Max Weekly Benefit
26
Max Weeks of Benefits
50%
Wage Replacement Rate
Virginia Employment Commission provides unemployment benefits of up to $378 per week for a maximum of 26 weeks to eligible workers.
Base period: First 4 of last 5 completed quarters
Must have earned at least 1.
5 times the highest quarter earnings in the base period.
Must be unemployed through no fault of your own — layoffs, downsizing, and plant closures typically qualify.
Must be physically able and available to accept suitable work immediately.
Must actively seek employment and complete the required work search activities each week.
Must have earned sufficient wages during the base period to meet the minimum threshold.
Must file weekly or biweekly certifications confirming continued eligibility.
Must report any part-time earnings or other income during certification.
To apply for unemployment benefits in Virginia, visit https://vec.virginia.gov and create an account. You can file your initial claim online, which is the fastest and most convenient method. Alternatively, you may apply by phone by calling the Virginia unemployment insurance hotline during business hours. Some states also offer in-person application options at local workforce centers. Have your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and banking information ready before starting your application. After filing, you must complete weekly certifications to continue receiving benefits.
Collect SSN, ID, employment history, and banking info.
Register on the official state portal.
Complete the online application with accurate details.
Most states require a one-week unpaid waiting period.
Certify each week that you are seeking work.
Your valid SSN is required to verify your identity and process your claim.
Required when filing your unemployment claim in Virginia. Have it ready before starting your application.
Required when filing your unemployment claim in Virginia. Have it ready before starting your application.
Required when filing your unemployment claim in Virginia. Have it ready before starting your application.
Required when filing your unemployment claim in Virginia. Have it ready before starting your application.
Required when filing your unemployment claim in Virginia. Have it ready before starting your application.
In Virginia, you can work part-time while receiving unemployment benefits, but your earnings will reduce your weekly benefit amount. Most states allow you to earn up to 25-33% of your weekly benefit amount without any reduction. Earnings above that threshold typically reduce your benefit dollar for dollar. You must report all part-time earnings when filing your weekly certification, even if you have not yet been paid for the work.
Always report part-time earnings honestly during weekly certification, even if the amount seems small.
Keep detailed records of your work hours, employer name, and gross earnings for each week.
Part-time work can sometimes extend the duration of your benefits.
This disqualification applies under Virginia unemployment law. Contact the state agency if you believe your situation warrants an exception.
This disqualification applies under Virginia unemployment law. Contact the state agency if you believe your situation warrants an exception.
This disqualification applies under Virginia unemployment law. Contact the state agency if you believe your situation warrants an exception.
This disqualification applies under Virginia unemployment law. Contact the state agency if you believe your situation warrants an exception.
This disqualification applies under Virginia unemployment law. Contact the state agency if you believe your situation warrants an exception.
This disqualification applies under Virginia unemployment law. Contact the state agency if you believe your situation warrants an exception.
If your Virginia unemployment claim is denied, you have the right to file an appeal. The denial notice will include specific instructions and a deadline, typically 10-30 days from the date of the decision. File your appeal in writing through the state online portal, by mail, or by fax. During the appeal process, continue filing weekly certifications. A hearing will be scheduled where you can present evidence and witnesses. If you disagree with the hearing decision, you may appeal to the Board of Review or equivalent body.
File Appeal
Submit a written appeal within the deadline in your determination letter.
Hearing Scheduled
You will receive notice of date, time, and format of your hearing.
Administrative Hearing
Present your case and evidence before the hearing officer.
Decision
The appeals referee issues a written decision.
Further Appeal
You can escalate to the state review board or court.
Available to eligible unemployed workers in Virginia. Contact your local workforce center for details.
Available to eligible unemployed workers in Virginia. Contact your local workforce center for details.
Available to eligible unemployed workers in Virginia. Contact your local workforce center for details.
The Virginia unemployment insurance program is administered by the state workforce agency in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor. Benefits are funded through employer payroll taxes and designed to replace a portion of your previous wages. The maximum weekly benefit is $378, with up to 26 weeks of eligibility.
Your weekly benefit is calculated using earnings during the base period (First 4 of last 5 completed quarters). The state applies a 50% replacement rate, capped at $378/week. Enter your annual income in the calculator above for a personalized estimate.
After filing your initial claim, you must certify weekly that you are unemployed, able and available for work, and actively seeking employment. Most certifications can be completed online or by phone. Missing a certification can result in delayed or lost benefits.
While receiving benefits, you must actively search for work — applying for a minimum number of positions each week and maintaining records. You may need to register with the state job bank and attend reemployment workshops.
All unemployment benefits are taxable income by the IRS. You'll receive Form 1099-G showing total benefits paid. You can request 10% federal tax withholding by submitting Form W-4V.
Some states tax unemployment benefits while others do not. Check with the Virginia Department of Revenue. If applicable, you may request state tax withholding from your weekly payments.
Consider making quarterly estimated tax payments if you choose not to have taxes withheld. This helps avoid underpayment penalties. Keep records of all payments and consult a tax professional.