Unemployment Resource
File a claim
The unemployment insurance system, created by the Social Security Act of 1935, is administered by each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands with oversight by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Federal law provides the guidelines, but the 53 jurisdictions determine many requirements related to eligibility, benefit levels, and tax rates.
The system has three broad objectives:
- Alleviate hardship for the unemployed
- Prevent unemployment
- Promote re-employment
Alleviating hardship, the system's principal aim, is accomplished by partially replacing the loss of wages for unemployed individuals who have a demonstrated attachment to the workforce.
The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) paid $393,927,635.00 in regular unemployment insurance benefits to 150,664 individuals during calendar year 2001. Virginians received an average of 9.7 weeks of benefits, averaging $234.97 per week.
Virginia requires that a claimant have earned $2,500.00 in the two highest quarters of the base period combined to be eligible for benefits. The base period is the first four of the last five preceding calendar quarters. The minimum weekly benefit payment in Virginia is $59.00; the maximum is $318.00. Recipients may be eligible for up to 26 weeks of benefits during their benefit year.
The program also handles resolution of disputed unemployment insurance claims and answers customer inquiries regarding benefit and tax matters.
Unemployment insurance is a benefit, totally funded by employers, designed to replace a portion of the income you lose if you are out of work through no fault of your own and are physically able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work.
If your employer is laying off a group of employees at the same time, arrangements may have been made for Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) staff to come to your worksite at a specified time and date to take your claim for benefits. Your employer will be able to provide you with this information.
If you are not part of a group layoff, or if no special arrangements have been made, you apply by reporting in person to your nearest office of the VEC. Be sure to take identification with you. You will complete an application for benefits, talk with an interviewer, receive your monetary determination and be given specific instructions as to your rights and responsibilities while claiming benefits. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
There is a one-week waiting period which cannot begin until the claim is filed. You must meet all eligibility requirements to receive credit for the waiting period week.
Your benefit amount is computed using payroll information reported to the VEC by employers and it is based on the wages you received during a specific 12-month period called the base period. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the effective date of your claim. A claim is effective on Sunday of the week in which the claim is filed.
Benefit amounts range from $59.00 per week to $318.00 per week. When you file your claim you will receive a computer printout called a monetary determination, which lists your employers and wages for the base period, your weekly benefit amount, and your maximum total benefit.
A claim is established for a 52-week period beginning with the effective date. Your total benefit qualification divided by your weekly benefit amount determines how many weeks of benefits are available to you. The duration is the number of weeks of benefits available to you during the 52 weeks of your claim. Benefit durations range from 12 weeks to 26 weeks. The duration of your benefits will also be found on your computer printout.
Once your initial claim is filed in the VEC office, weekly claims for benefits may be made over the phone. A check will be mailed to you for each week that you claim benefits and meet the eligibility requirements.
Unemployment benefits are designed for people who are physically able to work, who are available for work, and who are actively seeking work. However, anyone may apply for benefits. If your circumstances restrict your ability to work or to seek work, then a ruling will be made on your eligibility after you apply and claim your first week of benefits.
You may be able to receive benefits while attending school. Your local office will ask for information about your classes and determine if you are eligible to receive benefits.
The VEC will work with you to try to help you find a new job. One of the eligibility conditions for receiving unemployment benefits is that you register for work with the VEC. However, you do not have to wait until you are unemployed to register or to use the services offered.
Source: Virginia Employment Commission
