If you've been laid off in Virginia, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Virginia's unemployment program has a modest maximum benefit of $378/week and variable duration (12-26 weeks). This guide covers everything you need to know about filing for and receiving Virginia unemployment benefits.
Virginia Unemployment Benefits Overview
Benefit Amounts
Category
Amount
Weekly minimum
$60
Weekly maximum
$378
Benefit duration
12-26 weeks (varies)
Replacement rate
~50% of wages
How Benefits Are Calculated:
Your weekly benefit amount is based on your highest quarter earnings in the base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters).
Formula: High Quarter Wages ÷ 52 × 0.5 = Weekly Benefit (capped at $378)
Example: If your highest quarter earnings were $20,000:
$20,000 ÷ 52 = $385/week average, × 0.5 = $192.50 weekly benefit
Duration of Benefits
Virginia ties benefit duration to the state unemployment rate:
State Unemployment Rate
Weeks Available
Below 5%
12 weeks
5% - 5.49%
14 weeks
5.5% - 5.99%
17 weeks
6% - 6.49%
21 weeks
6.5% and above
26 weeks
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Virginia unemployment:
Earned sufficient wages in your base period (at least $18,900 in two quarters combined)
Lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force)
Be able and available to work full-time
Actively seek suitable work each week
Register with Virginia Workforce Connection
Be legally authorized to work in the United States
How to File for Virginia Unemployment
Before You File
Gather the following information:
Social Security number
Virginia driver's license or ID number
Mailing address, email, and phone number
Last employer information:
Company name, address, phone number
Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN) if available
Dates of employment
Reason for separation
Work history for past 18 months (all employers)
Direct deposit information (routing and account numbers)
Virginia has a one-week unpaid waiting period. Your first week of unemployment serves as the waiting week—you must meet all requirements but won't receive payment.
Filing Weekly Claims
Virginia requires weekly claims:
When to File:
Available Sunday through Saturday
File for the previous week
Must complete each week to receive benefits
What You'll Answer:
Were you able and available to work?
Did you work or earn money?
Did you complete work search activities?
Did you refuse any work?
Did you attend school or training?
Important: Missing a weekly claim forfeits benefits for that week.
Work Search Requirements
Virginia requires at least 2 work search activities per week:
Acceptable Activities:
Applying for jobs (online or in-person)
Submitting resumes to employers
Interviewing for positions
Attending job fairs
Registering with employment agencies
Attending approved training programs
Using Virginia Career Works services
You Must Also:
Register on Virginia Workforce Connection
Keep detailed records of work search activities
Provide proof if requested
Accept suitable work offers
Receiving Your Benefits
Payment Methods
Direct Deposit:
Fastest payment method
Set up during application
Funds available within 24-48 hours of processing
Virginia Debit Card (Way2Go):
Default if no direct deposit
Card mailed after claim approval
Takes 7-10 days to arrive
Payment Schedule
File weekly claims
Payments processed within 48 hours of claim
Direct deposit arrives 1-2 business days after processing
Taxes on Unemployment
Unemployment benefits are taxable income at both federal and state levels.
Federal Tax:
Optional 10% withholding
Virginia State Tax:
Subject to VA income tax
Optional state withholding available
Recommendation: Have taxes withheld to avoid a large bill at tax time.
Working While Receiving Benefits
Partial Benefits
Virginia allows part-time work while receiving reduced benefits:
Earnings Formula:
You can earn up to $50 per week without reduction
Earnings above $50 reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar
If you earn more than your weekly benefit, no payment
Duration is 12-26 weeks depending on state unemployment rate
File immediately during your first week of unemployment
One waiting week before benefits begin
File weekly claims—not biweekly
Complete 2 work search activities per week
Register on Virginia Workforce Connection
Part-time work allowed—$50 earnings disregard
Appeal if denied—you have 30 days
Use direct deposit for fastest payment
Virginia's unemployment benefits are modest compared to neighboring states. File promptly, maintain your weekly claims, and actively pursue your job search.
