You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, and you must have earned sufficient wages in your base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before the week in which you file your application for benefits, or alternatively the last 4 quarters). Also, you must be able and available for full-time work.

You can apply online.

Based on the wages earned during the regular base period, this determination will indicate the benefit amount you qualify for each week. See the Virginia website for more information on how your benefit amount is calculated.

Based on the wages earned during the regular base period, this determination will indicate the number of weeks you may receive benefits, ranging from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.

You must file weekly claims (the first of which must be filed 28 days from your initial claim), and actively seek work. You must register for work through the VEC Workforce Connection website or in person at any VEC workforce center. Virginia requires that you contact several employers each week to be actively seeking work. You must keep a record of your work search contacts for one year for auditing purposes. You must accept suitable work, and report any wages made.

All appeals must be filed within 30 days of the date the determination was mailed to you, unless the appeal period is extended. This determination will contain the final date on which an appeal can be filed. All appeals must be in writing, and they can be filed in person, by mail, by fax or online. Also, you must continue to file for weekly benefits, as you will only be paid benefits for the weeks you filed if you win your appeal.

Visit the State of Virginia Website

Read the Claimant Handbook