*** Notice To Claimants Regarding Reduction In EUC Benefit Entitlement ***

The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-25) passed by Congress and signed by the President requires reductions to many federal programs, including the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program. These reductions are generally known as “sequestration.” This means that payments of EUC benefits in Virginia for weeks that begin on or after May 12, 2013, must be reduced by 14.2 percent for each week of unemployment through September 2013. On May 1, 2013, the Virginia Employment Commission will mail out a notice to all current active EUC claimants advising them of the impending reduction. The notice will be followed by the mailing of a revised EUC Monetary Determination. The revised EUC Monetary Determination will provide claimants with information concerning their remaining entitlement and new weekly benefit amount. Any new EUC claim established effective May 12, 2013, or later will automatically carry the 14.2 percent reduction in benefits.

*** Attention Federal Employees Facing Sequestration ***

If you are a federal employee who has been separated from your job due to sequestration, or whose hours have been reduced as a result of sequestration, please read this Question and Answer sheet (Click Here) for additional information and instruction regarding filing for unemployment compensation benefits in Virginia.  After reading this informational sheet, please print and complete this paper application (Click Here) and return it to the address shown on the Question & Answer sheet along with your proof of earnings as requested.

Please note that no claim for unemployment insurance may be filed or processed until an actual separation from employment has occurred, or until there has been an actual reduction in hours. Eligibility is not automatic and will depend on the exact terms of separation. If you will be filing because of a reduction in hours, you will not receive benefits unless your gross earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount. Currently, the maximum weekly benefit amount in Virginia is $378.