Unemployment Insurance and You: Questions and Answers
BENEFITS
- HOW MUCH WILL MY BENEFIT BE?
Benefit amounts range from $54.00 per week to $378.00 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.
Your benefit amount is computed using payrol.l 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.
It 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 can apply for benefits by calling our customer contact center at 1-866-832-2363, or filing over the Internet at this website.
- IS THERE A WAITING PERIOD BEFORE I CAN COLLECT BENEFITS?
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.
- HOW LONG CAN I DRAW BENEFITS?
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, you will receive your benefits either by debit card or direct deposit, whichever you choose. Benefits will be deposited into your account for each week that you claim benefits and meet the elegibility requirements.
- WHAT IF I STILL HAVE MY JOB, BUT MY HOURS AND PAY HAVE BEEN CUT?
You may be entitled to receive partial benefits. The only way to be certain is to apply for benefits. Tell the interviewer who talks with you that you are still working but your hours have been reduced.
- CAN I RECEIVE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS IF I’M OUT OF WORK DUE TO ILLNESS OR INJURY?
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.
- CAN I ATTEND SCHOOL AND STILL COLLECT 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.
- WILL THE VEC HELP ME FIND ANOTHER JOB?
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.
If you have additional questions about unemployment benefits, please contact your nearest office of the Virginia Employment Commission.
The Virginia Employment Commission is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
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