Welcome to the Virginia Employment Commission

Featured VEC Content

News and Announcements

Virginia’s Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims for week ending May 16th

Seasonally unadjusted weekly initial unemployment insurance claims remained highly elevated but decreased by 14.3 percent during the latest filing week
View the Press Release

Virginia Announces Changes in Unemployment Insurance program as a result of the Federal CARES Act

Increased benefits for eligible claimants under traditional unemployment insurance will start to be paid as soon as next week.
Learn more...

Census Job Opportunities

The U.S. Census Bureau is currently seeking Partnership Specialists throughout the state.

View more information about these positions

W.A.R.N. and Rapid Response Services

All Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) letters and requests for Rapid Response assistance should be directed to Brett Tavel, Rapid Response State Coordinator, by FAX at (804) 819-1699 or by email at btavel@vccs.edu.
List of Rapid Response Coordinators
View the latest WARN notices

Unemployment Insurance

Learn more about UI

Unemployment Insurance Benefits

View detailed instructions on how to file or re-open a claim

File your initial or continued claim online:

English
Español

You may also file by telephone:

For initial claims, call between 8:15am and 4:30pm, Monday - Friday (closed Sunday and state holidays): 1-866-832-2363
For continuing claims, call: 1-800-897-5630

To view a comprehensive list of everything you need to get started with your application including special forms and telephone numbers for the hearing impaired, please visit our Claimant Resources page.

I'm Unemployed! Now What?

It might have happened this way: Your boss just told you that within the next two weeks the company is closing its doors forever. Or, perhaps the company is downsizing and you just lost the only job you've had for the past decade or more.

However it occurred, it may be your first time to be "out of work." So, what do you do now?

Here are some basics on how to deal with being unemployed

Our Claims Processes

Three steps make up our claims process. Before you file a claim, understand each step and how you can best file and register for work.

Step 1 - Your Initial Claim
Step 2 - Register for Work
Step 3 - File Your Weekly Claim

Each step makes good things happen for you and understanding each step's purpose makes things go smoother for all.

Learn more about the steps for filing a claim

Fraud Alert

Fraud alert Periodically we receive an alert that someone is falsely representing themselves as the Virginia Employment Commission. While we do our best to combat fraud, sometimes the best people to help prevent fraud are the ones who may be the target.

You can anonymously report Unemployment Insurance Fraud to the VEC by calling 1-800-782-4001.

Internet Appeals

If you have received a decision about your benefits from us, you will be able to file an appeal from that decision. An appeal is a process where someone at the VEC reviews the decision you received and then decides whether it is correct.

You must file an appeal in order to get this review. If you do not file a timely appeal, the decision you have will control your right to benefits.

Job Seekers

For Job Seekers

Register with the
Virginia Workforce Connection

The VEC's Virginia Workforce Connection (VAWC) is your online source to connect with potential employers, search for jobs, find training opportunities, and research wage data along with industry and occupational trends.

You can also visit a VEC office near you for assistance.
View our list of offices to find one in your area

Veterans

Veterans from all periods of military service are eligible for job referral, job training and job placement assistance through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC).

Veterans may access these employment services through a statewide network of VEC offices. We also work with those that are currently transitioning out of the military.

View more information for Veterans

Upcoming Job Fairs

Virtual (online) Corporate Gray Military-Friendly Job Fair (originally scheduled for Virginia Beach) - May 28, 2020
May 28 - Joint Base Andrews AFB, MD Job Fair - 10AM-2PM - The Club - May 28, 2020
Salamander Resort & Spa Interview Session - May 28, 2020
Salamander Resort & Spa Interview Session - June 4, 2020
Virtual Polygraph-Only Hiring Event - June 9, 2020
Fort Lee, VA Job Fair - Wednesday, June 10 - 10AM-2PM-Lee Club - June 10, 2020
Virginia ABC Now Hiring - June 10, 2020

Employers

For Employers

Employee or Independent Contractor?

Sometimes an employer will classify workers as contractors instead of employees. In these cases, contract workers are responsible for paying their own payroll taxes, including federal and state income taxes and both the employer and employee portion of Social Security taxes. In most cases, contractors are responsible for providing their own Workers Compensation Insurance and are not eligible for Unemployment Insurance if their services are no longer needed.

Learn more about how to classify workers

Tax Filing / Registration

The VEC offers several ways to file your Unemployment Insurance Tax Reports and pay your Unemployment Insurance Taxes:

Learn more about Employer Tax Filing / Registration and find out which system best fits your filing needs

VWC

The Virginia Workforce Connection (VWC) was established to help employers find qualified candidates and post job opportunities.

In the Find Talent! section, you can:

Go to the Virginia Workforce Connection

Employer Links

Labor Market Information

Visit the LMI Website

Projected to 2024
Virginia Job Outlook

Overall, employment in Virginia is projected to grow 10.1 percent by 2026 exceeding the national growth rate of 7.4 percent.

Which jobs are expected to grow or decline in Virginia?
The Job Outlook brochure lists a sampling of high-growth occupations by educational attainment and annual wages projected to 2024 as well as occupations that are projected to decline.

View the Job Outlook Brochure

Forecasted Employment and Wages by State and Local Workforce Development Area

Unemployment Snapshot