The fastest way to apply for new unemployment benefits, file an additional claim, reopen an existing claim, and certify for weekly benefits is through the Virginia Employment Commission's Claimant Self-Service (CSS) online portal. Click here to access the CSS portal. **Please note: the online portal is available between 8am and 6pm.

If you are unable to use the online portal, you can certify for weekly benefits using our Voice Response System (VRS) by calling1-800-897-5630.

You may also apply for new unemployment benefits, file an additional claim, reopen an existing claim and ask questions about an existing claim through our Customer Contact Center by calling 1-866-832-2363 (Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Note: In order to provide you with improved service, our systems will be offline for scheduled maintenance every Wednesday from 7:30p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.The end times are approximate.