The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), led by a governor-appointed Commissioner, administers the program: setting regulations, determining eligibility, overseeing benefit payments, tax rate assignments, audits, and enforcement.

When a claim is filed, their claim and its details will be reviewed through this division. Deputies will review each claim and issue a decision based on the law.

Any claimant or employer who disagrees with the deputy’s initial decision has the right to appeal to First Level Appeals if the decision is against their interest. Remember, you can only appeal a decision that is adverse to you, or “not in your favor.” An Appeals Examiner will review decision, a hearing may take place. If you disagree with the First Level appeals decision, you can appeal to the Commission Level Appeals. Commission Level appeals is the final agency appeal process prior to a claimant or employer choosing to appeal in Circuit Court.

For more information on the appeals process, visit: https://www.vec.virginia.gov/appeals

This department is responsible for administering and collecting unemployment insurance taxes from employers to fund the unemployment benefits system. This includes determining employer liability, collecting taxes, and ensuring compliance with unemployment insurance laws and regulations.

VEC’s Chief Customer Advocate serves as a key voice for our customers, ensuring their needs stay front and center. Working closely with the Commissioner’s Office, the Unemployment Insurance and Benefits Division, and the Communications Director, the Chief Customer Advocate helps increase public understanding of how the unemployment system works and how to access it.

This role also supports customers facing complex or escalated issues, providing direct assistance and real-time guidance. The Chief Customer Advocate helps ensure that individuals requiring language translation services, accessibility accommodations, or facing unique challenges receive the support they need, either directly or by connecting them with services or VEC’s specialized escalation team. In addition to customer support, the Chief Customer Advocate works with employers, community organizations, and advocacy groups to help navigate furloughs, layoffs, and other workforce disruptions.

An individual with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) is someone who does not speak English as their primary language and has limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English. These individuals are entitled to receive language assistance when accessing services, benefits, or any additional encounters with VEC.

NO PERSON in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

VEC’s Customer Contact Center
The Customer Contact Center provides support in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Arabic, Amharic, Korean, Filipino, Persian, Urdu, Hindi, and French. Callers can select their preferred language when they contact the center for assistance. The Customer Contact Center can be reached at: (866)-832-2363.

VEC’s Website 
The agency’s website offers translated content in 13 languages to help customers better understand and access key services. This service is provided VEC by Google Translation as an auxiliary aid and convenience to those using the services offered on the VEC Home Page. The translation service and materials at this site are provided utilizing a software program and are provided "as is" and without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, correctness, or reliability of any translations made from English into any other language, or translations from any foreign language into English. We apologize for any translation that is not correct.

Additionally, our askVEC virtual assistant can answer questions in 7 languages, offering multilingual support around the clock.

Translating Vital Documents
VEC also prioritizes the translation of vital documents—those critical to accessing benefits, programs, or legal rights. These documents are made available upon request in formats that are clear and understandable. We also take reasonable steps to translate vital website content and electronic documents to ensure LEP individuals can access essential information such as how to file a claim, access services, or understand their rights under the law. Translations are available in electronic, printed, or oral form upon request.

The ability of individuals to communicate with and understand employees of the Virginia Employment Commission's is central to the ability to participate in the Commission's programs. To ensure that every Virginian, regardless of their native language, has access to and may participate in agency programs, VEC is committed to providing appropriate interpreter services to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).

The provision of appropriate interpreter services is central to the integrity of adjudicative processes, ensuring that those with limited English proficiency can understand and participate in the proceedings. Customers' ability to access the Commission's services and programs requires that the individuals' language needs be met to ensure clear communication and customer satisfaction.

To make a request or further information regarding for translation/interpreter services, language assistance services or reasonable accommodations, please email: customeradvocate@vec.virginia.gov or contact the Customer Contact Center at (866)-832-2363.

Virginia Relay enables people who are deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf/Blind, or speech disabled to communicate via TTY (text telephone). To access the Virginia Relay Center, dial 711 or (800) 828-1140.

If you need translation/interpreter services at a workforce center with Virginia Works services, please contact the manager of the nearest workforce center.