The CARES Act includes a provision of temporary benefits for individuals who are not eligible for regular/traditional unemployment insurance. These individuals may include those who are self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers, clergy and those working for religious organizations as well as others who may not be covered by the regular/traditional UI program.
- I recently applied for unemployment insurance by visiting www.vec.virginia.gov or www.vawc.virginia.gov or by calling 866-832-2363
- I received (or will receive) a Monetary Determination from the Virginia Employment Commission that indicates I do not qualify for benefits.
View an example of a Monetary Determination
If you are self-employed or an independent contractor, gig economy worker, clergy, as well as those working for religious organizations and other workers (including non-profit entities), you are not “covered” by the state unemployment insurance (UI) program. The monetary determination confirms that you are not eligible for the regular/traditional Virginia state UI program.
Question: Do I need to file an appeal against the Monetary Determination?
Answer: You only need to appeal this determination if you feel that your wages should have been reported under the regular/traditional UI program. (Typically, reportable wages result in an IRS form W-2) Otherwise, you do not need to appeal but please see the information below concerning a new unemployment insurance program (PUA).
*** You do not need to submit proof of earnings, such as a 1099 or tax filing at this time. ***
A provision within the CARES Act is the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. It will provide unemployment insurance benefits to those who are not covered by the regular/traditional Virginia state UI program.
- We are preparing to administer benefits under the PUA program and there will be additional steps, in the application process, that you will need to take before payments can begin. You have taken the first step by filing for the traditional/regular UI program and being denied under that program.
- We will provide further instructions on the PUA program in the near future. Any additional information will also be included here on our website as soon as it is available.
Wait ! I was not an independent contractor or self-employed and I still received a Monetary Determination that indicates I do not qualify for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.
- The Virginia Employment Commission does not have access to wages earned from the Federal Government, Military or other states. If you worked for one of these employers during the 4 quarters showing on your Monetary Determination, you need to take the following action so that we can attempt to validate your Virginia state unemployment insurance claim.
If you worked as a federal civilian worker, and have not already submitted a copy of your SF50 to the Virginia Employment Commission, please mail it to: Virginia Employment Commission, Monetary Determination Unit, P. O. Box 27887, Richmond, VA 23261-7887.
If you served in the military, and have not already submitted a copy of your DD214 (member 4) to the Virginia Employment Commission, please mail it to: Virginia Employment Commission, Monetary Determination Unit, P. O. Box 27887, Richmond, VA 23261-7887.