Guidelines for Disclosure of Confidential Unemployment Information

These guidelines summarize provisions from Title 20, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 5, Part 603: Federal-State Unemployment Compensation Program (UC); Confidentiality and Disclosure of State UC Information.

You can view the full regulation at: https://ecfr.io/Title-20/pt20.3.603


Confidentiality Requirements

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) must protect the confidentiality of any UC (Unemployment Compensation) information that:

  • Reveals the name or any identifying particular about any individual or employer
  • Could be combined with other publicly available information to reveal such particulars
    (§ 20 CFR 603.4(b))

Permissible Disclosures of Confidential UC Information

Confidential UC (UI) information may be disclosed:

  1. To the Subject of the Information
    • About an individual to that individual
    • About an employer to that employer
  2. With Informed Consent
    Disclosure may be made:
    • To an agent with a written release from the individual or employer being represented
    • To an attorney retained for UC-related purposes, with a letter of representation
    • To a third party (not an agent), with a signed written release that:
      • Identifies all parties who may receive the information
      • States the specific purpose(s) for the information and that it will be used only for those purposes
      • Limits the purpose to:
        • (A) Providing a service or benefit expected by the individual signing the release, or
        • (B) Administering or evaluating a public program
      • States that state government files will be accessed
      • Specifically identifies the information to be disclosed
  3. To Public Officials
    • Or their agents/contractors, for use in performing official duties
      (See §§ 20 CFR 603.2(d) & 603.5(e))

Definitions of UC Information

Wage Information
Includes records about:

  • Wages paid to an individual
  • Social Security Number
  • Name, address, and employer identification number of the employer

Claim Information
Includes records about:

  • Whether an individual is receiving, has received, or has applied for benefits
  • Amount of compensation received or entitled
  • Current or most recent home address and telephone number

Requesting Confidential UC Information

All requests from public officials, agents (other than attorneys), or third parties must be directed to:

Information Control Unit
Email: InformationControl@vec.virginia.gov or call 804-486-2362.


Agreement Requirement

Before disclosing confidential UC information, the VEC must have a written, enforceable agreement with the requesting agency or entity.
(§ 20 CFR 603.10)


Methods of Disclosure

  • Batch data match (via VEC’s secure FTP site for public officials)
  • Electronic access for authorized users
  • Written requests sent to:

Information Control, Suite 171
Virginia Employment Commission
Post Office Box 26441
Richmond, Virginia 23261-6441


Payment of Costs

Disclosure costs must be paid by the recipient or a designated third party, either in advance or by reimbursement.
(§ 20 CFR 603.8)

Current Costs

  • Batch processing: $400 per matched file
  • Electronic access: $1,300 per year
  • Written requests: $8 per benefit and wage record, or $0.50 per page

Questions?

Please contact:
Email: InformationControl@vec.virginia.gov or call 804-486-2362.