Richmond — As of September 5, 2021, the unpaid “Waiting Week” for unemployment insurance (UI) has been reinstated. The "Waiting Week" is the very first week of your claim. You must claim the week and meet all eligibilty requirements, but nobody is paid for that first week. The first payable week would be the second week of your claim. You can submit your weekly claim by calling 1-800-897-5630 or by visiting our web site www.vec.virginia.gov.
In March 2020, Governor Ralph Northam waived the waiting week policy for all Virginia UI claimants as part of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency declaration. The reinstatement coincides with the end of temporary Federal benefit programs on September 4, 2021.
Claimants can learn more about waiting week and eligibility at https://www.vec.virginia.gov/node/13501 or more information about UI and other VEC services, please visit www.vec.virginia.gov.
About the Virginia Employment Commission
The Virginia Employment Commission, a state agency under the Secretary of Labor, is dedicated to promoting economic growth and stability by delivering and coordinating workforce services to include: policy development; job placement services; temporary income support; workforce information; and transition and training services. To accomplish this mission, the agency partners with stakeholders; develops and empowers staff; improves its processes; embraces innovative solutions and technologies; and continually renews the organization. Additional information can be found on VEC’s webpage at: https://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed
