For Release:
October 11, 2024
Contact:
Kerri O'Brien
VEC Director of Communications
vecpio@vec.virginia.gov

VEC Provides Support for Those Affected by Hurricane Helene During State Holiday

RICHMOND, VAOctober 11, 2024 – While the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) is usually closed in observance of Columbus Day/Yorktown Victory Day on Monday, October 14, 2024, this year our team will be working to assist those impacted by Hurricane Helene. On Monday, VEC representatives will be available at our Customer Contact Center to answer calls and assist with questions related to unemployment insurance benefits and Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The number to call is 1-866-832-2363 (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday).

In addition, VEC will continue providing in-person support at the following Disaster Recovery Center Centers:

  • Washington County:
    Damascus Shopping Mall
    736 N. Beaver Dam Avenue, Damascus, VA 24236 (across from Food City)
    Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Monday-Friday, October 14-18, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Grayson County:
    Guynn Shopping Center
    578 East Main Street, Suite B, Independence, VA 24348
    Monday-Friday, October 14-18, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Those who have lost their jobs, can’t work, or have had their hours reduced as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and are ineligible for regular state unemployment benefits may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Included in the federal DUA declaration: Bedford, Bland, Carroll, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Russell, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe Counties, as well as the Cities of Galax and Radford. Applicants will first need to complete the UI form to determine eligibility for UI or DUA benefits.

VEC’s dedicated staff is committed to ensuring that Virginians affected by this disaster receive the assistance they need during this challenging time.

Individuals may also apply for unemployment benefits online through VEC’s Claimant Self-Service on the VEC website: www.vec.virginia.gov. For more information about DUA, visit: www.vec.virginia.gov/vec-news.

Press Inquiries
For press inquiries, please contact VEC’s Director of Communications Kerri O’Brien, by email at vecpio@vec.virginia.gov.