*** Beginning with claims effective March 15, 2020, Governor Northam has directed that the one week waiting period and the requirement to conduct a weekly job search both be suspended for those receiving unemployment insurance benefits. ***
View detailed instructions on how to file or re-open a claim
Online Claims
File a New Claim for UI Benefits Online
Telephone Claims
Call volume in our contact centers is exceedingly high. You may experience difficulty getting through and wait times will be exceptionally long. If you are filing an initial claim for unemployment insurance benefits, please do so by using the Online Claims section above.
Weekly continued claims can also be filed online or by using the automated phone system at 1-800-897-5630.
File a New Claim for UI Benefits by Telephone:
1-866-832-2363
Available 8:15am to 4:30pm, Monday - Friday, and Saturday between 8am and Noon (closed Sunday and state holidays).
Continuing Claims
It is your responsibility to file your weekly continued claim on time, each week, while you are receiving benefits.
- File Your Weekly Continued Claim by Internet
- File Your Weekly Continued Claim by Telephone: 1-800-897-5630
Contact Information Changes
If your contact information changes at any time, it is your responsibility to notify us immediately at: 1-866-832-2363 or complete the name/address change form: Instructions | Form.
TTY Callers
For TTY Callers: Virginia Relay, Call 711 or 800-828-1120
Virginia Relay enables people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind, or speech disabled to communicate by TTY (text telephone).
Below are links to downloadable/printable documents that you may need to expedite your claim for Unemployment Insurance (UI).
General Information
Dealing with the Loss of a Job
Unemployment Insurance
- The UI Claims Process
- My UI Benefit Rights and Responsibilities
- My UI Claimant Handbook
- UI Frequently Asked Questions
- Instructions for Claiming Partial Benefits
- Out-of-State Claims
Reference
Special Circumstance Information and Forms
These forms are to be used only after being directed to do so by a VEC representative.
- VEC B-14 - Physician's Certificate of Health/Request for Medical Information
To be used when your medical condition was a factor in your separation from your employer. - VEC B-14A - Medical Professional Certificate of Health
To be used when your medical condition affects your weekly availability for work while receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits. - Claim Cancellation Form
To be used to cancel your claim if only Virginia wages were included. - Combined Wage Claim Cancellation Form
To be used to cancel your claim if wages from multiple states were included.