The video below provides a basic overview of the process for filing for unemployment insurance benefits at the VEC.
You can also view this video in:
Click here to view tutorials on creating an account on the new Claimant Self-Service online portal
The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) administers the unemployment compensation program that provides temporary financial assistance to individuals who become unemployed through no fault of their own. Benefits are paid through taxes on employers covered under the Virginia Unemployment Compensation Act. No part of the cost of your unemployment benefits is deducted from your earnings.
Requirements to Qualify for Unemployment Insurance
- You must have been separated from your employer or had your hours reduced
- You must meet monetary qualification requrements | click here for more info
- You must meet separation qualification requirements | click here for more info
- You must meet weekly eligibility requirements | click here for more info
Apply for Unemployment Benefits
For more information on applying for new unemployment benefits click here
Certify for Weekly Benefits
For more information on certifying for weekly benefits click here
Contact Information Changes
If you change your address or contact information, or if the address shown on VEC correspondence is incorrect, you may update this information by logging in to your account at https://css.vec.virginia.gov/CSS. If you do not have access to the portal you can send the request in writing by mail or fax. The request must include name, SSN, old address (if they have it), new address, signature, date, a copy of their photo ID and SS Card. Mail– PO Box 27887 Richmond VA, 23261 or Fax-804-786-6434. If an appeal is pending, report the address change even if you are no longer receiving benefits. The US Postal Service will NOT forward mail from the VEC. Even if you are no longer claiming benefits, but you move within two (2) years from the date of your claim, you must notify the agency of your address change. This is important to ensure that you receive any adjustment payments, tax statements, determinations, or informational notices that may be mailed to you.
Text Telephone Relay/TTY Callers
Do you need an ADA Accommodation? Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Virginia Relay enables people who are deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf/Blind, or speech disabled to communicate by TTY (text telephone). Individuals who need this service can access the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711 or 800-828-1140.
Important Information Regarding Your Claim
- The UI Claims Process
- My UI Benefit Rights and Responsibilities
- My UI Claimant Handbook
- UI Frequently Asked Questions
- Instructions for Claiming Partial Benefits
- "I'm unemployed. Now What?"
- Out-of-State Claims
- Glossary of UI Terms
- VEC Regulations
- Virginia Unemployment Compensation Act
- FAQ's (Top Questions Regarding Unemployment Insurance)
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 - English | Spanish | Amharic | Korean | Vietnamese | Arabic | Chinese (simplified)
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.