Figuring out how to claim unemployment benefits after losing your job can make an already difficult situation even worse.It's easy to file for unemployment in Virginia, which can help you find a new job and deal with the stress of unemployment.To find out if you are eligible for unemployment insurance, you need your personal and employment information.If you meet the criteria, you can file a claim and collect unemployment insurance while you look for a new job.The Virginia Employment Commission will help you find a job and give you some financial assistance.
Step 1: The Virginia Unemployment Insurance Handbook is for people who have been out of work.
This guide will help you organize and file your claim.There is a handbook at http://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/Claimant-Handbook.
Step 2: Make sure you have enough money to live.
The state uses earnings to determine eligibility.To qualify for unemployment insurance, you must have earned at least a combined total of $3,000 in 2 of the 4 earliest earnings quarters of your 18 month employment history.If you file your claim in September of 2018, the state will use your 2 highest earnings quarters from April 1 to March 31 to determine your eligibility.How much unemployment insurance you can collect depends on how much money you made while you were employed.You can collect unemployment insurance if you have a higher salary.To receive the highest claim for the longest period of time, you must have earned a combined total of at least $18,900.01 during 2 of the 4 earnings quarters examined by the state.
Step 3: You should talk to your employer about your dismissal.
When you file for benefits, you need to have your cause of terminated available.It can take up to several weeks for your unemployment insurance to be paid.Virginia law states that you have to be unemployed through no fault of your own in order to collect unemployment insurance.You won't be eligible for benefits if you quit your job or were fired.
Step 4: Prepare to meet weekly eligibility qualifications.
You will need to complete several tasks each week in order to continue to receive unemployment insurance.You will not be able to collect your benefits if you are unable or unwilling to conduct an ongoing job search and file a weekly claim.You need to give the names of the employers that you contacted for work during the week.You have to report all the work you did during the week.If you refuse an offer for work during the week, you must have a legitimate reason to keep your benefits.Factors like distance, low pay, and a dangerous work environment can allow you to refuse a job offer and still collect unemployment insurance.
Step 5: Contact the Virginia Employment Commission.
If you believe you are eligible for unemployment insurance, you should contact the VEC.If you have disqualifying factors, they can help you figure it out.It could save you some time if you do this before you file.You can call the VEC call center for free.They are open from Monday to Friday.On state holidays, the office is closed.
Step 6: You can file your claim using one of the methods listed.
There are two ways to file your unemployment claim in Virginia.You can call or file online.The easiest and fastest way to file a claim is online.You can begin the process of filing your claim by visiting the VEC Online Claims site.They are open from Monday to Friday.On state holidays, the office is closed.Instructions on how to use the VEC's Voice Response System will be given if you file over the phone.Follow the instructions carefully.The VRS can be reached by phone.If you are on the phone, try to use a landline.The process will have to be started all over again if you use a cell phone.
Step 7: You have to complete your application.
In order to file your claim, you will need to provide personal information and employment documentation.Make sure you record the information correctly.You will need a social security number or Alien registration number to complete the application.You can find the home address, email address and telephone number here.The names, addresses, and phone numbers of your employers over the previous 18 months can be found in your pay stubs and tax records.You need the name and local number of the union that secured your employment if you were employed through a local union hall.You will need to provide the form if you were on active duty in the past 18 months.If you worked for the federal government, you will need to fill out two forms.If you want to receive your compensations through direct deposit into your bank account, you will need to provide your account number and a routing number.
Step 8: You have to calculate how much unemployment insurance you will collect.
You will collect unemployment insurance if you make more money at your previous job.You can collect the benefits over a period of 12 and 26 weeks.After you file your initial claim, the VEC will give you a monetary determination letter that details your benefits.The amount you qualify for will stay the same for a year once your claim is established.You can use it until you reach your maximum benefit amount or the benefit year ends.
Step 9: Pick out your method of payment.
You can choose between a VA Debit Card or direct deposit.You will need to provide your account number if you choose direct deposit.It may take a few weeks after you file your claim for the VA Debit Card to arrive in the mail.Within 14 days of filing your initial claim, you can expect your first payment.After your weekly claim is processed, it takes 2 business days for your funds to be deposited into your account.
Step 10: The VEC Workforce Connection is where to register.
The Virginia Department of Labor provides a job search service.You can register online or in person.You have 5 days to register after you apply for benefits.You won't receive benefits if you fail to register.The VEC Workforce Connection website can be found at https://www.vawc.virginia.gov/vosnet/Default.The primary office of the VEC Workforce Connection Centers is located in Chatham, Virginia.
Step 11: You should look for work.
You need to be looking for work every week while you receive unemployment benefits.You should keep a record of all the employers you have contacted.You should get the employers phone number and write down the times and dates you contacted them.It's a good idea to treat your job search as a full-time job.Stick to the schedule you created.Don't treat your period of unemployment as a vacation.It is possible to use this time to create and perfect cover letters and resume.
Step 12: You can file your weekly request for payment.
You can file your weekly claim online or over the phone.You have to file a weekly claim in order to keep receiving benefits.Information on the employers you contacted during the week will be required.You will need to provide the name, address, phone number, contact person, date, result of contact, and other information for the potential employers you have contacted during the week.You need to report this along with the amount of money you earned if you worked during the week.You can still collect some of your benefits if you worked less than full-time.If you refuse a job offer, report it.You must have a valid reason for rejecting work in order to receive unemployment insurance.If a job is dangerous, far beyond your qualifications, too distant, or too low paying, you will be able to claim your benefits.
Step 13: If your unemployment claim is denied, you have the right to appeal.
You will be notified if you are denied benefits.You can appeal if you disagree with the findings.You have 30 days to appeal the denial.This can be done by mail, fax, or online.You will have the opportunity to plead your case during the appeal hearing.The Virginia Employment Commission has an Office of First Level Appeals.P.O.Box 1358 is located in Virginia.You can send an appeal via fax.If you can afford it, appeal online at: www.vec.virginia.gov/appeals/fileYou will be able to present and question witnesses, provide documents to support your case, and give testimony under oath.You can file for a commission appeal if you disagree with the initial Appeals Examiner's decision.You have 14 days from the date of the notice to request a hearing.You can file a petition for judicial review if you disagree with the commission's findings.