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Virginia unemployment: what to file, what you will receive, and what comes next.

Virginia unemployment is run by the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). If you were laid off through no fault of your own, you almost certainly qualify. The benefit is funded by employer payroll taxes, not by your past paychecks — so receiving it is not 'taking' anything from anyone, and it does not reduce future Social Security or any other program. File the same week you are laid off. The waiting period begins at filing, not at separation, and benefits do not backdate to your last day of work. This page is for general guidance only and is not legal or financial advice.

The key numbers

The numbers you can expect.

Weekly amount
Up to roughly $378 per week — confirm the current figure with VEC, as Virginia reviews the maximum periodically
Duration
Between 12 and 26 weeks, on a sliding scale based on the state unemployment rate when you file
Waiting period
One unpaid waiting week after your claim is approved

How to file

The filing order.

  1. 01

    Gather your information before you start

    You will need your driver's license or state ID, your Social Security number, the names and addresses of all employers from the last 18 months, your last day of work, and the reason for separation.

  2. 02

    Create an account at vec.virginia.gov

    VEC's online services portal is where you file and manage claims. Create an account, verify your identity through ID.me, then file your initial claim. Have your direct-deposit information ready.

  3. 03

    File your initial claim

    The full claim takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Be precise on dates and the reason for separation — most delays come from inconsistent dates between your application and what your former employer reports to the state.

  4. 04

    File weekly claims every week

    After your initial claim is approved, file a weekly claim each week to receive payment. Missing a week pauses your benefits and may require a phone call to reopen. Set a recurring calendar reminder.

  5. 05

    Track your work search activities

    Virginia requires at least two work-search contacts each week, registered through the Virginia Workforce Connection. Applications, interviews, and approved networking events count. Keep a simple log with dates, employer names, and outcomes — VEC can ask to see it.

Official state resource

File and manage your claim at Virginia Employment Commission (vec.virginia.gov).

A note on health coverage

Before the gap opens.

Health coverage usually ends at the end of your separation month. You will be offered COBRA — the right to keep your employer plan for up to 18 months at the full premium plus a small admin fee. COBRA is often two to three times what you were paying. Before signing up, compare it to a Virginia's Insurance Marketplace plan with an income-based subsidy. Virginia recently launched its own state marketplace, and most laid-off Virginians qualify for a subsidy that makes a marketplace plan cheaper than COBRA. You have 60 days from the loss of coverage to choose either path.

This page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice.

Questions

Common questions

How much is unemployment in Virginia?

Virginia's weekly benefit is calculated from your earnings in the two highest-earning quarters of your base period, up to roughly $378 per week as of mid-2025 — relatively low compared to neighbouring states. The state reviews the maximum periodically, so confirm with VEC when you file. Treat unemployment as a floor, not as a full income plan.

How long can I receive Virginia unemployment?

Between 12 and 26 weeks, on a sliding scale tied to the state unemployment rate when you file. In good economic times, Virginia's duration can be quite short. If you are still searching late in your benefit period, that is the point to recalibrate your strategy and stretch your savings, rather than assume an extension will arrive.

Is COBRA worth it in Virginia?

Often not. COBRA charges the full premium plus a small admin fee, usually two to three times what you were paying as an employee. Virginia's Insurance Marketplace, the state's own platform, offers income-based subsidies that make a marketplace plan cheaper than COBRA for most laid-off residents. Compare both before enrolling — you have 60 days from loss of coverage.

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