Virginia Unemployment Insurance

Virginia Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary replacement of lost wages to workers unemployed through no fault of their own.

Each state sets its own guidelines for eligibility for UI benefits, but you usually qualify if you:

1. have lost a job through no fault of your own;
2. are unemployed or partially unemployed for reasons permissible under federal law;
3. are “able to work, available to work, and actively seeking work;” and
4. have earned at least a certain amount of money during a “base period” prior to becoming unemployed. In most states, this is usually the first 4 out of the last 5 completed calendar quarters prior to the time that your claim is filed.

According to the Virginia Employment Commission, in order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have earned at least $3,000 in your two highest paying quarters combined in a recent ‘base period’, which is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim.¹

How much is unemployment insurance in Virginia?

According to the Virginia Employment Commission, for new claims filed on or after July 5, 2026, the state’s maximum weekly benefit is capped at $478 and can be as low as $160, depending on how much money you were earning before you lost your job.¹ Before July 5, 2026, the range was $112 to $430.

How long can I receive unemployment in Virginia?

Eligible workers in Virginia can receive between 12 and 26 weeks of unemployment insurance, depending on base period earnings.¹ The limit is set by state law and may change, so the current figure should be confirmed with the state agency when you file.

How do I file my weekly unemployment claim in Virginia?

If you’re a new claimant, call (866) 832-2363 to file a new claim by telephone, otherwise call (800) 897-5630 for your weekly benefits.

Alternatively, you may file your claim online through Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) Customer Self-Service  portal for faster processing.