How to file in Virginia, step by step
- Gather your documents. Virginia asks for the items in the checklist below.
- File your claim online at vec.virginia.gov or by phone (numbers and hours).
- Meet the work search rule. Two work search contacts a week, a record kept, and registration in Virginia Workforce Connection within ten days.
- Request benefits for each week you are unemployed, as your claim instructions say. See how weekly claims work.
- Answer any reemployment appointment. Some claimants are selected for a RESEA session at a job center.
Documents Virginia asks for
- SSN; employers in the last 18 months with names, addresses, phones and dates; W-2s or pay stubs recommended
- Out-of-state employers: mailing address, phone and dates; union name and number if it applies
- Immigration record if not a citizen; official ID for ID.me
- Account and routing number for direct deposit (otherwise a Virginia debit card)
Source: vec.virginia.gov. Lists can be partial; follow the instructions in your claim.
How much Virginia pays and for how long
All statesMaximum from the U.S. DOL table effective July 2026. The state calculates your weekly amount from your past wages when you file. How long unemployment lasts
Virginia unemployment phone
DetailsHours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
Where to log in
The official place to start a claim or reach your account is vec.virginia.gov, run by the Virginia Employment Commission. Only enter your Social Security number or PIN on the official state site. This guide is independent and cannot see or change your claim.
If your claim is denied
Federal law requires every state to offer a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal to anyone whose unemployment claim is denied (Social Security Act, sec. 303(a)(3)). The determination letter from Virginia tells you the deadline and how to file the appeal. How unemployment appeals work.
Job centers in Virginia
All 33Virginia lists in-person unemployment help at some workforce centers.
Virginia Works - Bristol
300 Towne Center Drive Suite 40, Abingdon
Virginia Works - Alexandria – Mark Center (Tuesdays only)
4850 Mark Center Drive Suite 600, Alexandria
Virginia Works - Fairfax County
5520 Cherokee Ave Suite 100, Alexandria
Virginia Works - Arlington County (Thursdays Only)
2100 Washington Boulevard First Floor, Arlington
Virginia Works - Charlottesville
944 Glenwood Station Lane Suite 103, Charlottesville
Virginia Works - Covington
106 North Maple Avenue, Covington
Virginia Works - Culpeper
210 E. Stevens St., Culpeper
Virginia Works - Danville
211 Nor Dan Drive Suite 1055, Danville
Virginia Works - Emporia
321 Halifax Street, Emporia
Virginia Works - Fredericksburg
10304 Spotsylvania Avenue Suite 100, Fredericksburg
Virginia Works - Galax
1117 East Stuart Drive Suite 167, Galax
Virginia Works - Hampton
600 College Drive, Hampton
Virginia unemployment questions
How do I file for unemployment in Virginia?
Online on the Virginia Employment Commission website or by phone at 1-866-832-2363. Have your Social Security number and your employers from the last 18 months ready.
What is the Virginia unemployment phone number?
1-866-832-2363. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
How much is unemployment in Virginia?
Up to $478 a week. Your own amount depends on your past wages.
How long does unemployment last in Virginia?
Up to 26 weeks; the federal table lists a range of 12-26 weeks depending on your situation. Your weeks are set when the state reviews your claim.
Where do I log in to Virginia unemployment?
Use the official site (vec.virginia.gov) to start a claim or reach your account. We do not handle logins or claims.
What if my Virginia unemployment claim is denied?
Federal law requires every state to give claimants whose claims are denied the chance of a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal. Your determination letter explains how and by when to appeal.
Related guides
Sources
Claim website: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Claims phone: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Documents: vec.virginia.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Work search: vec.virginia.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
In-person policy: vec.virginia.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Weekly maximum: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Maximum weeks: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Right to a fair hearing: 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(3), checked October 31, 2026.