Welcome to the Jobcase resource center for unemployment in Virginia. You may be trying to understand your unemployment eligibility and benefits to keep you afloat during this challenging time. Applying for unemployment benefits can be complicated, so we put together these resources to help you navigate.

In order to file for Unemployment Insurance (UI) you must have been separated from your employer or have had your hours reduced.

What it’s called

The state-run Unemployment Insurance (UI) program is called the Virginia Workforce Connection.

Online

Please note: If you have a Virginia Workforce Connection account, you will use your current User ID and Password to file your claim. If you don’t have an account, please select the link "Not Registered" to create one.

Virginia Workforce Connection links:

• English
• Español

**Click here for video tutorial.

By Phone

To file a new claim by telephone call 1-866-832-2363

To file a weekly claim by telephone, call toll free 1-800-897-5630

The Virginia Relay Center (VRC) provides Text Telephone (TTY) or Telecommunications for the Deaf (TDD). You can access the VRC by calling 1-800-828-1120

• Monday - Friday between 8:15am - 4:30pm
• Saturday between 9am - 1pm
• Closed state holidays

What you need to apply

• Your Social Security Number
• The accurate employer names, addresses, telephone numbers and dates of employment within the last 18 months.
• The name and local number of your local union hall, if you obtain work through a union.
• Your Alien Registration Number if you are not a US citizen.
• If you have any Non-Virginia employers you must have an accurate mailing address, phone number, and dates of employment for them.
• You will be asked to select a method of payment: VA Debit Card or Direct Deposit. If you select Direct Deposit, you will need to have your Routing Number (First 9 digits located at the bottom of your checks) and your Account Number (5-17 digits, its exact location and number of digits varies from bank to bank).

If you do not have this information available, please gather it before you begin to file your claim. This site is available seven days a week. The filing process takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. Please allow enough time to complete this process.

***Incomplete applications will not be processed. ***

**You should not attempt to file a Virginia claim if:
**

• Your last employer was a federal civilian employer in a state other than Virginia (you must file your claim in the state in which you last worked). The only exception is if you worked as a federal civilian overseas.
• Your employment within the last 18 months was performed in a state or states other than Virginia. To apply out-of-state, view the Out-of-State telephone list.

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) will only contact you on matters that directly concern your unemployment insurance claim.

Good luck, we’re here to help!
Information is changing quickly. Please consult the state's applicable website provided above to be sure the information is valid.