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Virginia

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 9, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Virginia, we recommend that you visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Virginia portal, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce's State Resources list or the USDA's COVID-19 Waivers & Flexibilities for Virginia.

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Description of Program and Relief

Waiver of 7-Day Waiting Period and Requirement to Conduct a Weekly Job Search for Unemployment Insurance Due to COVID-19

Unemployment Insurance provides temporary financial assistance to individuals who become unemployed through no fault of their own. Ordinarily, an applicant must wait 7 days after losing employment before applying for Unemployment Insurance benefits and must conduct a weekly job search to receive benefits. The Virginia Employment Commission, at the direction of Governor Northam, has waived both the 7-day waiting period and the requirement to conduct a weekly job search because of the impact of COVID-19. Additionally, although the program is typically limited to workers who were laid off or whose hours have been significantly reduced, the program has been extended to individuals who are: quarantined on their own initiative or at the direction of a medical official; caring for a family member who is ill or under quarantine; or caring for a child whose school or day care has been closed. Depending on a worker’s earnings, a worker’s benefit amount may range from a minimum of $60 per week for 12 weeks to a maximum of $378 a week for 26 weeks.

Government or Lead Agency

Virginia Employment Commission

Dates Available

Effective March 15, 2020, continuing indefinitely

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Information on eligibility can be found here. Generally, unemployment benefits are available to individuals who have been separated from employment through no fault of their own, are able and available to work, register with the state employment service, and actively seek work. Due to the impact of COVID-19, individuals no longer need to wait 7 days after losing employment before applying and do not need to conduct a weekly job search to receive benefits.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

Customer Contact Center:(866) 832-2363 (open 8:15 am to 4:30 pm, Monday –Friday)

List of Additional Information

For more information, please visit:

http://www.vec.virginia.gov/qa-coronavirus

http://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/resources/im-unemployed-now-what

http://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/claims-information/our-claims-processes

http://www.vec.virginia.gov/print/book/export/html/915

To file a claim, contact the Customer Contact Center or visit: http://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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