Virginia Unemployment Eligibility
Virginia unemployment eligibility requirements are conveniently listed on the Virginia Employment Commission website:
http://www.vec.virginia.gov/vecportal/unins/insunemp.cfm.
In order to meet the guidelines as set forth in the Virginia unemployment eligibility requirements and in the Claimant and Job Seeker Handbook, you must either be unemployed or partially unemployed at the time you apply. To qualify for partial unemployment acceptability you must have had your full time hours cut back due to a lack of work and making less than what you would qualify for in terms of a weekly benefit amount because of the cutback.
So that you can have your Virginia unemployment eligibility determined, you will also need to complete the unemployment application online at VaEmploy.com. When you apply, bear in mind that you will be responsible for reporting when you return to work; you must be completely able and willing to work and actively seeking work while you get benefits from the Virginia Employment Commission.
When you decide to apply for Virginia unemployment insurance, you can either fill out an electronic application online or you can call The Virginia Employment Commission at 1.866.832.2363 to apply. The relay center is also available to apply via telephone at 1.800.828.1120. You will be asked a series of questions about your work history and employers, and you will need to have the contact information for every employer you have had in the last eighteen months. You will also have to provide personal information like your contact information, social security number, and your alien registration number (if applicable).
During the application process you will be asked whether, if approved, you want to receive your Virginia Unemployment Compensation via direct deposit or debit card. Thus, if you want to receive payments via Direct Deposit, you will need specific banking information at the time you apply for unemployment insurance; the unemployment office will require your bank’s routing number and your checking account number to complete direct deposit requests.