How to File for Unemployment in Virginia

Virginia pushes claimants hard toward ID.me verification — the agency literally brands it 'Start Green, Stay Green' because the sign-in button turns green once you're using ID.me, and you're expected to use that same login every time you come back to check on your claim. If you get approved and choose card payment, note that your debit card won't say 'Virginia' or 'VEC' anywhere on it — it arrives as an unbranded 'Way2Go' card, so don't toss the envelope thinking it's junk mail.

Updated July 2026

1. 1

   Make sure Virginia is the right state to file in

   You generally file where you worked — Virginia works if you performed any work there in the last 18 months, but not if all your recent work was in another state.

2. 2

   Create or sign in with an ID.me account

   Virginia's Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal requires ID.me identity verification; have a government-issued ID ready since setup only takes a few minutes.

3. 3

   Apply as soon as possible after job loss

   File preferably within the first week of separation or reduced hours; the application takes about 45 minutes and incomplete submissions won't be processed.

4. 4

   Choose your payment method

   Pick between the unbranded Way2Go debit card or direct deposit, and have your bank routing and account numbers ready if you choose direct deposit.

5. 5

   Submit extra documents if they apply to you

   Recently separated service members need their DD214, and military spouses who relocated for a PCS need their spouse's orders, marriage certificate, and a resignation letter citing the move.

6. 6

   Return to file weekly claims

   Log back into CSS with the same ID.me credentials each week to file for continued benefits.

Verified against the official Virginia unemployment agency site. View source