How to File for Unemployment in Virginia
Updated July 2026
Quick Answer
In Virginia, unemployment claims are filed through Employment Commission. Most initial claims are processed within two to three weeks, though it can take longer if there's an issue with your claim.
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.
What You'll Need
- Social Security number
- Employer names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of employment for the last 18 months
- Alien Registration Number if not a U.S. citizen
- Bank routing and account number, or preference for the Way2Go debit card
- Union hall name and number, if applicable
- DD214 or PCS orders, if a veteran or military spouse
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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6
Return to file weekly claims
Log back into CSS with the same ID.me credentials each week to file for continued benefits.
File Your Claim
Compare Other States
Unemployment rules, benefit amounts, and filing steps are set state by state. These share Virginia's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the program.
Helpful Guides
Unemployment Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies
The three tests every state uses to decide unemployment eligibility, and the separation reasons that typically help or hurt your claim.
Learn more →How Unemployment Benefits Work
A plain-English overview of how the joint federal-state unemployment insurance system works, from filing your first claim to your last payment.
Learn more →Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed and Gig Workers
Regular unemployment insurance is built around W-2 payroll taxes, which is why freelancers and gig workers usually do not qualify — here is what does apply.
Learn more →Partial Unemployment Benefits: Working Part-Time While on Unemployment
Taking part-time work does not automatically end your unemployment claim — most states let you keep a reduced payment if you report your earnings correctly.
Learn more →