How much can I earn and still receive unemployment benefits?

You must report any gross wages, not net wages, during the week they are earned, not paid. If the gross, not net, wages you earn are less then your weekly benefit amount, you may receive unemployment benefits. However, the amount of gross wages that are more than $50.00 will be deducted from your weekly benefit amount. If your gross weekly wages are equal to or more than your weekly benefit amount, you will not be paid benefits for that week.

Why would I be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits because of my separation from employment?

You will be disqualified from receiving benefits based on your separation if the Deputy finds that you quit your job without good cause, or that you were fired from your job for misconduct in connection with your work.

Are the weekly eligibility requirements different for partial unemployment benefits claimants in Virginia?

See full answerYes. You must work all available hours. You must not miss work to report on your claim. If you do not work all hours offered to you, you may be held ineligible for benefits. You must report all earnings from your regular employer and from any other employers for which you worked during each week claimed. You must report any offers of employment. By Friday of any week in which you had zero earnings because no work was offered to you by your partial employer, you are required to: file a total claim on line at or by phone by calling 1-866-832-2363 (Available 8:15am to 4:30pm, Monday – Friday. Closed state holidays.), register for employment services on the Virginia Workforce Connection, and conduct an active search for work during that Friday and Saturday.

What happens with my unemployment benefits if I quit my job?

Voluntary quits and resignations are separation issues. If either of these reasons for separation is entered at the time you file your claim, or if your employer reports either of these as the reason for your separation, you must have a fact finding interview with a deputy. You will receive notice of the date and time the deputy will contact you. In cases involving a voluntary quit or resignation, the burden is on the claimant to show that you had good reason for leaving your employment.

Can I apply for unemployment benefits if my working hours have reduced in Virginia?

You can file due to a reduction in hours. If your gross earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount. Currently, the maximum weekly benefit amount in Virginia is $378.

Am I required to actively seek work as a partial unemployment benefits claimant?

Generally no because you are working for your regular employer. You are required to work all hours the employer offers you during each week claimed. If you are offered no work by Friday, you are required to file a total claim, register with Workforce Services, and make an active search for work during Friday and Saturday. An active search means contacting several employers. The Workforce Services Specialist will advise you of this requirement when you file your claim.

Are partial unemployment benefits different than regular unemployment benefits in Virginia?

See full answerYes. Your employer will be sent a notice that you have filed a claim for partial benefits and your weekly benefit amount. During any week you earn less than your weekly benefit amount because of a lack of work, your employer is required to give you a Statement of Partial Unemployment stating your wages for the week. In order to obtain your partial benefits, you must enter the name(s) of other employer(s) for which you worked during the week, the gross wages earned from each,sign the form and return it to the VEC Benefit Payment/Charge Unit, P.O. Box 27887, Richmond, VA 23261-7887 within 14 days of the date the employer gives it to you.