ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR JOB SEEKERS
FAQ for Workers
Unemployment Information
The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) is waiving the waiting week requirements for all new initial claims with an effective date of 3-16-2020 and beyond due to the Coronavirus outbreak in the Commonwealth of Virginia. They will also be waiving the work search requirements for all claimants starting with the week ending 3-21-2020.
For comprehensive guidance and resources about state benefits related to employment and COVID-19, we highly recommend this FAQ page from the Virginia Employment Commission.
Click HERE to view a general information flyer on unemployment procedures to file or re-open a claim.
If you are a worker who has been totally or partially separated from your job due to Coronavirus, please note that no claim for unemployment insurance may be filed or processed until an actual lay off from employment has occurred, or until there has been an actual reduction in hours. When filing your claim for unemployment benefits, please be sure to check the reason for separation as Lack of Work/Lay off. If you will be filing because of a reduction in hours, you will not receive benefits unless your gross earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount. Currently the maximum weekly benefit amount in Virginia is $378.
File a new claim for unemployment benefits
VEC Unemployment Insurance Information Links:
- Attention Workers Whose Job Has Been Affected by the Coronavirus
- Q&A on Claims Related to Coronavirus
- VEC UI Director WTKR Interview How to file for unemployment due to coronavirus cutbacks March 18, 2020
Customer Contact Center 1-866-832-2363 Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Online Claims
File a New Claim for UI Benefits Online
Telephone Claims
File a New Claim for UI Benefits by Telephone: 1-866-832-2363
Available 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Closed weekends and state holidays.
Continuing Claims
It is your responsibility to file your weekly continued claim on time, each week, while you are receiving benefits. If you have filed an unemployment insurance application (UI), you must then file a weekly claim for each week or you will NOT be paid. It is recommended to do this on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday of each week if you remain unemployed and want to be paid for the prior week.
- File Your Weekly Continued Claim by Internet
- File Your Weekly Continued Claim by Telephone: 1-800-897-5630
Contact Information Changes
If your contact information changes at any time, it is your responsibility to notify the VEC immediately at: 1-866-832-2363 or complete the name/address change form: Instructions | Form.
TTY Callers
For TTY Callers: Virginia Relay, Call 711 or 800-828-1120
Virginia Relay enables people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind, or speech disabled to communicate by TTY (text telephone).
For additional VEC information, contact Hosey Burgess at either 757-629-4703 or hosey.burgess@vec.virginia.gov.
Businesses Hiring in the 757
Virginia Career Works provides three levels of service: Career Services Basic, Career Services Individualized and Training Services. Virginia Career Works services are funded through the US Department of Labor at no cost to the job seeker.
CAREER SERVICES BASIC
Basic assistance and self-directed services available to all job seekers.
- Work Skills exploration
- Access to computers, internet telephones, fax and copy machines
- Searches for jobs and training
- Access to job banks and other listings of available jobs
- Referral to employers with current job openings
- Workshops
- Résumé development assistance
- Job search training
- Networking skills workshops
- Interview techniques workshops
- Eligibility determination for additional services
CAREER SERVICES (INDIVIDUALIZED)
One-on-one and small group assistance provided by a Virginia Career Works Career Developer. Visit your nearest Virginia Career Works Center to determine eligibility for these services.
- Comprehensive assessments of skills and service needs
- Development of an individual employment and career plan
- Intensive career counseling
- In-depth interviewing skills development
- Computer workshops
- One-one-one assistance with résumés, cover letters and thank you letters
- Ongoing follow-up and assistance
- Occupational skills training
TRAINING SERVICES
Intensive services clients may be eligible to receive funding for occupational skills training from a Virginia Career Works approved training provider or an employer while on-the-job.
- On-the job training
- Job readiness training
- Adult education (GED) and literacy
- Customized training for an employer who commits to hiring clients
LOCATIONS
861 Glenrock Road, Suite 100
Norfolk, VA 23502
Phone: 757-461-7537
Fax: 757-461-6117
157 North Main Street,
Suffolk, VA 23434
Phone: 757-514-7737
Satellite Center
100 North College Drive,
Franklin, VA 23851
Phone: 757-569-6070
Satellite Center
4824 George Washington Highway
Portsmouth, VA 23702
Phone: 757-558-4462
Satellite Center