How much in unemployment benefits do I get and for how long?
See full answerYour monetary determination will show the Amount and Duration of Benefits you are entitled to based on your base period wages. Your Weekly Benefit Amount is determined by the two quarters with the highest earnings during the base period. Total wages reported during the base period determine your maximum benefit amount. Once your claim is established and reflects all earnings during your base period, the amount you qualify for remains the same for one year and is available to you until your maximum benefit amount or your benefit year is exhausted, whichever comes first.Currently the maximum weekly benefit amount is $378 and the minimum is $60. Individuals must have earned at least $18,900.01 in two quarters during the base period to qualify for the maximum weekly benefit amount. Benefit duration varies from 12 to 26 weeks, also depending on wages earned in the base period.
How much do I need to have earned to qualify for unemployment benefuts?
To qualify for benefits, an individual must have earned at least a total of $3,000 in two quarters in the base period.
Am I still eligible for unemployment benefits if I have a lengthy period of unemployment?
As the length of unemployment increases, you are expected to expand your methods of seeking work. You should be willing to include other occupations for which you are qualified as a result of prior training or experience.
Will I still get unemployment benefits if wages are correct but insufficient to qualify under the alternate base period?
If you worked only during the last six months or so, you may qualify monetarily after the quarter changes and should file another claim next April, July, October, or January as appropriate, if you are still unemployed.
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.
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.
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.
What is an affidavit in context of unemployment benefits appeal?
An affidavit is a statement, which is sworn to before a notary public, and not merely a notarized statement.
How are the facts about my separation obtained in context of unemployment benefits?
See full answerYou give the reason for your separation when you file your claim. This information along with a questionnaire is sent to your former employer for completion. If your separation is other than a lack of work, it will be necessary for a deputy (sometimes referred to as a hearing officer) to talk with you by telephone about your separation from work. Your employer may request to participate in the interview, or he may provide additional information in writing or by telephone. You have the right to review and comment on any information provided by your employer. The deputy will make a decision whether you are eligible to receive benefits. This decision will be contained in a “Notice of Deputy’s Determination” which will be sent to you and your employer.
Can affidavits be used in lieu of witnesses’ appearance for unemployment benefits appeal hearing?
Yes. However, they may not have as much weight as testimony under oath. It is preferable for the parties and witnesses, if necessary, to appear at the hearing to present the facts to the appeals examiner. If a party or witness is unable to attend, an affidavit may be submitted. The affidavit should set forth all facts, preferably in chronological order. Affidavits must be received in time to be considered at the hearing.
What should be done when a unemployment benefits Notice of Appeal is received?
Once notice is received, all parties should carefully read the information contained on both sides of the notice. Parties insure their respective interests will be represented at the hearing. This includes contacting witnesses and gathering documents and other evidence. Any party desiring to engage the services of an attorney or other representative should do so immediately upon receipt of the Notice of Appeal.
How can I get information on the status of my unemployment benefits claim?
You can obtain this information through the Voice Response System (1-800-897-5630). Listen to the menu, and select “Claims and Benefits” (option 1), and enter your Social Security number and PIN.
