Unemployment Benefits in Virginia
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Virginia requires workers to earn at least $3,600 in the base year and meet ongoing work requirements to qualify.
How Virginia treats Unemployment Benefits
Virginia's unemployment insurance program follows federal guidelines but maintains strict earnings thresholds. Workers must have earned at least $3,600 during their base year (the first four of the last five calendar quarters before filing) and meet additional wage requirements in at least two quarters. The state typically provides up to 26 weeks of benefits, though this can extend during periods of high unemployment. Virginia also requires claimants to actively search for work and report their job-search activities regularly.
The general definition of Unemployment Benefits
Temporary income payments to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Unemployment benefits are payments provided by the government to workers who have lost their jobs involuntarily and meet certain eligibility requirements. These benefits are funded by taxes that employers pay into a state unemployment insurance fund. To qualify, a worker typically must have been employed for a minimum period, have lost the job without quitting, and not have been fired for misconduct. Benefits are usually a percentage of the worker's prior wages and last for a limited time, often 26 weeks. Workers must actively search for new employment to continue receiving benefits.
Read the full Unemployment Benefits entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.