Unfortunately, the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 has already resulted in layoffs in Virginia and here in the Alexandria area.
A number of restaurants, salons, gyms and other places have closed temporarily as a new emergency order restricts gatherings to no more than 10 people in public places.
Gov. Ralph Northam has asked the Virginia Employment Commission to make unemployment insurance claims with no waiting period available for people who have been laid off or faced a significant reduction in hours – even temporarily – due to coronavirus.
To qualify for unemployment insurance assistance, you must have an actual (not just planned) reduction in hours at your job. You can file one day after the reduction or elimination of your hours.
The maximum weekly benefit in Virginia currently is $378.
Your earnings from your reduced hours must not exceed your weekly benefit amount. Minimum benefits are $60 per week for at least 12 weeks; maximum benefits are $378 for up to 26 weeks. Once your hours are reinstated, you are no longer eligible to collect. The amount you receive depends on your earnings.
You may file a claim for unemployment insurance through by clicking here: file a new claim for unemployment benefits. Or, you may call the Virginia Employment Commission at 866-832-2363 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To file, you will need the following:
- Your Social Security number
- Employer names, addresses, telephone numbers and dates of employment within the last 18 months.
- The name and local number of your local union hall, if you obtain work through a union.
- Your Alien Registration number if you are not a US citizen.
- If you have any non-Virginia employers you must have an accurate mailing address, phone number, and dates of employment for them.
- You will be asked to select a method of payment – debit card or direct deposit (for direct deposit, be sure you have your routing number and checking account number from your bank).
After you apply, you will get a few documents in the mail: A benefit rights document explaining eligibility and how to claim your weekly benefits, your monetary determination amount and a PIN that you will need to claim benefits every week.
You will need to update your online account with the Virginia Employment Commission or call the Commission to verify unemployment (or underemployment) on a weekly basis to continue to receive benefits.
