The VEC, or Virginia Employment Commission, is the state agency that manages unemployment insurance benefits for workers in Virginia and collects unemployment taxes from employers. It also connects job seekers with career resources and employment services. If you live or work in Virginia and have lost a job, filed for unemployment, or run a business with employees, the VEC is the agency you’ll interact with.
What the VEC Does
The VEC has three core functions. First, it runs Virginia’s unemployment insurance program, which provides temporary payments to people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Second, it collects unemployment insurance taxes from Virginia employers to fund those payments. Third, it connects job seekers with training, career tools, and job listings through Virginia Works (formerly Virginia Career Works), the state’s workforce development system.
The agency is led by a governor-appointed Commissioner and handles everything from setting regulations and determining who qualifies for benefits to overseeing payments, assigning employer tax rates, running audits, and enforcing compliance. It also resolves disputes when a worker or employer disagrees with an eligibility decision, offering a formal appeals process.
Unemployment Benefits for Workers
The VEC’s most visible role is paying unemployment benefits. These payments partially replace lost wages while you look for new work. To qualify, you must have earned at least $3,000 across your two highest-paying quarters during a defined base period before you lost your job. You also need to have been separated from your employer through no fault of your own, meaning layoffs and company closures generally qualify while quitting voluntarily or being fired for misconduct typically does not.
For claims filed on or after January 4, 2026, the maximum weekly benefit amount is $430 and the minimum is $112. Your actual payment depends on your prior earnings. Benefits are temporary and last for a set number of weeks, so they’re designed as a bridge while you search for your next position, not a long-term income replacement.
How to File a Claim
You can file an unemployment claim online through the VEC’s Customer Self Service portal or by phone at 1-866-832-2363. The online system uses ID.me for identity verification, which requires a government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number. If you don’t have a valid Virginia state-issued photo ID, you’ll need to use ID.me specifically to complete the process.
If you register directly through the portal instead of using ID.me, create a username with letters and numbers (no special characters) and a password that’s at least eight characters long with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. One important detail: after completing your registration, wait at least one hour before logging in so the system can update your information.
Once your initial claim is approved, you’ll need to file weekly certifications to continue receiving payments. You can do this online or by calling 1-800-897-5630. Each weekly certification confirms you’re still unemployed, actively looking for work, and available to accept a job. If you run into identity verification errors, call 1-866-832-2363 for help.
Employer Tax Obligations
If you run a business with employees in Virginia, the VEC is also your point of contact for unemployment insurance taxes. These taxes fund the benefit payments that go to workers who lose their jobs. Base tax rates range from 0.1% to 6.2%, and the rate you pay depends on your individual experience as an employer, including factors like how many former employees have filed claims against your account.
New Virginia employers start with a base tax rate of 2.5% (plus any applicable add-ons) until they build enough history to receive a calculated rate. Rates are reassigned each calendar year, so your rate can go up or down over time based on your claims experience. The VEC’s Tax and Employer Accounts department handles rate assignments, tax collection, and compliance enforcement.
Job Search and Career Services
Beyond unemployment benefits, the VEC connects people with Virginia Works, the state’s workforce development program. Virginia Works offers job listings, career navigation tools, and employment support. Workforce centers located around the state can also provide basic unemployment insurance assistance, though hours and availability vary by location.
These services are available whether or not you’re collecting unemployment benefits. If you’re between jobs or looking to change careers, Virginia Works can help you explore opportunities and access training resources.
Disputes and Appeals
If the VEC issues a decision you disagree with, whether you’re a worker denied benefits or an employer disputing a claim, you have the right to appeal. The first step is a First Level Appeal, where your case is reviewed again. The VEC also has a Chief Customer Advocate who helps individuals and employers navigate complex situations, including furloughs, layoffs, language translation needs, and accessibility accommodations. If you’re facing a unique challenge with your claim or account, this office can connect you with specialized support or escalation teams.