Unemployment
Important Information for Unemployment Insurance
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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!
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VEC recommends you do this on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday of each week if you remain unemployed and want to be paid for the prior week.
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You can complete and submit your weekly UI payment request by calling 1-800-897-5630. You can also find more information by visiting our website at vec.virginia.gov.
Latest Alerts:
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Beginning with claims effective March 15, 2020, Governor Northam has directed that the one week waiting period and the requirement to conduct a weekly job search both be suspended for those receiving unemployment insurance benefits.
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VEC will begin issuing $600 provided for by the CARES Act once we have received guidance from the United States Department of Labor and have modified our system to implement that guidance.
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Currently, the online claim filing system is operational but not sending confirmation numbers. Claims are being received and we are working on fixing the problem.
Relief Funds
Relief funds for service workers:
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Southwest Virginia Virtual Tip Jar - Enter your info if you are a service industry worker in need.
Restaurant Opportunities Centers United is providing resources and financial assistance to restaurant workers impacted by the coronavirus crisis. 4/3/20 update: applications paused.
Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Program - Emergency funding for those employed by restaurants, bars, and their suppliers, as well as owners of restaurants and bars, if facing unforeseen expenses not covered by insurance. 4/3/20
GET HELP — SUPPORT WORKERS IN CRISIS - Accepting applications for assistance. 4/3/20
Another Round Another Rally - Offering $500 relief grants to anyone in the hospitality industry (dishwasher, bartender, server, busser, chef, cook, sommelier, manager, host, concierge, cleaning staff, or barback). 4/3/20 update: applications paused
CORE™: CHILDREN OF RESTAURANT EMPLOYEES - For food and beverage service employees, with children, if they have been medically diagnosed with COVID-19. Documentation is required. 4/3/20
Resources for artists:
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GrantSpace - scroll down to “FOR ARTISTS”
MusicCovidRelief.com is a resource to any musicians, audio engineers, promoters, venue owners, equipment rental companies, and all of the people who work in the music industry who want to know about unemployment benefits, small business loans, grants, and additional resources.