The unpaid “waiting week” for unemployment insurance (UI) was reinstated as of Sept. 5.
The week is the first week of a claim.
Claimants must claim the week and meet all eligibility requirements, but no one is paid for that first week.
The first payable week will be the second week of a claim. Weekly claims may be submitted by calling 1-800-897-5630 or by visiting www.vec.virginia.gov.
In March 2020, Gov. Ralph Northam waived the waiting week policy for all Virginia unemployment claimants as part of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency declaration.
The reinstatement coincides with the end of temporary Federal benefit programs on September 4, 2021.
Claimants can learn more about waiting week and eligibility at https://www.vec.virginia.gov/node/13501, or more information about UI and other VEC services, visit www.vec.virginia.gov.
