West Virginia Unemployment Guide
If you've recently lost your job in West Virginia, you may be eligible for West Virginia Unemployment Insurance benefits. This is a guide to filing your claim for West Virginia unemployment benefits. Since each situation may have its own unique circumstances, make sure you check with the contact numbers and websites listed below to make sure you get the maximum benefits you can claim.
Filing for Unemployment:
Unemployed West Virginia workers can file an initial claim for unemployment benefits in person, by visiting a local West Virginia Unemployment Commission office.
File your claim right away after you've stopped working – don't delay. Your claim starts the week you file. Unemployment benefits are not retroactive, so if you delay you may lose benefits.
- Name, address & phone
- SSN & date of birth
- Name, address, phone number, gross earnings, occupation, dates worked, and reason for separation for all employers for the past 18 months
- If you were discharged from the military in the last 18 months, you'll need Copy #4 of your DD Form 214
- If you were a Federal employee in the last 18 months, you'll need SF 8 or SF 50 (or W2 or pay stubs)
- If you are not a US Citizen, you'll need your Alien Registration Number, expiration, and type
- Union Hall name and number, if applicable
- West Virginia Driver's License or State ID
After filing your initial unemployment claim, you will receive a monetary determination, describing benefits, eligibility and giving additional information.
Filing Your Bi-Weekly Claim:
West Virginia weekly unemployment benefits are based on approximately 50% of your the average weekly earnings, with a minimum of $24 and a maximum of $424 per week. Federal Additional Compensation (FAC) currently adds an additional $25 per week to your benefit.
- Online – File your bi-weekly unemployment claim online
- Telephone – File your bi-weekly unemployment claim by calling the West Virginia UC IVR system at 800-379-1032
- Mail - You may mail your bi-weekly unemployment claim form to the local office where you filed your initial Unemployment application.
Beware of the Waiting Week. Your first week of benefits is called a "waiting week" – this means you will not be paid benefits during your first week of eligibility, but you must still file a claim to get credit for waiting.
You should expect your first unemployment check within 3 weeks. Weekly benefits are paid by check or debit card. You should expect your check within 7 - 10 days from your filing date. To minimize the waiting time for your unemployment check, file before 5:00pm on the Sunday after your two week claim period.
Unemployment Benefits:
Health care benefits may also be available through the Health Coverage Tax Credit - Check COBRA and The IRS for details.
West Virginia workers may be eligible for online career assistance and online training assistance. You may also find career and training assistance at a local West Virginia Career Centers.
Filing for extensions:
If an extended benefit period is declared, based on unemployment rates, and it appears that you qualify, you will be notified with instructions to extend your unemployment benefits.
Ending Unemployment:
When you return to work, file for credit for the remaining few days you didn't work, and report wages earned for the week. Then, just stop filing - when you stop weekly filing, your unemployment benefits automatically end.
FAQ:
Make sure to keep a copy of your work search record. You may be required to supply copies to the West Virginia Unemployment Commission.
