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Unemployment calculator  →  Virginia

Virginia Unemployment Calculator (2026)

Virginia just raised its unemployment benefits: claims filed on or after July 5, 2026 pay $160 to $478 per week, up from $112 to $430. Benefits last 12 to 26 weeks depending on your earnings. The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) runs the program.

Data verified 2026-07-04Source: US DOL + state statuteEffective 2026-01-01
Weekly benefit range
$160 – $478
Duration
12–26 weeks
Formula
two highest quarters, $50 table steps
Apply with
Virginia Employment Commission official
The actual rule

How Virginia calculates it

Virginia bases your benefit on your two highest-earning base period quarters combined, using a table that moves in $50 steps — every extra $50 of combined wages adds $1 per week. Combined wages of $3,000 pay the $160 minimum; $10,000 pays $299; $18,900.01 or more pays the $478 maximum.

Filing date matters this year. The new table applies to claims filed on or after July 5, 2026. Claims filed between January 4 and July 4, 2026 use the old range of $112 to $430. This is Virginia's second increase in two years — lawmakers raised benefits in both 2025 and 2026.

Duration runs 12 to 26 weeks on a schedule tied to how your two highest quarters compare to your weekly benefit. Roughly: the steadier and higher your earnings, the more weeks you get.

two highest quarters, $50 table steps, clamped to $160 – $478
Source: US DOL “Significant Provisions of State UI Laws” (Jan 2026) + state statute · verified 2026-07-04

Timing note: Applies to new claims filed on/after 2026-07-05 (2026 cc. 774/775, HB1320/SB759). Claims filed 2026-01-04 through 2026-07-04: min $112 / max $430 (2025 cc. 614/640). Historical pre-2026: $60/$378.

Qualifying

Do you qualify in Virginia?

Virginia's wage test is a single number: at least $3,000 combined in your two highest base period quarters.

You also must be out of work through no fault of your own, able and available to work, and actively job searching. The VEC makes the final determination on every claim.

Maximum total benefit: Weighted schedule of 2 highest quarters to WBA x weeks.

Common questions

Virginia unemployment, in plain language

How much unemployment will I get in Virginia? +
For claims filed on or after July 5, 2026: between $160 and $478 per week. It's based on your two highest quarters combined — $10,000 combined pays $299 a week, and $18,900.01 or more pays the $478 maximum.
How long does unemployment last in Virginia? +
12 to 26 weeks, based on a schedule that compares your two highest quarters to your weekly benefit amount. Higher, steadier earnings mean more weeks.
How is the Virginia weekly benefit calculated? +
From a statutory table keyed to your two highest base period quarters combined. It starts at $160 for $3,000 in combined wages and adds $1 per week for every additional $50, topping out at $478 once combined wages pass $18,900.
What changed with Virginia unemployment in July 2026? +
A new benefit table took effect for claims filed on or after July 5, 2026: the minimum rose from $112 to $160 and the maximum from $430 to $478. Claims filed between January 4 and July 4, 2026 stay on the old amounts.
Can I work part-time while on unemployment in Virginia? +
Yes. You can earn up to $100 in a week without any reduction (this threshold was raised from $50 in 2025). Earnings over $100 reduce your benefit dollar for dollar. Report everything you earn.
What do I need to qualify for unemployment in Virginia? +
At least $3,000 combined in your two highest base period quarters — that's the entire wage test. You also must have lost the job through no fault of your own and be able, available, and actively looking for work.
Is Virginia unemployment taxable? +
Yes, on your federal return. You can request 10% federal withholding with Form W-4V. State tax treatment varies — check current Virginia rules or ask a tax professional.
When should I apply for Virginia unemployment? +
As soon as possible after your last day of work — benefits are tied to your filing date, and this year the filing date also determines which benefit table applies. Processing details vary; check with the VEC.
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