How Much Unemployment Pays in Virginia
How Virginia calculates weekly unemployment benefits, the current minimum and maximum, and how many weeks you can collect.
Short answer: Your weekly benefit is based on your wages in your two highest base-period quarters, up to the legal limit. For new claims filed on or after July 5, 2026, the maximum is $478 and the minimum is $160. VEC, Benefits Information, "How much can you get in benefits and for how long?"
| Weekly benefit amount | Your weekly benefit is based on your wages in your two highest base-period quarters, up to the legal limit. For new claims filed on or after July 5, 2026, the maximum is $478 and the minimum is $160. For claims filed before July 5, 2026, the range was $112 to $430. To get the maximum, your two highest quarters must total at least $18,900.01. Maximum $478 per week, effective for new claims filed on or after July 5, 2026. |
|---|---|
| How many weeks | Your base-period earnings determine how many weeks you can collect, from 12 to 26 weeks. Your claim stays open for a one-year benefit year. Source: VEC, Benefits Eligibility |
| Waiting week | Yes. The first week in which you meet all weekly eligibility requirements is your unpaid waiting period week. |
Where to get help in Virginia
More Virginia unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your Virginia Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in Virginia
- Unemployment After Being Fired in Virginia
- Unemployment After Quitting in Virginia
- How to File for Unemployment in Virginia
- All Virginia unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
How much is unemployment in Virginia?
Your weekly benefit is based on your wages in your two highest base-period quarters, up to the legal limit. For new claims filed on or after July 5, 2026, the maximum is $478 and the minimum is $160. For claims filed before July 5, 2026, the range was $112 to $430. To get the maximum, your two highest quarters must total at least $18,900.01.
How long can you get unemployment in Virginia?
Your base-period earnings determine how many weeks you can collect, from 12 to 26 weeks. Your claim stays open for a one-year benefit year.
Is there a waiting week for unemployment in Virginia?
Yes. The first week in which you meet all weekly eligibility requirements is your unpaid waiting period week.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.