All Laws Decoded

West Virginia Unemployment Benefits: Who Qualifies, How Much, and How to Apply

West Virginia unemployment: can you get benefits if fired or you quit, weekly benefit amounts, how many weeks, work search rules, how to apply and appeal.

Quick answers for West Virginia

If you were fired
Workers fired for misconduct cannot receive benefits. If you were discharged for reasons that are not willful misconduct, you may qualify. WorkForce WV, Claimant Handbook, "Qualifying for UI Benefits" and glossary
Weekly benefit amount
Your weekly benefit is based on your base-period wages, using the state's Unemployment Compensation Benefit Rate Table. WorkForce WV's claimant handbook gives $662 as the maximum weekly benefit, citing the 2023 figure. WorkForce WV, Claimant Handbook, "Amount of UI Benefits"
How many weeks
Up to 26 full weeks. If you collect partial benefits, they can stretch over more weeks, but not beyond 52. WorkForce WV, Claimant Handbook, "Amount of UI Benefits"; Unemployment Basics
How to apply
File a claim online through WorkForce WV's unemployment claims site, or call 1-800-252-JOBS (5627). After you apply, submit a weekly certification for each Sunday-to-Saturday week after it ends. WorkForce WV, Unemployment Basics; Claimant Handbook

Last verified: 2026-10-27

Who qualifies

If you were firedWorkers fired for misconduct cannot receive benefits. If you were discharged for reasons that are not willful misconduct, you may qualify. WorkForce WV's handbook describes misconduct as careless or deliberate behavior that gets you fired or suspended, such as job-related dishonesty, unexcused absences or violating company policy. The agency may contact you and your employer about why you were separated.
Source: WorkForce WV, Claimant Handbook, "Qualifying for UI Benefits" and glossary
If you quitIf you left your job for personal reasons unrelated to work, you may not receive benefits. If you can show you left for good cause related to the job, such as unsafe working conditions, you may qualify.
Source: WorkForce WV, Claimant Handbook, "Qualifying for UI Benefits"
Layoffs and reduced hoursWorkers laid off because of a plant closure, layoff or lack of work may qualify. You are partially unemployed if you were hired full-time but your hours and earnings were cut for lack of work while you stay on the payroll. Your employer may issue you a Low Earnings Report while your hours are reduced.
Source: WorkForce WV, Claimant Handbook; Frequently Asked Questions
Earnings needed to qualifyYou must have West Virginia wages and enough earnings in the 12 to 18 months before you file. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your claim.
Source: WorkForce WV, Claimant Handbook, "Qualifying for UI Benefits" and glossary
Self-employed, 1099 and gig workersYou may not receive unemployment benefits if you are self-employed full time. While claiming, you must report earnings from all work, including temporary or odd jobs and self-employment.
Source: WorkForce West Virginia, Claimant Handbook

How much and how long

Weekly benefit amountYour weekly benefit is based on your base-period wages, using the state's Unemployment Compensation Benefit Rate Table. WorkForce WV's claimant handbook gives $662 as the maximum weekly benefit, citing the 2023 figure.
Maximum $662 per week, as stated for 2023 in the current claimant handbook. Not confirmed for 2026.
Source: WorkForce WV, Claimant Handbook, "Amount of UI Benefits"
How many weeksUp to 26 full weeks. If you collect partial benefits, they can stretch over more weeks, but not beyond 52.
Source: WorkForce WV, Claimant Handbook, "Amount of UI Benefits"; Unemployment Basics
Waiting weekYes. The first payable week of your claim is an unpaid waiting week. You must still file a weekly certification and meet all requirements that week.
Source: WorkForce WV, Claimant Handbook, "Waiting Week"
Working part-time on benefitsYou can earn up to $60 a week with no deduction. Earnings above $60 are subtracted dollar for dollar from your weekly benefit. Report gross earnings for the week you did the work, even if you have not been paid yet.
Source: WorkForce WV, Frequently Asked Questions, "How does working affect my benefits?"
Severance and vacation payWages in lieu of notice are deductible. Severance pay based on your length of employment is not deductible. Report all separation payments and the agency will decide. Bonus pay, such as incentives, attendance bonuses and safety awards, is deductible. Report vacation and holiday pay in the week the vacation or holiday falls, and the agency will decide whether it is deductible. A pension can reduce benefits if a base-period employer contributed to or maintained the plan.
Source: WorkForce WV, Claimant Handbook, "Deductions"

Applying and keeping benefits

How to applyFile a claim online through WorkForce WV's unemployment claims site, or call 1-800-252-JOBS (5627). After you apply, submit a weekly certification for each Sunday-to-Saturday week after it ends. Report your work search activities and gross earnings for the week you did the work.
Source: WorkForce WV, Unemployment Basics; Claimant Handbook
Work search requirementsActively look for full-time work by completing four work search activities each week. Keep proof for your benefit year plus six months, or upload it with each weekly certification. Apply for any job WorkForce WV refers you to within one week. You must register with job services within 6 weeks of filing, unless you are told you are exempt, for example through a union hiring hall.
Source: WorkForce WV, Unemployment Basics, "Looking for Work"; Claimant Handbook, "Mandatory Job Search Registration"
Appealing a denialYou must appeal at your nearest WorkForce WV local office within 8 calendar days of the mailing date on the Deputy's Decision. An administrative law judge holds a hearing. You can appeal the judge's decision to the Board of Review within 8 calendar days, and the Board's decision to the West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals within 30 days. Keep filing weekly certifications and looking for work while you appeal.
Source: WorkForce WV, Disqualification & Appeals
Logging in and filing weekly claimsWorkForce West Virginia's unemployment portal is where you file your weekly certification ("File Weekly Certification"). Each certification covers the prior Sunday-Saturday week and can't be filed until that week ends; filing on Sunday is recommended, but you may file through Friday by 5 p.m. You report all gross earnings and complete four work search activities each week, and you can upload work search proof during each certification. If you filed within the past 12 months but stopped certifying, reopen through the same portal rather than submitting a new initial claim. Phone: 1-800-252-JOBS (5627); WV Relay 711.
Weekly certification portal: https://uc.workforcewv.org/consumer
Source: WorkForce West Virginia, Unemployment Basics

Where to get help in West Virginia

Unemployment Benefits FAQ

Can you get unemployment if you were fired in West Virginia?
Workers fired for misconduct cannot receive benefits. If you were discharged for reasons that are not willful misconduct, you may qualify. WorkForce WV's handbook describes misconduct as careless or deliberate behavior that gets you fired or suspended, such as job-related dishonesty, unexcused absences or violating company policy. The agency may contact you and your employer about why you were separated.
Can you get unemployment if you quit in West Virginia?
If you left your job for personal reasons unrelated to work, you may not receive benefits. If you can show you left for good cause related to the job, such as unsafe working conditions, you may qualify.
Can you get unemployment if your hours were cut in West Virginia?
Workers laid off because of a plant closure, layoff or lack of work may qualify. You are partially unemployed if you were hired full-time but your hours and earnings were cut for lack of work while you stay on the payroll. Your employer may issue you a Low Earnings Report while your hours are reduced.
How much do you need to have earned to get unemployment in West Virginia?
You must have West Virginia wages and enough earnings in the 12 to 18 months before you file. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your claim.
How much is unemployment in West Virginia?
Your weekly benefit is based on your base-period wages, using the state's Unemployment Compensation Benefit Rate Table. WorkForce WV's claimant handbook gives $662 as the maximum weekly benefit, citing the 2023 figure.
How long can you get unemployment in West Virginia?
Up to 26 full weeks. If you collect partial benefits, they can stretch over more weeks, but not beyond 52.
Is there a waiting week for unemployment in West Virginia?
Yes. The first payable week of your claim is an unpaid waiting week. You must still file a weekly certification and meet all requirements that week.
What are the work search requirements for unemployment in West Virginia?
Actively look for full-time work by completing four work search activities each week. Keep proof for your benefit year plus six months, or upload it with each weekly certification. Apply for any job WorkForce WV refers you to within one week. You must register with job services within 6 weeks of filing, unless you are told you are exempt, for example through a union hiring hall.
Does severance pay affect unemployment in West Virginia?
Wages in lieu of notice are deductible. Severance pay based on your length of employment is not deductible. Report all separation payments and the agency will decide. Bonus pay, such as incentives, attendance bonuses and safety awards, is deductible. Report vacation and holiday pay in the week the vacation or holiday falls, and the agency will decide whether it is deductible. A pension can reduce benefits if a base-period employer contributed to or maintained the plan.
How do I apply for unemployment in West Virginia?
File a claim online through WorkForce WV's unemployment claims site, or call 1-800-252-JOBS (5627). After you apply, submit a weekly certification for each Sunday-to-Saturday week after it ends. Report your work search activities and gross earnings for the week you did the work.
How do I appeal an unemployment denial in West Virginia?
You must appeal at your nearest WorkForce WV local office within 8 calendar days of the mailing date on the Deputy's Decision. An administrative law judge holds a hearing. You can appeal the judge's decision to the Board of Review within 8 calendar days, and the Board's decision to the West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals within 30 days. Keep filing weekly certifications and looking for work while you appeal.
Can you work part-time and collect unemployment in West Virginia?
You can earn up to $60 a week with no deduction. Earnings above $60 are subtracted dollar for dollar from your weekly benefit. Report gross earnings for the week you did the work, even if you have not been paid yet.
Can self-employed or gig workers get unemployment in West Virginia?
You may not receive unemployment benefits if you are self-employed full time. While claiming, you must report earnings from all work, including temporary or odd jobs and self-employment.
Where do I log in to my unemployment claim in West Virginia?
WorkForce West Virginia's unemployment portal is where you file your weekly certification ("File Weekly Certification"). Each certification covers the prior Sunday-Saturday week and can't be filed until that week ends; filing on Sunday is recommended, but you may file through Friday by 5 p.m. You report all gross earnings and complete four work search activities each week, and you can upload work search proof during each certification. If you filed within the past 12 months but stopped certifying, reopen through the same portal rather than submitting a new initial claim. Phone: 1-800-252-JOBS (5627); WV Relay 711.

Unemployment Benefits in other states

More West Virginia law

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.