How to File 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.

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.

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.

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.