State Unemployment Benefits in Virginia

State Unemployment Benefits in Virginia: key facts

Administering agency

Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), Unemployment Insurance program.

Customer service

866-832-2363, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

TTY line

800-828-1140

After a death

Report the death to VEC so benefit payments stop. Payments issued for weeks after the date of death must be returned to the Commission.

Reporting a death

Phone-only: call VEC at 866-832-2363 (Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). No online form or agency-specific form is published for this purpose. 16VAC5-60-30.

Documentation for final payment

Under 16VAC5-60-30, "proof of the claimant's death" is required. VEC does not publish a specific document list beyond that; a certified death certificate is the standard proof of death. The estate representative should also be prepared to provide evidence of authority (e.g., a certificate of qualification as executor) when asked.

Who may claim

Under 16VAC5-60-30, the final benefit check for weeks the claimant was eligible before death is payable to the decedent's estate. The executor or administrator of the estate receives the payment on behalf of the estate.

Frequently asked questions