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The Daily Insight

How long do you have to work in West Virginia to get unemployment

Author

Andrew White

Published May 04, 2026

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must have West Virginia wages during the past 12 to 18 months and have earned at least a minimum amount of wages as determined by West Virginia’s guidelines. You must also be able to work and available for work each week that you are collecting benefits.

What disqualifies you from unemployment in West Virginia?

West Virginia law distinguishes between simple and gross misconduct. You will be disqualified for a longer period of time for gross misconduct, which includes such serious offenses as intentional destruction of company property, theft, assault, or working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

How much is WV 2021 unemployment?

The minimum weekly benefit rate is $24.00 and maximum benefit rate is $424.00.

How long do you have to work to qualify for unemployment in Virginia?

To collect unemployment benefits under Virginia law, there is a threshold requirement that you worked for the employer for at least 30 days, and for a minimum of 240 hours. There are several situations that will disqualify you for unemployment compensation in Virginia.

What is low income in WV?

Monetary Eligibility and the Base Period To qualify for benefits, you must have earned at least $2,200 from a covered employer within a 12-month period called the base period. The base period is the first four of the last five quarters prior to your filing a claim.

Is Virginia unemployment delayed?

— The Virginia Employment Commission is delaying the rollout of its new unemployment insurance system again, moving the launch date back to Nov. 8. The VEC previously planned the online system overhaul to occur in 2020, before delaying it due to the pandemic.

Can I file for unemployment after 1 year?

A regular unemployment insurance benefit year ends 12 months after the claim started. Once your benefit year ends: … You can reapply for a new claim if you earned enough wages in the last 18 months and are still unemployed or working part time.

What is WV WorkForce?

WorkForce West Virginia is a state government agency funded through the U.S. Department of Labor that oversees the state unemployment insurance program as well as a network of workforce development services designed to provide West Virginia’s citizens and employers the opportunity to compete in today’s competitive …

What are the requirements to receive unemployment in Virginia?

  • You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, as defined by Virginia law.
  • You must have earned at least a minimum amount in wages before you were unemployed.
  • You must be able and available to work, and you must be actively seeking employment.
Is West Virginia still paying Pua?

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) West Virginia has ended its Pandemic Unemployment Assistance effective June 19, 2021.

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How long is unemployment in WV?

In general, individuals collecting regular unemployment compensation are eligible for 26 weeks of benefits. If you are still unemployed after 26 weeks, you may be eligible for up to 13 additional weeks of benefits through PEUC.

How is my unemployment benefits payment amount determined in West Virginia?

The weekly benefit amount is calculated by dividing the sum of the wages earned during the highest quarter of the base period by 26, rounded down to the next lower whole dollar.

Do you have to pay state taxes on unemployment in West Virginia?

All unemployment compensation benefits you receive are subject to federal and state income tax. … We are unable to withhold state income tax from benefits paid.

Why am I not getting my unemployment money va?

You may not receive your payment on the same day of the week each time you file your request for payment. However, no payment will be issued if you have a separation or able and available issue on your claim, until those issues have been addressed and appropriate action taken on them.

Will VA unemployment back pay?

If you have filed an unemployment claim before that date and are still awaiting a response regarding your eligibility for unemployment, you will receive retroactive payments for the back weeks of FPUC. This is the case even if the decision is not made until after the July 31 expiration date.

Why is Va unemployment delayed?

The project was delayed further at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, during which a tenfold increase in unemployment claims exposed long-standing flaws in the system. The new system will add various online features to a self-service portal, allowing claimants to avoid long wait times at VEC call centers.

How do I contact WV workforce?

Office of Workforce at 1-800-252-5627.

How do I speak to a live person at Workforce WV?

To contact Workforce WV by phone, call 1-800-252-JOBS (5627), or search for the number of your local office at

Is WV unemployment getting the extra $300?

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced during his Friday coronavirus briefing that West Virginia will stop the $300 pandemic unemployment assistance. West Virginia will stop the assistance on June 19 at midnight. Gov. … Justice said the state is working on a ‘bonus’ to get West Virginia residents back to work.

Is WV still giving extra unemployment?

Effective at 12 a.m, Saturday, June 19, West Virginia will stop participating in all federally funded unemployment compensation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. That is a week earlier than the federal government announced it was ending the program, which gives unemployed workers an additional $300 dollars per week.

Is WV ending unemployment?

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Effective June 19 at midnight, West Virginia will end its participation in all federally funded pandemic unemployment compensation programs.

Is WV taxing unemployment for 2020?

West Virginians who used unemployment benefits in 2020 are eligible for a tax credit under state law. West Virginians who already filed their taxes still can make use of a federal tax break through the American Rescue Plan Act. … Under SB 693, the state likewise won’t tax someone’s first $10,200 in unemployment benefits.

What is the $10 200 tax break?

The $10,200 tax break is the amount of income exclusion for single filers, not the amount of the refund (taxpayers who are married and filing jointly could be eligible for a $20,400 tax break). … The IRS can seize the refund to cover a past-due debt, such as unpaid federal or state taxes and child support.

Can you get an extension on unemployment in WV?

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provides for an extension of benefits once regular benefits have been exhausted. Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC), which provides an additional $100 benefit to certain people with mixed earnings.

Why does my unemployment claim say $0?

If your claim shows a determination of “0-0” while it is pending, this means we are still processing your claim, and there is nothing more you need to do. If you received a confirmation number, rest assured your claim is in process, and you will receive the full amount to which you are entitled.