Unemployment Claims In Virginia Near 500K; DC Unemployment Grows

VIRGINIA/DC — More than 84,000 Virginians filed unemployment claims last week, a nearly 20-percent drop from the previous week, when nearly 105,000 Virginians filed unemployment claims, according to new data released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor.

In the District of Columbia, unemployment claims totaled 8,591 for the week ending April 18, down from the 9,974 claims filed the previous week.

Nationwide, the Labor Department reported 4.427 million more Americans filed for unemployment benefits during the week ending April 18, down from 5.2 million who filed claims the previous week.

Unemployment claims filed in Virginia during the coronavirus crisis hit their weekly peak of 147,369 during the week ending April 4. Since March 15, nearly 500,000 people have filed for unemployment benefits in Virginia.

Federal and state officials believe it's still far too early to begin opening up businesses that were shut down to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The number of coronavirus cases would skyrocket if social distancing restrictions get lifted in the next week, as anti-stay-at-home protesters are demanding.

Last week, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam extended his order to keep nonessential businesses closed through May 8. The order covers restaurant dining areas, fitness centers, hair salons, museums and other recreational and entertainment businesses.

How To File VA Unemployment Claim

There are two primary steps to receiving unemployment insurance. First you must file an application to establish or reopen a claim. If you are out of work due to the coronavirus crisis then you will select "Lack of Work" as the reason for separation. Secondly, you access the program each week to claim unemployment insurance payment.

You should file your application or reopen your previous claim by visiting our website at www.vec.virginia.gov. This method is the preferred way to access the unemployment insurance application during this time of very heavy claim activity.

If you used the online system previously, the user name and passwords will remain the same.

You may file your claim through the Customer Contact Center by calling 866-832-2363. (Monday through Friday 8:15am to 4:30pm.) If you must file by telephone, continue to call back if lines are busy.

DC Unemployment Claims

Visit the DC Department of Employment Services website for links to applications forms. You can also call 202-724-7000.

Latest coronavirus updates on DC and Virginia Patch:

• VA, DC Coronavirus-Related Unemployment Claims Drop Slightly
• Northam Extends Coronavirus Closure Of Non-Essential Businesses
• VA, DC Unemployment Claims Surge Because Of Coronavirus
• Fredericksburg Awards $200K In Coronavirus Grants To Businesses