Federal Employees and Military Service Members

Federal civilian employees and military service members may qualify for unemployment benefits through the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) or Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service Members (UCX) programs. These programs are administered by WorkForce West Virginia and have special documentation and requirements that differ from regular state claims. 

This section provides guidance on eligibility, required forms, how to file a claim, and what to expect during processing. Even if your separation from federal service was temporary, reduced hours, or due to administrative leave, you may still be eligible- so it’s important to file your claim. 

Who May Be Eligible?

You may be eligible for unemployment benefits if you worked as a federal civilian employee or military service member within the past eighteen (18) months and one of the following applies:

  • Your last official duty station was in West Virginia, or
  • You are a current West Virginia resident and:
    • You are a U.S. citizen whose official duty station was outside the United States, or
    • You worked in West Virginia after your last federal employment ended.

Not sure if you qualify? Apply anyway. WorkForce West Virginia will review your federal employment and determine your eligibility. 

Important Information for Federal and Military Claims

Federal and military claims work differently than state claims: 

  • Federal wage information must be requested directly from your federal employer. 
  • You may receive a Monetary Determination showing that you’re monetarily ineligible- this is common and often temporary. 
  • Once your federal wages are verified, your claim will be updated, and a new Monetary Determination will be issued. 

Weekly Certifications Are Required 

After submitting your application, you must file a weekly certification for every week you wish to receive benefits — even if:

  • Your federal wages have not yet been received
  • You have not yet received a final eligibility decision.

Failure to file weekly certifications may result in delayed or denied payment for those weeks. 

Required Documents

Having the correct documents ready is critical to avoid delays. 

Federal civilian employees must provide: 

  1. SF-8: Notice to Federal Employees About Unemployment Insurance. This form is used to identify your federal employer and includes: 
    • Federal employer or agency name
    • 3-digit federal agency code
  2. SF-50: Notice of Personnel Action. This form is used to verify your job, duty location, and includes: 
    • Position title
    • Official duty station (state or country)
    • Federal employer or agency name
    • 3-digit federal agency code
  3. Pay Records
    • Recent pay stubs and/or W-2 forms showing federal wages

Military Service Members must provide: 

  1. DD-214: Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
    • Submit a Service 2 or Member 4 copy

Military Service Members must provide: 

  1. DD-214: Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
    • Submit a Service 2 or Member 4 copy

How to Obtain Required Documents

Use the information below to locate the documents needed to file your claim. If you do not have all documents at the time you apply, submit your application anyway and provide the documentation as soon as possible. 

SF-8 and SF-50

  • These forms are issued by your federal employer
  • Contact your agency’s Human Resources or Personnel Office
  • If you no longer work for the agency, HR can advise how to request copies. 

Pay Stubs and W-2 Forms

  • Available through your federal employer’s payroll or accounting office
  • May also be accessible through your agency’s employee self-service system

DD-214 (Military Service Members)

  • Issued upon separation from military service
  • Copies can be requested through:
    • The Department of Veteran Affairs, or 
    • Your branch of service

If you are unable to obtain documents right away, delays may occur, but your claim can still be reviewed once the information is received. 

Processing Time for Federal Claims

Federal employers are required to respond to wage and separation requests within fourteen (14) days. Processing times may vary based on:

  • Employer response time
  • Volume of claims

You will be notified once your claim has been processed or if additional information is needed.

Special Situations

  1. Administrative Leave 
    If you are on paid administrative leave, you are considered employed and may not be eligible for benefits during that time.
  2. Excepted Employees
    Federal employees who continue to work during a shutdown or funding gap are not eligible for unemployment benefits for hours worked. If you later separate from service, you may file a claim for unemployment benefits after your separation.
  3. Exempt Employees
    Federal employees who are not affected by a lapse in appropriations continue to receive their regular pay and benefits and are not eligible for unemployment benefits during that time. 
  4. Back pay 
    If you later receive payment for time not worked (retroactive pay or back pay), you must report these earnings to WorkForce West Virginia. An overpayment will be established and benefits for those weeks must be repaid. 
  5. Deferred Resignation or Voluntary Separation Programs
    Federal employees were given the option to resign with pay until September 30, 2025. If you accepted this offer, you are still employed until the end of this period. After, you may be able to apply for benefits. Because you accepted the deferred resignation, you voluntarily quit employment and may not be eligible for unemployment benefits. 
  6. Return-to-Office Requirement
    If you lost your job because you would not or could not meet a return-to-office requirement, you may be eligible for benefits. 
  7. Federal Contractors
    If you worked for a private employer contracted with the federal government and lost your job through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for benefits. SF-8 and SF-50 forms are not required. 

What If My Claim Is Denied?

If your claim is denied:

  1. Review the denial notice carefully — it explains the reason for denial
  2. If you disagree, you may file an appeal
  3. Appeal instructions are included in the denial notice

Need Help?

  • Email: FederalClaims@wv.gov
  • Phone: 304-558-2657
  • In-person: For a list of local office locations, visit workforcewv.org.