Claimant Frequently Asked Questions

Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits provide financial assistance to those who have lost their job or experienced a reduction in full-time work. These benefits help cover living expenses while you look for new employment.

Anyone who is unemployed or underemployed may qualify for unemployment benefits. To determine eligibility, you must complete an unemployment application and provide details about your work history and income. If you are unsure whether you qualify, still apply.

• Regular/Total Unemployment: You are totally unemployed when you are completely separated from employment, earning no wages, and performing no services.
• Low Earnings/Partial Unemployment: You are partially unemployed if you were hired as a full-time employee, but your regular hours and earnings have been reduced due to lack of work. You remain on your employer’s payroll, but they cannot provide you with full-time work. Your employer may issue you a Low Earnings Report while your work hours are reduced.

You can file a UI claim:

• Online: Visit uc.workforcewv.org and select “To file a new/additional unemployment claim.”
• In-Person: Visit the nearest WorkForce WV local office for computer access and staff assistance. Find locations at workforcewv.org.
• By Mail: If you receive a Low Earnings Report from your employer, you may file in person or by mailing the report to your nearest WorkForce WV local office.
  • Deadline: The Low Earnings Report must be filed within 10 days of receipt, or you may lose credit for any weeks you were off work.

Yes. As required by law, when you file an initial claim, you must enroll in WorkForce West Virginia’s Job Service. You will be directed to the Job Service registration page to complete this step.

Yes, there is a one-week unpaid waiting period per claim year. You cannot serve this waiting period before applying for unemployment benefits.

No, there is no age limit for receiving unemployment benefits.

• Once inside the WorkForce West Virginia Unemployment Compensation Division Web Application, select “To File a New/Additional Initial Unemployment Claim.”
• Important: Benefit weeks run from Sunday through Saturday, so your claim will be made effective on Sunday of the week in which your claim is filed.

Personal Information

• Social Security Number
• Home and mailing address
• Telephone number and valid email address
• Government-issued photo identification
• Direct deposit bank information (bank name, account number, and routing number)
• If you are not a U.S. citizen: Alien Registration Card
• If you worked for the federal government in the past 18 months: Standard Form 8 & Standard Form 50
• If you were on active duty in the U.S. military during the past 18 months: DD Form 214, Member 4, or Service 8

Employer Information

• Employer’s name and mailing address
• Employer’s phone and fax number
• First and last day worked
• If filing during your last week of employment, report your gross earnings for that week
• Reason for leaving or reduced hours
• If you are being recalled, provide the date of recall
• If you worked for a school, college, or university: Return date after a break and original terms of employment
• If applicable: Pension or severance package information
• If applicable: List other states you have worked in the past 18 months

Payments are issued on a week-by-week basis. Once you file your weekly certification, it typically takes four (4) days for payments to post to your account and/or debit card.

• For faster payment, enrolling in direct deposit is recommended.

When filing your initial claim, you must choose a payment method:

• Direct Deposit – Recommended for faster payment.
• Debit Card – If you select this option, you cannot switch to direct deposit for the remainder of your benefit year.

Payments are issued weekly. After submitting your weekly certification, it generally takes four (4) days for funds to post to your account and/or debit card.

• Enrolling in direct deposit helps ensure faster payments.

You must submit a weekly certification to receive benefits:

• Online: Visit uc.workforcewv.org and select “To file your weekly certification for benefits.”
• In-Person: Visit the nearest WorkForce WV local office for assistance. Find locations at workforcewv.org.

Yes. Once submitted, your answers cannot be changed.

• If unsure about a question, stop the filing process and contact your local office for clarification.

• All gross earnings must be reported the week in which work was performed.
• You may earn up to $60 per week without deductions.
• Earnings over $60 are deducted dollar for dollar from your weekly benefit amount.

Yes, but you must report your gross earnings for each week in which work was performed, even if you have not been paid yet.

All income must be reported, but not all income is deductible from unemployment benefits.

• If an issue exists on your claim, a Deputy will review and adjudicate your claim based on West Virginia UC Law.
• Once a decision is issued, both the claimant and employer have the right to appeal.

• If an issue is found, a formal decision will be issued explaining the reason for approval or denial.
• You have the right to appeal any decision.

For additional details on UI benefits, review:

• Claimant Handbook – A comprehensive guide on UI benefits.
• Unemployment Basics – Overview of UI benefits and eligibility.
• Frequently Asked Questions – Answers to common UI-related questions.

WorkForce West Virginia uses your SSN to verify your identity and track your information across state databases. It helps ensure accurate identification, as well as monitor wages, employment history, and previous unemployment claims. It’s essential for data accuracy and fraud prevention.

Your address is used to determine your jurisdiction and to analyze regional employment trends, helping WorkForce West Virginia assess the specific needs of different areas.

Education level helps assess your employability and potential for reemployment. It is used to identify suitable job opportunities and determine eligibility for training programs or educational resources that can assist in workforce development.

Citizenship status is collected to ensure that unemployment benefits are provided only to U.S. citizens and certain eligible non-citizens. This ensures compliance with federal and state regulations regarding who qualifies for benefits.

Your date of birth helps WorkForce West Virginia understand age-related employment trends. It is used to assess challenges faced by younger workers entering the workforce and older workers nearing retirement.

Disability status is collected to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and to identify potential employment barriers. This information helps WorkForce West Virginia provide necessary accommodations or support services to individuals with disabilities.

This demographic data is collected to track trends in unemployment and employment patterns across different demographic groups. It helps WorkForce West Virginia ensure its programs are effectively reaching all claimant groups.

Yes. WorkForce West Virginia securely stores your personal data and ensures it is accessible only to authorized personnel. The agency follows strict data security protocols to protect your information and maintain its privacy.