Unemployment Appeals
Unemployment insurance benefits provide temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own that meet West Virginia’s eligibility requirements. 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 be available for work each week that you are collecting benefits. Eligibility for unemployment compensation will be determined during the process of filing a claim. Individuals who are unsure if they qualify should still apply.
Unemployment compensation claimants can file weekly claim certifications online, view claim information, including six weeks of payment history, and apply for direct deposit of their benefits. Employers can file quarterly wage reports, pay contributions and delinquent payments online, and register for electronic submission of separation information. Appeals made to the Unemployment Compensation Division are heard and decided upon by the Board of Review.
Claimants
How do I obtain information about Unemployment Benefits?
You can file an unemployment claim and weekly claim certifications online. Contact your nearest WorkForce West Virginia office if you need assistance.
Employers
On this page, employers may register a business, report wages, or file a work refusal report.
Employers can register businesses, file quarterly wage reports, make payments, register for electronic submission of separation information, and view the Employer Handbook.
Registration
Quarterly Reporting
Work Refusal
Frequently Asked Questions
Defaulted Accounts
Violators List
Unemployment Appeals
If you wish to appeal an initial Deputy’s Decision on an unemployment claim, you must file the appeal with the local WorkForce office within eight (8) calendar days of the mailing date of the Deputy’s Decision. Your appeal will be heard at an Administrative Law Judge hearing. An impartial administrative law judge will make sure all parties receive a fair hearing by considering the testimony of all witnesses and other evidence. He or she will make sure you understand the proceeding and that you have the time you need to present any information relevant to your case. If you are confused at any time during the hearing, ask the Judge for assistance. You will receive a Notice of Hearing. This will state when and where the appeal hearing is to take place. Your hearing may be held in person or by telephone. Carefully note the DATE, TIME, and LOCATION of the hearing.If your hearing is to take place by telephone, it will be clearly marked as a telephone hearing on your Notice of Appeals Hearing and you will receive a copy of all documents in your file. You must call the Board of Review as soon as you receive your hearing notice and any time up to two (2) days prior to the hearing date to leave your phone number. Please do not wait until the exact hearing time to call the Board of Review. Be prepared for a delay in the event that the judge has difficulty contacting all parties or in case the previous hearing is running slightly longer than usual.You must make every effort to attend the hearing. Only if you have a very important commitment that absolutely cannot be changed should you request a postponement. This appeal hearing may be your last opportunity to present your case, so be thoroughly prepared. The Judge who conducts the hearing is not bound by the initial decision of the deputy and will base his/her decision only on the evidence and testimony presented at the hearing. You will be mailed a written decision. You should continue to file for benefits each week while awaiting the decision on your case. If you do not agree with the decision of the Administrative Law Judge, you can appeal to the three member Board of Review within eight (8) calendar days of the mailing date of the decision.
If any evidence was previously presented to the unemployment office, and could be helpful to your case, you are responsible for making sure they are presented again at your appeal hearing and to make sure the other party receives a copy of your evidence you will be presenting.If you believe your case is complicated or are uncomfortable presenting it yourself, then you have the right to have a lawyer, of your choice, present. The Board of Review will review the amount the attorney charges you to make certain the fee is not excessive. If you decide to appeal the Administrative Law Judge’s ruling, the Board of Review will schedule a hearing at the Board office in Charleston. Parties will be notified of the date and time of the hearing. This notice will include instructions explaining how Board hearings are conducted. You should continue to file for benefits each week while awaiting the decision on your case. If you do not agree with the decision of the Board, you can appeal to the Circuit Court of Kanawha County within 30 days of the Board’s decision.If you need special services, such as accommodations for persons with disabilities or an interpreter to present your facts at the hearing, contact the Board of Review in advance so the necessary arrangements can be made in time for your hearing.
Unemployment Compensation Board of Review
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Building 3, Suite 300
Charleston, WV 25305
304-558-2636 or 800-635-0189
304-558-1363 (fax)