Recently unemployed West Virginia residents may file for unemployment benefits to receive financial support until another job can be found. Those who have had hours reduced or wages cut may also be eligible for a low earnings unemployment benefit. Both types of benefit require the individual to file application and report information to the employment agency.

If you are an unemployed resident of West Virginia, or if you are currently unemployed and living in another state, but worked in West Virginia within the last 18 months, you might benefit from filing for unemployment benefits. By filing in person at your local Claims office and completing the required weekly claims documentation, you may be eligible for benefits. http://www.wvbep.org/bep/UC/Ucforwv.htm#Requirementsforreceiving

Work Force West Virginia operates offices throughout the state to assist individuals with claims.http://www.workforcewv.org/UC/UCOfficeLocations.asp A one week waiting period applies to applicants of new claims. If you are uncertain if you are eligible for benefits it is best to file the application as soon as possible to allow this waiting period to be passing in the event the application is approved.

Filing for unemployment in the state of West Virginia will require that you:

1. Became unemployed through no fault of your own, meaning you were not fired or that you quit for a significant reason.
2. Are actively seeking employment as you file a claim each week
3. Are available for full-time work

In the state of West Virginia, discharged military members may be eligible for unemployment benefits and should discuss where to file and what is necessary to documentation with an unemployment counselor at the closest office.http://www.wvbep.org/bep/UC/Ucforwv.htm#Requirementsforreceiving Military members cannot use the online system to file initial claims.https://www.wvuc.org/WVWeb/PNewClaim/NewClaim.aspx

Individuals filing from out of state, claiming unemployment in Wes Virginia, can make use of the online claims system or may file by phone. Individuals with a West Virgina address are not eligible to use the online system for a new claim. Individuals who have not earned wages in West Virginia in the past 18 months are not allowed to file new claims online either and must either do so in person or by phone.https://www.wvuc.org/WVWeb/PNewClaim/NewClaim.aspx

Some local unemployment offices are open for limited hours. For those filing through the local location, a list of office locations and phone numbers can be found on the Work Force West Virginia website. Individuals inquiring about West Virginia filing requirements when living out of state should contact the Interstate office.http://www.workforcewv.org/UC/UCOfficeLocations.asp

In order to file for unemployment benefits, there are several items of information you should have with you when visiting the Work Force West Virginia office to apply. These are:http://www.workforcewv.org/UC/ClaimantFAQ.asp

1. Your social security card or drivers license
2. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need proof that you have legal permission to work and you Alien registration number
3. If you have been in the active service employee of the military within the last 18 months, you will need to bring your DD Form 214
4. A list of all employers for the past 18 months, providing the Company name, address, telephone number, dates you worked, and the reason you left the employment

Employment information is required for all employers in the previous 18 months, not just the one you are most recently terminated from. This information is required for individuals filing an online claim also. The claim cannot be submitted until all information is completed. Filing without the required data may result in the claim being denied.https://www.wvuc.org/WVWeb/PNewClaim/NewClaim.aspx

If you are filing for unemployment benefits based on medical conditions which caused you to quit your job, you must provide a doctor’s statement which supports the fact that the job you quit aggravated, worsened, or would have worsened the health problem.http://www.workforcewv.org/UC/ClaimantFAQ.asp

If you live in West Virginia, you will have to file your unemployment claim through one of the local claims offices. The Work Force West Virginia website is the best place to locate the available locations for filing. http://www.workforcewv.org/UC/UCOfficeLocations.asp Also, the state of West Virginia will require that you register for work at a Job Services office, where you will be required to take part in various reemployment services. Updates for each week following approval should be provided to the same office where the initial filing was done so it is important to choose a location which is convenient or be prepared to file updates by mail.http://www.workforcewv.org/UC/ClaimantFAQ.asp

For those that worked during the base period in the state of West Virginia, but no longer live there, you will be able to file for unemployment benefits online if you meet the requirements of having worked in the state in the past 18 months.https://www.wvuc.org/WVWeb/Welcome.aspx here

Filing for unemployment in West Virginia is a good way to bring you and your family some financial security as you are seeking a new, full-time job. Although you will have to meet and follow the state of West Virginia's requirements for unemployment insurance, the benefits will outweigh the restraints.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional financial advice. Please contact your financial adviser before using the information presented here.