Unemployment claims in Virginia have surpassed an unprecedented milestone: one million claims this year. Now state and federal lawmakers are raising the alarm about a backlog of Virginians still waiting on money.
According to the Virginia Employment Commission, three-quarters of claims have been processed and more than $6 billion in benefits have been paid out to Virginians.
But about 60,000 people are still waiting, caught up in a backlog. Most of those claims need additional review because of a mistake in the paperwork or conflicting information from an employer.
VEC spokeswoman Joyce Fogg says the agency has staffed up and increased hours to try to get through the claims as quickly as possible.
“We have three third party call centers who are working with us to assist in answering emails, answering calls and doing fact finding interviews,” Fogg said.
Several state lawmakers, though, say they’ve received complaints from constituents who haven’t been able to get answers from the VEC about their unemployment benefits.
Officials with the state agency say they’re aware the backlog impacts people’s lives and they’re working hard to get through the pending claims.
In addition to processing that backlog of existing claims, the VEC is also reaching out to tens of thousands of Virginians who may be eligible for additional benefits.
Federal coronavirus stimulus dollars provide about three months more of unemployment for those who have exhausted their regular benefits. You can find out more and apply at the VEC website.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
