Virginia Employment Commission [VEC]
reviews and complaints

Good morning, June 21, 2021
I filled my initial unemployment claim on April 13, 2021 and have been filling my continued weekly claim since. I received a monetary determination letter about 10 days ago stating that I would be receiving unemployment benefits (the letter was backdated to April 11). I have been filing for over two months, but I have not received any unemployment payments.

I have called the VEC customer service number many times daily as well as using the VEC chat, but both say all customer service reps are unavailable at this time. I have emailed my local VEC office and the Richmond VEC office several times. I have also sent fax's and letters. No one has helped or responded to me.

Ronald Walker

I have not received my weekly UI payment even though I have followed the new guidelines for submitting claims. Payments have just stopped without warning this week.

I have been attempting to reach the VEC through state and local phone numbers and have posted emails - all to no avail. I reach out every 5 minutes only to get a busy signal, or to have been put through the gauntlet and be told "all agents are busy".

The VRS states there is an "outstanding issue" on my claim. I have no idea what it would be and all I want to do is get it resolved.

Like many others I depend heavily on this benefit. Even with the extra PEUC it isn't close to what I was making before.

I have been unemployed due to COVID since April of last year. I have applied for at least 5-6 postings per week since then. Some times one employer has several posts that I would submit my qualifications for.

I want to work, but I will not sacrifice the talent and professional knowledge gained to work for minimum wage.

I was receiving my unemployment claims with no issue prior to the recent change as of June 5. I did register for ID.me and I also have completed work search and application for all of the weeks up to this point although I am 39 weeks pregnant. I am not sure what the issue is but I continue to call daily and I do not receive any answers weather I call first thing in the morning or at night. I hope I am not missing any payments and I can receive back pay for the weeks that I have missed.

I've tried calling to find out why my payments stopped. I've tried chatting and nothing. I need issue resolved or else I can't pay my bills. I've been calling and trying to chat for more than 2 weeks I just need to know what exactly is going on with my account and how can I resolve it. It's unbelievable how I call 60 times per hour but yet I don't get through. Instead the call hangs up! People are depending on this payments

Hello my name is Jeremy Easton SS#[protected]. Pin 678275 now vec policy said individuals wishing to file unemployment claims must actively Search for work and report those searches in their claim Which I did this past week also register for work force connection which I also did I thought I was already registered and look at the new work connection and noticed there was new system I filled out and completed all forms and I'm now registered for that one as well. I'd like to ask someone into my case and help resolve this matter so I can receive benefits while I'm searching for work.. My phone number is [protected] someone please look into this for me, or possibly set up a date and time to speak with someone at your office in person.? ..Thank you very much.. Yours truly. Jeremy Easton

I've been calling and calling as instructed by a VEC rep to inquire about my claim. Every time I call, no matter what time it is, the option 2 just says "please try your call again" and hangs up. I've emailed several times and have given up on that too because I never hear back. I'm just really trying to get answers about my claim.

I received the notice that I needed to verify my identity with ID.me and have been trying to do so for over a week. I have tried numerous times, followed the directions and it says I am not verified! I have waited online for a "Virtual Assistant" for 5+ hours and then I get cut off.

I have emailed ID.me 12 times...no reply. VEC is not a help, they can never be reached and when I finally made contact, VEC replied that they have nothing to do with ID.me!

My UI has been suspended and I have no idea how to correct this problem, especially when both parties can not be reached by email or phone, ever!

I continue searching for work, but I need the UI funds that are owed and now I am very considered I will be unable to receive next weeks.

Please, any suggestions would be appreciated and please let me know if anyone else is having this problem. I searched online and they are rated one star, very poor reviews, fraud/scam. I am considered and very frustrated. I need VEC to send a notice on how to contact these people at ID.me!

I was recivce my money every tue but I did not see no money for two payments that there owe me its $900 that they owe me I need my money for bills food and personally things for me

Virginia's VEC clearly takes residents for a joke. I have been receiving PUA on time each week up until last week, and nothing for this week either. Just tried calling the [protected] phone number and it immediately says call can't be completed! So how do we get in touch with anyone?! The lack of communication is an understatement, there are plenty of people who have posted on Reddit.com stating that they also did not receive payments last week. Then I kept getting emails starting 5/10/21 stating that I didn't upload documents, but I DID upload documents on 02/28/21 which I received confirmation emails and it also shows on Gov2go. Each time a new system is implemented, then WE get screwed. VA may be for LOVERS, but VA does not love the residents!

I filed my initial claim for unemployment on 01/13/2021. I received a letter shortly after from the VEC stating I was eligible for benefits and the amount I was eligible for. I filed weekly claims until 03/08/2021 when I began work with my new employer. It is now 06/15/2021 and I have yet to receive a single cent of unemployment benefits. In March, I received a letter stating the VEC needed to conduct an interview with my former employer to determine why I was let go. When that was completed, I received yet another letter stating I was eligible. In May, I recieved another letter from the VEC stating I needed to send in a fact finding statement, a copy of my drivers license, social security card, W-2's and a recent utility bill. I faxed that form to the VEC as instructed to [protected]. I called my local office in Winchester and confirmed it was received on 05/15/2021. I then received a letter the next week asking me to do the exact same thing I had already done - which I did. In fact, I faxed it a total of 13 times and confirmed several more times that it had been received and logged. Last week, I received an email from Pamela Smith in the VEC Fraud department again asking me to send in the fact finding statement, a copy of my drivers license, social security card, W-2's and a recent utility bill. I emailed them directly to Pamela yesterday 06/14/2021, who stated she cleared the issue and I would be receiving payment in a few days. I attempted to call the VEC today several times to verify this is accurate and I am unable to reach someone, leave a call back number, wait on hold or anything. I'm told to call back later by the automated system. I have asked for a resolution for nearly 6 months and I have yet to have anyone BUT Pamela contact me with any type of update or resolution. I have been told 4 separate times that I am eligible, but I am not and have not been paid. This is absolutely unacceptable.

It's been 45 days since I have been approved for unemployment benefits, but I still have not received any benefits. I also, have not been able to reach anyone. I have called vec to speak to a representative atleast 15 times a day. Unable to get through at all. I'm about to lose my car, I have child support payments that are do. I'm in a chapter 11 bankruptcy and can not miss any payments. I'm very worried and not sure what to do.

My name is Charlotte Alexander. Everything was going swimmingly until March when my checks suddenly stopped with no notification and no way to get in touch with. I took the next step of emailing my delegate of Fairfax county and he put my in contact with Vec costumer service relations and I was able to find out that the issues were I need to verify my identity and clarification was needed that I was not fired due misconduct. I told her that i had already sent faxed the verification fill out form and that requested documents that was needed to provide proof such as my SS card, DL license, w-2 and bank statement . I also sent a copy of my Birth certificate as well. I faxed those to the number listed at the bottom to [protected] on 4/27/2021 @ 9:15 pm.

I also successfully completed the ID.me verification through the website and had a fair assumption that it would take care of the issues of identity on my account but I have heard nothing. As for the issues of my employer and separation I even attached our HR name, address, phone number and email address so they could get in touch with them to sort things out as I have nothing to hide as I was let go due to Lupus and was in a very high risk category of covid. My company loved me and I loved them.

I have done everything that was asked of me sent in documents, called the deputy's office per mailed request to do so. I had even gotten praise from one associate because I had everything that she need in order to take care of some weird income verification I had to do. I have filled out forms, faxed my ss card and other personal information requested and have never gotten even a confirmation that anyone have received it. I have continued to look for jobs and even have created a spread sheet to keep track of them for auditing purposes so I will be prepared for another questioning.

Last thing, I also had sent the following documents to : [protected] which I was told that I was going to get a confirmation and never got one so I am going to send all the documents again to the one listed and one given to me by costumer relations [protected].

Identity verification Statement fill out sheet (faxed to [protected] 4/27/21 9:15pm
SS card, DL and Bank Statement (faxed to [protected] 4/27/21 9:15pm
Proof of the completion of my ID.me profile: marked as verified 5/26/2021
W-2 form my last employer (CVCA Cardiac for Pets) for 2020
Separation agreement from CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets)
Email correspondences from VEC costumer relations explaining reasons for the ceasing of payments and possible documents to resolve such issues
email thread contains contact information for our HR manager for the company CVCA Cardiac care for pets.

I need my benefits as my landlord has is selling the house and my savings are dwindling fast. This is not okay to treat folks like this especially those that have done everything that was asked for them and more. I have tried to meet you all half way with provide the information you need as I know that you all are overwhelmed and have been pushed to a breaking point. I have tried to help you all.

I have black out any personal information. I will not send my actually card though as I don't feel comfortable but I did send it

I applied for Virginia Unemployment April 2020 received 4 payments then received a letter saying a deputy was reviewing my employment information and they will let me know. Eight months later after Christmas, no tree, no gifts nothing I happened to check my card and it had 14, 000 then received 4 new payments now received a letter to verify my identity sent copies birth certificate and social security card have tax returns from [protected] I own H&K Enterprises a residential house cleaning company after losing my career of thirteen years was laid off started my own business was making 63, 000 year to O. I started my business since virus nobody wants cleaning or anyone in their home so it put a big disaster on me as a single mom two girls. I received my W2 says 7, 000 for 2020. I couldn't file child tax credit 3, 000 per kid now I owe taxes and now received a letter saying I owe 7, 000. Back and haven't received nothing since March. After this month I've managed to make it this far no income no support no family looking for work have interview today at 4:00. We were homeless due to the eight months it took deputy to fix it to finally getting our own 2 bedroom apartment girls share room September 2020 and I can't support my family. I waived all my military rights at divorce in exchange for my kids gave up retirement, health, dental my 270, 000 family home, cars, bank account everything left with 5$ now their father is incarcerated till 2026 in Florida and I'm at the point talked to a lawyer I want to sue go after Virginia Unemployment due to people that actually are telling the truth vs people lying stealing from government. I know of a person who stole changed peoples banking info to chime cards, cash app cards getting 10, 000 loaded on all these cards plus filed her son 16 never worked and herself then turned around and got settlement from Virginia Unemployment 25, 000 for her being homeless she lost her kids facing 17 felony charges not unemployment breaking into slot machines Shauna Vidal is her name. Bought brand new car father has custody of the kids she has drug problem. This is crazy I'm not a snitch or trying to get anyone in trouble but this is the craziest thing I've ever seen. I have a EIN for my business show [protected] tax returns schedule C I have no clue Shauna hasn't worked in years all scam got away with it while I'm over here honest not scamming government and stealing doing drugs don't even drunk alcohol. We are homeless have 30 days just finally thought we were stable we moved place to place I mean gross unstable environments to stay live somewhere but finally got our apartment September due to unemployment all I've done is wait and prove sent everything they ever asked for. I went to Senator Ellen regarding situation before she got 5 peoples unemployment not including herself and 16 year old son never worked a day in his life go from that to stealing breaking slot machines and just got 25, 000 sued u employment for her being homeless. This is crazy. I can't even get help from months ago Unemployment made it to where I couldn't file my taxes get credit for both kids and saying I owe what it says on w2 from government to go website. I will call every news ststuon, wrote President, I'm not mad, I'm over this [censored]. I won't hold my breath to wasting my 10 min to even reach out one last time before I go further I'm serious this is crazy. Shauna Vidal. Her last address 3544 E Ocean View Ave Norfolk VA 23518. Look her up her charges has court coming up so act fast she I know my brothers best friend scammed and then sued unemployment I'm speechless. We are homeless don't deserve this no Christmas for my children no tree no gifts watching all this go on my phone number [protected]. My name Heather Badalucca email [protected]@gmail.com again I do not want my name involved with this information but if someone can't take 5 min to help me with whatever is going on, not receiving no benefits just a bill saying I owe unemployment 7, 000 back which is all its saying I made 2020. How come card finally loaded after Christmas 14, 000 back pay? This is all absurd. Ellen Hess is who I reached out to. I want what is owed to me this [censored] fixed can't even file my taxes or get credit for my kids w2 unemployment says I made 7, 000 2020. How was 14, 000 back pay hit then? I'm getting a lawyer I will not suffer no longer

I have had a claim filed with VEC since August 2020. Initially I was approved but then never received anything after the letter and the amount to be received. I filed a claim ecery week. December I was informed by automated system that my weeks were expired. After two weeks I finally got in touch and was told to wait after January and I would be contacted. January I was informed I needed to apply again. February I was asked to confirm info in which I immediately responded. A month went by and hundreds of phone calls, another question. I answered it accordingly. Another 2 weeks, the system started saying my SSN was incorrect. Message after message I receive nothing. I finally got through on a number that is unlisted and was told the last issue was never entered in computer. The lady took the info though it was not her department because the system said I had no claim. I was told to try again to file weekly. I was also told there were no more issues and a ruling would be issued. 24 days later no word. The local office finally called and said there was an outstanding issue (3 times I had been told there were none) AND since I refiled it was causing a problem. I was told to refile! Now another 20 days and I can not get a call back. The local office now says it would be quicker to call the STATEWIDE number. The one no message or call back can be left. I have tried 5 other numbers that are non working. I have lost my home, my car, my children (lack of home) my CDL has expired and I have lost my telephone. I am being forced to stay in an abusive situation praying everyday for relief. For even an answer.. just an answer.

My name is John Wayne Logan. I am currently collecting unemployment payments from Virginia. My last 4 digits of my social security number is 2339 and my PIN number is 812301.

I was approved for PEUC 2021 and I have received my monetary letter as well.

I sent 2 emails last week stating I am unable to submit my contacts for jobs. Could this be the reason I have not received any unemployment's checks even though I have been certifying weekly online all of May and June 2021. My last unemployment check was on May 3, 2021.

I filed for unemployment in April because my daughters daycare closed for two weeks due to covid 19. I received a letter saying that I needed to send proof of residence, drivers license and social security card. I sent them. I kept waiting for my check, I never received it, so I started calling, I couldn't reach anyone so I checked my status, it's saying an error occurred.

I have waited three weeks after filing once I became unemployed May 18, 2021 through no fault of my own.
I finally get through to discover there is an "outstanding issue" on my claim of which I was not made aware. If there was other information needed why have I not been contacted?
[protected]@yahoo.com ss [protected] -[protected]. WE NEED HELP!

Jocelyn Arnwine

I have been trying to get a clear understanding of why i have not been receiving my unemployment payments for the past almost two months. I was told i had an overpayment of 275.00 which should have been cleared up over a month ago. I had to file a new claim because i received a letter in the mail telling me to do so. I have emailed, i have called everyday for two months with no response but that 'overpayment has not been taken care of" but when i called the overpayment number they told me it hasnt been cleared by the VEC. I have paid the overpayment 20 tmes over by now. I am about to lose my apartment, and i am and always have been searching for work. I have been sick with COVID 19 and still trying to recover energy and breathe wise. If i felt like i wasnt right i would complain. I really woul d like to know what is going on with my unemployment.

I got a message Virginia Unemployment Commission stating that I fails to upload a document back in January or February and that's my payments would be suspended until I did so. I uploaded those documents that day, two days later when I was supposed to get paid, nothing was deposited. And it's been 5 weeks now and I still haven't received anything. I still file my weekly Pua benefits and I have said text messages and emails I tried calling 10, 000 times a day however I'm not getting anywhere

6/1/2021

I have made 3 calls back to back to initiate my unemployment claim. Each time I have been told that there is one person ahead of me. The music will come on while I am on hold, then it will ring and no one answers. Each time after about 10-15 minutes the call disconnects. Please advise. I cannot move forward online without speaking to someone on the phone. this occurred between the hours of 8:30 am and 9:45 am.