2026 · Virginia
Virginia unemployment benefits
Virginia pays up to $478 a week for up to 26 weeks, a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#32 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Virginia's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $160 - $478 |
| Maximum duration | 26 weeks (12-26 by earnings; max $478 eff 2026-07-05) |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | two high quarters |
| Taxed by Virginia? | No, state-tax-free |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Virginia
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $478 a week that hits Virginia's maximum. Over 26 weeks that's up to $12,428 in total. Virginia has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
Virginia against its neighbors
Across the border in Kentucky, the weekly cap is $746, $268 a week more than Virginia's $478. That gap doesn't mean you can shop for a better rate: benefits come from the state where your wages were reported, not where you live now.
Worked in a bordering state? Its rules apply instead: Washington DC , Kentucky , Maryland , North Carolina , Tennessee , West Virginia .
Questions about Virginia unemployment
How much does Virginia pay in unemployment?
Between $160 and $478 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (two high quarters). The $478 maximum is a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#32 of 51).
How long does Virginia unemployment last?
Up to 26 weeks12-26 by earnings; max $478 eff 2026-07-05. At the $478 weekly maximum that caps total potential benefits at $12,428. The duration and the weekly amount are set separately, Virginia sizes the check off two high quarters but counts weeks on its own rules, so low earners may qualify for fewer weeks, and two people with the same weekly benefit can exhaust at different times.
Is Virginia unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Virginia does not tax it, it's state-tax-free.
Does severance affect my Virginia unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Virginia's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) before you file, since it is a real-money decision. Confirm the timing with Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) before you file rather than after, a difference of one week in when the claim starts can change whether a severance payment offsets the benefit. The tax side of the severance itself is on the Virginia severance page.
File with Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). This is an estimate, Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) determines your actual benefit.
Your Virginia layoff toolkit
- Virginia severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Virginia paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Virginia 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Virginia's agency determines your actual benefit. Figures from the verified 2026 dataset, last verified 2026-07-24. Nothing you enter is stored. Not tax or legal advice.