Virginia

Virginia Layoff Resources

If you have been laid off in Virginia, start here for unemployment, health coverage, basic-needs assistance, workforce services, and help with possible workplace problems.

Eligibility varies by program, so use the official links below for current rules and applications.

Unemployment Benefits and Filing

Virginia Unemployment Insurance may provide temporary income if you lost work through no fault of your own. File a weekly claim for every week you want benefits and report all work and earnings. Unless VEC specifically tells you otherwise, make at least two job searches or employer contacts each week and submit the required work-search information.

Layoff-Notice Protections

Virginia does not have a separate state mini-WARN law that expands federal thresholds. Federal WARN may require 60 days of advance notice for certain large layoffs or plant closings. Virginia Rapid Response can provide reemployment and training help.

Health-Insurance Coverage

Virginia operates its own health-insurance marketplace. Losing job-based coverage generally creates a special enrollment opportunity through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace. Compare Marketplace coverage, Cardinal Care through Virginia Medicaid, and COBRA before choosing.

Food, Cash, Childcare, Utility, and Local Assistance

CommonHelp is the main starting point for SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance, childcare assistance, and other benefits. Energy Assistance has additional program rules. For local food, housing, utility, and emergency help, use Virginia 211.

Workforce and Reemployment Services

Virginia Career Works centers provide no-cost employment and training services, including résumé help, career guidance, veteran services, computer access, and information about training assistance.

Workplace Problems and Legal Help

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry handles certain unpaid-wage claims. Discharged employees generally must be paid on or before the date they would have been paid had employment continued. Employment-discrimination complaints under the Virginia Human Rights Act generally may be filed with the Office of Civil Rights within two years, while federal EEOC deadlines are generally shorter.

Civil legal help

Last Reviewed: August 2026