Virginia Employment Commission Customer Service Issues

Hello, my name is Sonya Skinner. I applied for Virginia PUA, completed my 39 weeks in December, and faced issues with receiving payments. After trying to refile with a new email account, I encountered further troubles, such as blurry tax returns that needed to be resubmitted and a request for a cover letter for clarification. Despite following all requests, I did not receive an update about the payment status until mid-February when a message on the Gov2Go app mentioned a known issue with processing payments. While some others received notification that the problem was resolved and payments would resume, I did not get this message. Upon calling to inquire, I discovered there was an outstanding issue preventing the processing of my claim. I am seeking assistance to understand what this issue is and how to resolve it. Thank you for your help.

I haven't received an unemployment check since the weekend of May 16, [redacted]. I returned to work on October 26, [redacted], but unfortunately was let go again on February 08, [redacted] due to downsizing. My last contract ends at midnight on March 31, [redacted], and Keolis of America will take over starting April 01, [redacted]. I've applied to the new company already. However, I am extremely concerned about my past due unemployment checks from May 16, [redacted] to October 26, [redacted] and my current situation since February 08, [redacted]. The lack of unemployment support is causing a lot of stress at home, as my wife and I are struggling to cover our bills and upcoming mortgage payments. I'm actively looking for employment in various fields including Transportation, Security, School Board Transportation, TSA Security, Management, and the Loudoun Park Authority. I am desperate for answers and support regarding my unemployment benefits. Thank you for any assistance provided.

I was approved for PUA three weeks ago but have not yet received payment. I never received a debit card in the mail and changed my payment method to direct deposit over the weekend. I have been attempting to contact customer service via phone or chat, but have been unable to reach a live person. The phone lines are always busy, and there are no call-back options. The online chat also disconnects with a message stating that everyone is busy. This situation is frustrating because you need immediate assistance, but cannot speak to anyone. I tried contacting the debit card issuer but was disconnected by the automated system for not having a card PIN. I am looking to find out if a payment has been made, if a card was mailed, and how to speak to a representative without going through the automated system repeatedly without success. My name is Luis R., and the last four digits of my social security number are [redacted].

Hello, My name is Nina N. I received Unemployment Compensation from the State of Virginia in [redacted]. After being informed of a $[redacted].00 overpayment, I sent a Money Gram Money Order to the Virginia Employment Commission in Grundy, VA, which was received on March 1, [redacted]. Surprisingly, I recently received a $[redacted].00 check from them. I have attempted to contact them by phone multiple times without success. I also emailed [redacted], [redacted], and [redacted], but have not received any responses. I am confused as to why I received a refund for the payment I made to the Virginia Employment Commission.

I have not received any payments for the weeks I filed for unemployment despite receiving a letter with a pin number. I recently received a tax statement showing $9,[redacted] paid that I need to report on my taxes. I am struggling to get assistance or understand how to resolve this issue. It is causing me frustration, as I cannot accurately file my taxes until this is resolved. I appreciate any help or guidance you can provide. Thank you.

Hello, I recently found an error in my initial benefits claim. This issue caused my benefits to stop around November [redacted]. Despite attempts to resolve it, the claim still shows an unresolved "issue," blocking me from receiving benefits. Even after my former boss reached out and fixed the error, the problem persists. I have been struggling to speak with a live person to address this matter, making more than 70 unsuccessful calls in one day. My initial claim is set to end in March [redacted], and my part-time job is closing due to Covid, leading me to consider submitting a new claim. However, I am unsure if this is feasible given the current situation. Thank you. K. H.

I have a query regarding reopening my unemployment claim. I was receiving benefits until October 6, [redacted], and recently received a letter instructing me to contact the Commission if I needed to reopen my claim. However, when I attempted to do so, the automated message indicated I didn't have an available week to file. Despite multiple attempts to reach out via phone, I was unsuccessful in making contact. I am looking to file a claim for the week of February 13, where I only earned $38. Your guidance on how to proceed with filing this claim would be greatly appreciated.

I have been attempting to contact the VEC office for over a month by phone (1-[redacted]) and through the chat feature on their website (vec.virginia.gov) without success. Despite multiple attempts between 10am-8pm every day, I have been disconnected several times and the chat has consistently been too busy to assist. I received a letter from VEC mentioning eligibility for PEUC extension, completed my initial claim, but have not received any funds in my direct deposit as stated in the letter. Although I have been able to file weekly claims, the system now indicates an issue with my account and lacks information on benefits. I urgently need to understand the account problem and resolve it promptly to receive my entitled benefits. I appreciate any help you can offer. Thank you, Troy Taylor

I called to file my weekly claim, and it stated my PIN was invalid. However, I checked the letter they sent me, and the same code is there. It also mentioned my access to filing claims on the phone service was suspended, which confuses me. My ex-boss mentioned receiving a separation form to return by the 8th, but she only got it on the 6th, filled it out promptly, and sent it back. She hopes it reached in time; if not, it wasn't her or my fault, so we shouldn’t be penalized. I completed my 19th week of filing and don't want to lose my benefits. I need clarity on my claim status. Thanks, Nakeesha Crusenberry

I recently received two letters regarding two assignments from a temp agency. I only worked at one assignment for 6 hours over 2 days due to falling ill with Covid-19. The other assignment ended because there wasn't enough work. I filled out all the questions correctly. Letters were sent in the mail about these employments but were returned. Now, my account shows an outstanding issue on my claim. I am in need of my unemployment benefits and willing to rectify any errors. Can someone assist me with this matter? Thank you and have a blessed day.

I recently received a lump sum payment of $3,[redacted] on my Way2Go Card for my PUA benefits. My monetary letter indicated I should receive $[redacted] per week, and I had filed my 19th week when I received this payment. I am unsure if this sum was for my backpay or for all 19 weeks of claims I have filed since being approved for PUA. If it is indeed backpay, I should still receive benefits for the 19 weeks I have claimed. When can I expect this payment if it is pending? I have been informed payments should reflect on the debit card within 2 days after filing a weekly claim, but this has not been the case for me. Can you clarify if the lump sum was for backpay or for my weekly claims and whether I will also receive the additional $[redacted]-$[redacted] bonus per week that I was approved for but have not yet received? Thank you for your assistance.

I currently receive PUA benefits for up to 39 weeks but haven't been paid since 12/23/20. My last payment was $[redacted].00 for week 23. I filed for week 37 today. When can I expect payments? I was told by VEC I'll be automatically granted an extension, but I'd like confirmation. I have a Way2Go card but couldn't log in to check my account. Resetting my password didn't work, and the support number isn't on the card. I just want to ensure my account is secure and know when I'll receive payments. Thank you.

Upon reaching my benefit year end date, I filed a new claim to ensure I could continue receiving benefits under the PEUC [redacted] program. However, I later learned online that a new claim might not have been necessary to receive extended benefits until September [redacted]. After multiple attempts to reach the call center for clarification, I cancelled the initial claim. Subsequently, I discovered that in Virginia, a new claim is required to continue receiving benefits with the extension. I received an approval letter for the original claim this week, but in my efforts to reopen it, I inadvertently filed a new claim today due to the challenges of reaching the unemployment office by phone. Despite my struggles to contact the office, I am hopeful for assistance through this chat service.

To whom it may concern, I have only received one weekly benefits payment since the end of September [redacted]. Several payments were returned to Vec due to my bank account closing, and without my pin, I couldn't update my banking information or speak to a representative. In mid-January [redacted], after obtaining my pin and new banking details, I spoke to a representative who informed me that it would take 6 to 8 weeks for the returned payments to be resubmitted after they confirmed the payments were for me. Two weeks ago, I contacted Vec again, and a lady added me to the list for reissuing all the returned payments. I am in urgent need of those payments. Thank you for any information you can provide. Sincerely, [Initials]

A month ago, there was an incident involving my fiancée and me. Our neighbor called the police, and despite us trying to explain, I was arrested. The courthouse clerks reassured me that once the truth came out in court, charges would be dropped. I spent a few nights in jail, impacting my benefits. After being bonded out on March 4, [redacted], my benefits were stopped, requiring verification of my release. I can provide documentation from my bondsman. I apologize for the confusion and hope to resolve this promptly. Walter Ray Bolick [redacted] Dogwood Lane, Christiansburg, VA [redacted] Phone: [redacted] Pin: [redacted] SSN: [redacted] DOB: 03/17/[redacted]

Subject: Inquiry Regarding Extended Benefits Status To Whom It May Concern, I am Jon E. Drew, and I applied for Extended Benefits in August or September [redacted]. I have confirmed that my application was received and under processing. Despite assurances from Customer Service that my application was in progress, several months have passed without any updates or benefits. There appears to be an error on my account regarding my employment history with Thorlabs. I ceased working for them on October 29, [redacted], not in April [redacted] as indicated. This discrepancy is causing delays in my benefits approval. I have repeatedly informed your office about this issue, and Thorlabs can confirm my last working day. I appointed my mother, Kathy J. Drew, as my Power of Attorney due to my current incarceration. She can be reached at [redacted] or [redacted]. Email is the preferred mode of contact during this time. I seek clarification on the status of my Extended Benefits and appreciate any assistance you can provide. Please reply via email with updates. Thank you for addressing this matter. Sincerely, Jon E. Drew

I have not been receiving my PECU payments since [redacted], and there seems to be an outstanding issue with my account. Despite my efforts over the past six weeks to resolve this, I have not been successful. I have faced challenges reaching customer service, being disconnected from live chat repeatedly. Due to my age of 77 and being dyslexic, I sometimes struggle with accuracy and memory. My main source of income, sales at the Resort Indi, is currently affected due to my health issues with COPD and the impact of Covid-19. I am in the process of getting vaccinated in Virginia. I urgently need assistance as I am currently without any income. I want to assure you that any mistakes made were not intentional. Thank you for your help. - J.E. [redacted]

I applied for unemployment on 3/15/21 and initially was informed that they were gathering details from my employer. After two weeks with no updates, I called and learned my claim was suspended. I never received any notification from VEC about this matter. Despite this, I've been consistent in filing my weekly benefits. Today, the system indicates an issue with my claim. I've contacted Paula Byrd and VEC customer service multiple times since 3/29 but haven't had a response. I am eager to speak with someone to understand the situation. Thank you, Lisa C., [redacted] Phone [redacted]

I submitted an unemployment claim on March 28, [redacted], and received my pin number to file weekly benefits. Despite filing weekly claims, I have not received any benefits. Upon checking, there seems to be an outstanding issue on my account. I am unable to contact anyone over the phone as the line disconnects, and I face issues accessing the online system to resolve the problem due to technical errors. I am eager to identify and resolve the issue promptly to receive the benefits I am entitled to.

I have been trying to reach the customer service number, 1-[redacted], over [redacted] times and have not been able to speak to anyone about my issue. My name is Tagey Alemu, and I was receiving PEUC [redacted] benefits from January 1, [redacted], to March 20, [redacted]. I received a letter confirming my eligibility to continue receiving benefits, but when I try to reapply, the system indicates that I am already enrolled. When I call to file weekly benefits, the system accepts my submission and confirms its completion. However, the payments do not reflect in my bank account. When I check back, it asks me to submit for the same weeks again, despite already doing so for the past 4 weeks. I am experiencing financial hardship without income for a month, and my bills are overdue. If you can assist, please contact me at [redacted]. I prefer not to share my sensitive details via email but can provide them over the phone. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Regards, Tagey Alemu