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Reviewed October 1, 2026

Unemployment Insurance (WorkForce West Virginia)

WorkForce West Virginia administers unemployment insurance for eligible workers. File an initial claim, enroll in Job Service and continue weekly certifications while eligibility is reviewed.

Who can apply

['Workers with sufficient covered wages and a qualifying separation who meet weekly eligibility requirements.', 'Claimants generally must be available for full-time work and actively seek it; the agency lists specific work-search exceptions.']

What help is available

Weekly temporary income based on the wage record and eligible claim weeks. A monetary determination shows potential benefits and is not an approval.

Documents to prepare

Prepare employment history, dates and reasons for separation, identity information and wage records. Keep proof of each job search activity and records of work and earnings during claimed weeks.

How to get started

  1. Go to uc.workforcewv.org and select the new or additional unemployment claim option.
  2. Enroll in WorkForce West Virginia Job Service as required.
  3. Submit weekly certifications for each prior week claimed and report all earnings.
  4. Ask the agency promptly about an incorrect or missing wage record.

After applying

Complete four weekly work search activities unless an applicable exception is confirmed. Retain proof for the benefit year plus six months; uploads during weekly certification are available. Claim the unpaid waiting week and read decisions for appeal deadlines.

Website screenshots

These images show the pages captured in August 2026. Website screens and rules may have changed.

The WorkForce West Virginia unemployment page.
August 2026 reference screenshot.
The WorkForce West Virginia online claimant portal.
August 2026 reference screenshot.

Common questions

Is a monetary determination approval?

No; it explains potential amounts based on wages.

How many work search activities are required?

The current agency guidance lists four per week unless an applicable exception applies.

Can I upload search proof?

Yes, the agency offers upload during weekly certification.

Must I report tips and commissions?

The agency requires reporting all work and earnings for the claim week.

Do I need to claim the waiting week?

Yes, it must be claimed to receive waiting-week credit even though it is unpaid.

Sources and review

Historical screenshots: source reference.