How is the Virginia weekly benefit amount calculated?

Virginia adds your two highest base-period quarters, divides by 2 to get an average, then divides by about 25.92 to set your weekly benefit amount (WBA). The result is bounded by the state minimum and maximum.

What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Virginia?

Virginia's maximum weekly benefit amount is $378, and the minimum is $60. High earners are capped at $378 regardless of their wages, and very low earners may not qualify.

How many weeks of benefits does Virginia pay?

Virginia pays between 12 and 26 weeks depending on the statewide unemployment rate. In normal economic conditions the maximum duration is 26 weeks, so total benefits equal your weekly amount times the number of weeks.

Do I need enough wages to qualify in Virginia?

Yes. You must have earned at least a minimum amount in at least two quarters of your base period and meet Virginia's monetary and separation requirements. This estimator assumes you are monetarily eligible.

Is my data sent anywhere?

No. The calculation runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you enter is uploaded or stored.

Virginia Unemployment Benefit Estimator

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This Virginia unemployment benefit estimator projects your weekly benefit amount (WBA) and total benefits using the Virginia Employment Commission formula. Enter your two highest base-period quarters and the tool applies Virginia’s divisor, the $60 minimum, and the $378 maximum.

How it works

Virginia sets your weekly benefit from your highest-earning quarters:

Take your two highest base-period quarters and average them: (Q1 + Q2) ÷ 2.
Divide that average by 25.92 to get the weekly benefit amount.
Bound the result: at least $60, at most $378.
Multiply by the number of weeks (up to 26) for total benefits.

Example

A worker with two top quarters of $10,000 and $8,000 averages $9,000. Dividing by 25.92 gives about $347 per week, under the $378 cap. Over a full 26-week benefit year, that is roughly $9,022 in total benefits.

Notes

This is an estimate assuming you are monetarily and separation eligible. The exact divisor, minimum, maximum, and duration are set by Virginia law and can change. Federal taxes apply to unemployment benefits. Confirm your actual eligibility and amount with the Virginia Employment Commission.