How do I apply for unemployment benefits?
- The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) is able to assist you in filing unemployment claims. You can call their main telephone number at 1-866-832-2363 or by visiting online here.
- The VEC has offices covering every locality in Virginia. To find the closest office near you click here.
How do I get health insurance coverage?
- If you were covered by your employer’s health plan, and you lose your health benefits due to termination or loss of hours, you may be eligible for COBRA for up to 18 months, 36 in specific circumstances. You can find out more information on COBRA here, and here is a consumer FAQ for COBRA. If you have any questions about COBRA, you can call the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) at 1-866-444-3272.
- Federal employees are covered by a program similar to COBRA. Please contact your personnel office serving your agency for more information on temporary benefit extensions.
- Losing your job is also a special enrollment event in the Health Insurance Marketplace. You can apply for health insurance at Healthcare.gov, or by calling 1-800-318-2596.
- You might also be eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). For more information on these programs, or to apply for these programs, you can visit Healthcare.gov (link: healthcare.gov) or by calling 1-800-318-2596. You can also apply for Medicaid by visiting your local Department of Social Services. For more information on CHIP, visit insurekidsnow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW.
- FAMIS provides affordable healthcare for children of eligible families. Visit Cover Virginia for more information and for instructions on how to apply for the program.
What other healthcare options are available?
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) provide affordable health care and supportive services, including primary care, mental health, and much more. To find a local FQHC, visit here.
- To find a free clinic near you, search here.
- Your local Community Service Board (CSB) can help with mental health concerns, including counseling, at a sliding scale. You can find your local CSB here.
- Visit 211Virginia or call 211 for more information about local community services, including, but not limited to, healthcare and income assistance.
What services are available to veterans?
How do I find a job?
- Virginia Workforce Connection offers tools for job seekers and a database of jobs available in your area. Visit VAWorkConnect.com.
- For a local Career One Stop, visit here.
- To find a job with the Commonwealth of Virginia, visit Jobs.Virginia.Gov.
- To find a job with the federal government, visit USAJobs.gov.
How do I avoid foreclosure on my house?
- Visit our resource page dedicated to helping homeowners.
- Contact a local US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved agency for counseling advice on how to best avoid foreclosure. You can find a list of local agencies, here.
