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Veterans

Veterans from all periods of military service are eligible for job referral, job training and job placement assistance through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Veterans may access these employment services through a statewide network of Virginia Works offices. We also work with those that are currently transitioning out of the military. Veterans can also contact us at veteran.services@virginiaworks.gov (link sends e-mail).  Please include your City/County or zip code so your message is directed to the nearest VEC office.

Please Note: If you are a veteran with questions about your UI benefits, please call 1-866-832-2363 (Available 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday – Friday. Closed Saturdays, Sundays and state holidays. You may experience long wait times by calling. Instead, you may conduct business by accessing the Customer Service Portal.), or review information under the Unemployed section.

For Veterans…


View VEC News Releases >

Services AvailableFind a JobPriority of Service
Employment Initiatives for Veterans:
  • Job readiness assessment, including interviews and testing;
  • Development of an Individual Employment Plan;
  • Career counseling that helps veterans in making training and career decisions;
  • Labor market and occupational information, to include training;
  • Referral to job banks, job portals, and job openings;
  • Referral to employers and registered apprenticeship sponsors;
  • Referral to training by WIOA-funded or third party service providers; and
  • Monthly follow-up by an assigned case manager for up to six months.
Register as a Job Seeker with the Virginia Workforce Connection (VWC) for access to all the services available and so you can find a job and Employers can FIND YOU! You will find Job Search, Career Information, Training Opportunities, Skill requirements, Labor Market Information including Wage data, Industry and Occupational trends.
  • Go to the Virginia Workforce Connection then click on “Job Seeker”.
  • In the “Quick Menu” on the left, click on “Job Search”
  • Veterans can search by military occupation by clicking the “Click Here” link next to the American flag, just below the Search button.

The Virginia Workforce Connection is a product of the Virginia Workforce Network. Please return to the VEC website for information not found on the VWC.		Priority of service means, with respect to any qualified Department of Labor employment and job-training programs, that Veterans 1 and Eligible Spouses 2shall be given priority over non-Veterans for the receipt of employment, training, and placement services, notwithstanding any other provision of the law. More information on eligibility is available at: Priority of Service for Veterans and Eligible Spouses
Service Organizations
The Online Directory of Veterans Service Organizations is published as an informational service by the Office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. This up-to-date, database driven website allows you to view VSO information in a variety of ways. You may also search through the VSO database to find information that suits your needs.
File an Unemployment Claim OnlineVEC Office Locations
With the Virginia Unemployment Online Claims System You Can
  • File a new claim for unemployment benefits
  • Reopen an existing claim after a break has occurred in your weekly request for payments.
  • File a partial Claim
  • File your Continued / Weekly claim for benefits.
  • Electronic Payment Method – Debit Card/Direct Deposit
  • Download a 1099-G for 2011
The VEC provides veterans assistance at all of its offices.