Throughout the pandemic, we have heard from hundreds of Virginians desperate for help in accessing the unemployment funds they need to keep their families afloat. The stories presented here are just a fraction of those who are struggling due to the actions of the VEC.
"My kids didn't have a Christmas. My Vehicle was repossessed the day after Christmas. We lost our place to live and are currently staying in a borrowed travel camper. I am being sued by numerous creditors and there is nothing I can do. Even if I were to receive a lump sum for back pay my credit is shot. All they (the VEC) tell me is there is nothing I or they can do to speed along the process that I just have to wait. Could take from a day to a year to resolve it but continue to file my weekly claims. This is unacceptable. Please help me and the thousands of others that are on the brink of financial disaster!"
"I have worked my entire life - sometimes 2 or 3 jobs to provide for my family when I first immigrated to this country and have been an outstanding citizen, and now when I need their support as I'm approaching 70 and cannot just work at the grocery store because of my immune-compromised family members, there is no one to help me along with millions of Americans suffering. This is my last attempt to ask for help, I am at a loss. Please help if you can to help me figure this out so I can get support until the economy opens up fully again. Thank you."
"After two months, I have spent countless hours trying to get some very basic assistance and due to errors from my past employer, and not being able to consistently speak with anyone at the VEC, I'm highly concerned I will continue to sit waiting for an update on my claim and financial assistance that will never come when I need it most. I'm a mother of a two year old and expecting our second child in February. We've been living on one income for the past two months and I'm desperate to receive some guidance and assistance before hospital bills and mortgage/utility bills become insurmountable. "
"It has been so difficult to try to raise a 5year old without a paycheck for going on 13 weeks. I've borrowed money till I can't borrow any more. I'm getting cut off notices on all my bills and I have no clue what to do! I still don't know how long it will be before I hear from a deputy from the vec, I'm to the point to where I feel like giving up but I know I can't for my daughter's sake. Now that school has started back I still can't return to work due to virtual learning. Just seems like there's got to be a better way to handle the situation. I know there has to be more people out there like me just frustrated and waiting."
"I started my claim on Jan 10th. vec contacted me and said there was an outstanding issue with my claim, I had gave the wrong ending date for my employer so we corrected it then they said it had to be reviewed it's been 8 weeks and I still haven't received a dollar. I cannot get ahold of anyone to talk to about this and it's not right what if they were in our position where we are behind on bills and about to be homeless."
"I file every week but haven't received a payment since December. My calls and emails go unanswered if not for family and friends I would be homeless"
"I haven't received unemployment since June. My case is waiting on a deputy to review it. I'm not sure why and I can't get any answers. Please help!! I'm almost homeless. My son is home from school and I can't work. I have no option of working full time."
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