Maximum Weekly Unemployment Benefit Increases
6/10/2008
Charleston, W.Va. - West Virginia’s maximum unemployment compensation weekly benefit rate will increase from $408 to $424 beginning July 1, 2008, according to Ronald E. Radcliff, WORKFORCE West Virginia executive director.
The benefit rate is determined by the amount of wages paid in a claimant’s base period. Other eligibility requirements and possible causes for disqualification also may affect a claimant’s benefit entitlement.
By law, the maximum weekly benefit rate in West Virginia is 66.66 percent of the average weekly wages paid in “covered employment” during the preceding calendar year. “Covered employment” refers to work covered by the West Virginia Unemployment Compensation Law.
To qualify for the maximum weekly benefit rate, an unemployed worker must have earned wages of $40,150 in covered employment during two or more quarters of the worker's 12-month base period.
All unemployment compensation claimants are potentially entitled to 26 times their weekly benefit amount during each benefit year. Therefore, the maximum total benefit amount available is $11,024. The minimum weekly benefit rate will remain at $24.
This year’s new unemployment compensation rate will apply to claims made on or after July 6, 2008. The maximum rate is subject to change each July.
Unemployed individuals should call the nearest unemployment compensation office if they have any questions regarding the maximum weekly benefit increase.
Contact Information
Michael Moore
304-558-2624