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To all those having trouble reaching a human at Virginia unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/GK1CFuX4p2k
This is such a frustrating situation that so many of us are dealing with! I'm also waiting on a deputy review - it's been 4 months for me. I've called multiple times and keep getting the same "be patient" response. It's really hard to be patient when you need these benefits to survive. Has anyone had any luck getting escalated or reaching someone higher up who can actually help move these cases along? It seems like there should be some kind of timeline or accountability for how long these reviews can take.
I completely understand your frustration, Anita! I'm actually going through something similar - been waiting 3 months for my deputy review. One thing I tried recently was reaching out to my state delegate's office. I heard they sometimes have a constituent services department that can help with state agency issues like delays. I also submitted a formal complaint through the website, though I haven't heard back yet. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get what we're entitled to. Have you tried contacting your local representatives? Sometimes political pressure can help move these things along faster than just calling the regular customer service line.
To all those having trouble reaching a human at unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/GK1CFuX4p2k
Beth Ford
I had this exact same problem when I signed up online! The system doesn't automatically create your PIN, which is super frustrating. Here's what worked for me: Call (866) 832-2363 RIGHT at 8:00 AM when they open - seriously, set an alarm for 7:58 AM and start dialing at 8:00 sharp. I waited about 25 minutes and got through to someone who activated my PIN immediately after verifying my SSN and confirmation number from my registration email. Make sure you have that confirmation email open on your phone because you'll need that number right away. It's ridiculous that we have to call after doing everything online, but once you get your PIN, the weekly filing is actually really straightforward. Don't get discouraged - this is just a one-time hassle and you'll be filing your claims in no time! 🙌
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Mei-Ling Chen
•This is such great advice, Beth! I'm dealing with this same frustrating PIN issue right now. The 7:58 AM alarm strategy is brilliant - I can see how those first few minutes when they open would make a huge difference in wait times. It's really helpful to know the whole process only took about 25 minutes once you got through. I've been putting off calling because I was dreading hours on hold, but this gives me hope that it might not be as bad as I thought. Definitely going to try this approach tomorrow morning with my confirmation email ready to go. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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Ella Thompson
I'm going through this exact same frustrating situation right now! Just registered online a few days ago and immediately hit this PIN wall when trying to file my first weekly claim. It's absolutely mind-boggling that Virginia's system doesn't automatically generate a PIN during online registration - like, what's the point of having an online system if you still have to call anyway? Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful though. The consensus seems clear: call (866) 832-2363 right at 8:00 AM sharp when they open. I'm going to set my alarm for 7:55 AM tomorrow and have my SSN and confirmation number from my registration email ready to go. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through this extra hoop after doing everything digitally, but at least there's a proven solution. Thanks to everyone who shared their step-by-step experiences - knowing that most people got their PIN activated the same day they called is really encouraging. Will definitely report back on how it goes! 🤞
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Bruno Simmons
•You're absolutely right about how backwards their system is! I'm new to this unemployment process and was completely baffled when I hit the same PIN roadblock after doing everything online. It's so reassuring to read everyone's experiences here - makes me feel like I'm not the only one dealing with this mess! The 8:00 AM calling strategy seems to be the golden ticket based on all these success stories. I'm going to follow your lead and set my alarm early tomorrow too. It's frustrating that we have to call after completing everything digitally, but at least we have a clear game plan now. Good luck with your call tomorrow - hopefully we'll both have our PINs activated by the afternoon! 🍀
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