VEC unemployment: How to get 4-digit PIN for first weekly claim after online signup?
I need help getting my 4-digit pin number for filing my weekly claim. I created an account online last week and can log in, but when I try to file my first claim, it asks for this pin. Since I signed up online, I don't have one. How do I get it? Has anyone else run into this issue?
47 comments


Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve getting unemployment PIN number online, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y-3tCJAd9E
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Tami Morgan
Ugh, the system is so broken. Why can't they just email us the PIN or let us create one online? It's like they're stuck in the 90s or something.
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Rami Samuels
β’Agreed! With today's technology, it seems like such an outdated method.
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Ruby Knight
I found a way to get someone on the phone without the long wait. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's the link: https://claimyr.com
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Diego Castillo
β’Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?
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Logan Stewart
β’$20?! That's highway robbery! π€
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Ruby Knight
β’I know it sounds sketchy, but I swear it worked for me. Saved me hours of frustration. Worth every penny imho.
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Mikayla Brown
β’I used Claimyr too, and it worked for me. But I do wish it was a free service because $20 can be a lot when you're unemployed.
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Harper Collins
ugh, i feel your pain. the unemployment system is like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded while riding a unicycle. π€ͺ keep at it tho, you'll get there eventually!
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Kelsey Hawkins
β’Hang in there! It's a tough system, but persistence is key.
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A Man D Mortal
Pro tip: if you can't get thru on the main line, try calling your local unemployment office instead. Sometimes they can help with PIN issues too.
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Declan Ramirez
β’Calling local can sometimes get you through faster because fewer people think to try it!
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Lucas Parker
Have you tried checking your mail? Sometimes they send the PIN in a letter, even if you signed up online. Worth a shot!
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Donna Cline
β’I actually got my PIN via mail, so definitely check it out if you haven't!
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Dylan Fisher
If youβre looking for an alternative option to calling directly, Claimyr can be an appealing choice. They offer a service where they remain on hold for you until an agent becomes available and then connect you to the live representative. While the service costs $20, many users report it saves them a significant amount of time. However, some may find the cost a bit steep, especially during financially tough times. Additionally, even if you opt for Claimyr, remember to have all necessary documents ready when the connection is made to avoid any wasted effort. Always consider your personal financial situation and urgency of the claim when deciding if using such a service is right for you.
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Haley Bennett
Here's what you need to do: 1. Call the VEC customer service number 2. Wait on hold (it might take a while) 3. When you get through, explain that you need a PIN for online filing 4. They'll verify your identity and set up the PIN for you 5. Write it down somewhere safe! Make sure you have your Social Security number and other personal info ready when you call. Good luck!
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Yara Campbell
β’Thank you so much! This is really helpful. Do you know how long the wait times usually are?
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Haley Bennett
β’No problem! Wait times can vary a lot. I've waited anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. It's best to call early in the morning if you can.
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Douglas Foster
β’3 hours?! That's insane. I've got better things to do than sit on hold all day. There's gotta be a better way.
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Nina Chan
β’I once called mid-afternoon and only waited about 45 minutes. Timing seems to make a big difference.
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Sean Matthews
have you tried turning it off and on again? π€£ jk jk. but seriously, the unemployment system is a joke. good luck getting through!
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Emma Morales
This is why I always tell people to sign up by phone instead of online. Saves so much hassle later on. Live and learn, I guess.
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Katherine Hunter
β’hindsight is 20/20 lol. but yeah, def gonna remember this for next time (hopefully there isnt a next time tho
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Yara Campbell
β’I wish I had known this before. Thanks for the tip, I'll remember it for the future.
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Isaac Wright
I had the same problem! You need to call the unemployment office directly to get your PIN. It's a pain, but it's the only way to get it set up if you registered online.
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Maya Diaz
β’I know it's frustrating, but calling is truly the most reliable option. I hope you get your PIN soon!
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Ali Anderson
I'm in the same boat. Been trying to get my PIN for weeks now. The whole system is a clown show π€‘
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Yara Campbell
β’Weeks?! Oh no, I hope it doesn't take that long for me. I really need to file my claim soon.
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Ali Anderson
β’Yeah, it's been a nightmare. Keep trying tho, hopefully you'll have better luck than me!
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Zadie Patel
β’I finally got mine after persistent calling, maybe try varying your call times!
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Aisha Patel
I had this exact same issue when I signed up online! The PIN isn't automatically generated - you have to call VEC directly to get it set up. I know it's frustrating having to call after doing everything online, but that's just how their system works unfortunately. When you call, have your SSN and confirmation number from your online registration ready. They'll verify your info and either give you a PIN over the phone or tell you when it'll be active. Don't give up - once you get past this hurdle, the weekly filing is pretty straightforward!
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Diego Flores
β’Thanks for sharing your experience! It's reassuring to know that once you get through this initial hurdle, the weekly filing process becomes easier. I'll make sure to have all my documents ready when I call. Did you have to wait long to get through to someone?
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Emma Johnson
I went through this same frustrating experience last month! Here's what worked for me: Call the VEC main line first thing in the morning (around 8:15 AM) - that's when I had the shortest wait time. Have your Social Security number, the confirmation number from your online registration, and a pen ready. When you get through, just explain that you registered online but need your PIN to file weekly claims. The representative will verify your identity and either give you the PIN immediately or activate it within 24 hours. I got mine the same day! Also, once you have your PIN, write it down in multiple places - you'll need it every week for filing. Don't let this discourage you from filing - Virginia's system is just a bit behind the times with the online/phone integration.
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Chloe Martin
β’This is super helpful, thank you! The 8:15 AM tip is gold - I've been trying to call in the afternoons and getting nowhere. I'll definitely try calling first thing tomorrow morning with all my info ready. It's good to know that some people are getting their PINs the same day. Fingers crossed I have the same luck! π€
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Dylan Baskin
I ran into this exact same issue! The VEC system has this weird disconnect between online registration and PIN assignment. What I ended up doing was calling the VEC customer service line at (866) 832-2363 and explaining that I registered online but needed my PIN for weekly claims. The rep was actually pretty helpful once I got through - she verified my identity with my SSN and the confirmation number from my online registration, then activated my PIN right away. I was able to file my weekly claim the same day! The key is calling early in the morning (I called around 8 AM) to avoid the longer wait times. It's annoying that we have to call after doing everything online, but at least it's a one-time thing. Once you get your PIN, keep it somewhere safe because you'll need it every week. Hope this helps!
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Carmen Lopez
β’This is exactly the info I needed! I've been so frustrated trying to figure this out. The (866) 832-2363 number and the 8 AM calling tip are super helpful. It's ridiculous that their system doesn't automatically generate a PIN when you register online, but at least now I know there's a solution. Going to try calling first thing tomorrow morning with my SSN and confirmation number ready. Thanks for taking the time to share all these details!
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Mei Chen
I went through this same frustrating process a few months ago! Here's what finally worked for me: Call VEC at (866) 832-2363 right when they open at 8:00 AM - I literally set an alarm and called at 8:01 AM and got through in about 20 minutes instead of hours. Have your SSN, confirmation number from your online registration, and something to write with ready. When you reach a rep, explain that you registered online but need your 4-digit PIN activated for weekly claims. They'll verify your info and either give you the PIN immediately or activate it within 24 hours (mine was active within 2 hours). It's super annoying that their online system doesn't automatically handle this, but once you get past this one hurdle, filing weekly is actually pretty smooth. Don't give up - you've got this!
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Morita Montoya
β’The 8:01 AM strategy is brilliant! Setting an alarm to call right when they open makes so much sense. I've been calling randomly throughout the day and getting nowhere. It's reassuring to hear that once you get through this PIN hurdle, the weekly filing process is actually smooth. I'm going to try your exact approach tomorrow morning - alarm set and all my documents ready to go. Thanks for the encouragement and the detailed game plan!
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Natasha Kuznetsova
I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Just signed up online last week and hit the same wall when trying to file my first weekly claim. It's so frustrating that they don't automatically generate the PIN during online registration - seems like a pretty basic feature that should be integrated. From reading all these comments, it sounds like calling first thing in the morning at 8 AM is the way to go. Going to try the (866) 832-2363 number tomorrow with my SSN and confirmation number ready. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least now I know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess! π
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Beatrice Marshall
β’You're definitely not alone in this! I just went through the same thing a couple weeks ago. The early morning call strategy really does work - I called at 8:05 AM and only waited about 30 minutes. Make sure you have your confirmation number handy because they'll ask for it right away to verify your online registration. Once they activate your PIN, you should be able to file that same day. It's such a pain that their system isn't more integrated, but hang in there!
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Chloe Taylor
I'm going through this exact same frustrating situation right now! Created my online account a few days ago and got completely stuck at the PIN step when trying to file my first weekly claim. It's mind-boggling that their system doesn't just generate a PIN automatically when you register online - like, isn't that the whole point of doing it digitally? Based on everyone's advice here, I'm definitely going to try calling (866) 832-2363 first thing tomorrow morning at 8 AM sharp. I'll have my SSN and online confirmation number ready to go. It's annoying that we have to call after doing everything online, but if it gets me my PIN so I can finally file my claim, it'll be worth it. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's actually really helpful to know the exact steps and timing that worked for you all! Will report back on how it goes. π€
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Jason Brewer
β’You're so right about how backwards their system is! I just went through this nightmare myself last month. The 8 AM calling strategy definitely works - I got through in about 45 minutes when I called right at opening time. Make sure you have your confirmation number written down clearly because the rep will ask for it immediately. Also, don't hang up if they put you on a brief hold while activating your PIN - mine took about 3 minutes to process but then I was able to file my weekly claim that same afternoon. Good luck tomorrow! π
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Jessica Nolan
Just wanted to add my experience to help others! I had this exact same PIN issue when I registered online last month. What worked for me was calling the VEC line at (866) 832-2363 at exactly 8:00 AM when they opened. I waited about 35 minutes but got through to a helpful rep who activated my PIN immediately after verifying my SSN and online confirmation number. Pro tip: have your confirmation email pulled up on your phone/computer because the confirmation number can be hard to read if it's handwritten. Also, if you get disconnected (which happened to me the first time), don't panic - your PIN activation request stays in their system so you won't have to start completely over. The whole process is definitely frustrating since their online system should handle this automatically, but once you get past this hurdle, weekly filing is actually pretty straightforward!
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Payton Black
β’This is really helpful, thanks Jessica! I'm new to all this unemployment stuff and it's pretty overwhelming. The tip about having the confirmation email pulled up on your phone is great - I definitely would have tried to read my scribbled handwriting and probably gotten it wrong. It's reassuring to know that if you get disconnected, you don't have to start completely over. I'm going to try calling tomorrow morning using everyone's advice here. This thread has been a lifesaver for figuring out what seemed like an impossible problem!
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Ravi Sharma
I just went through this same exact situation two weeks ago! The PIN issue is such a common problem when you register online - it's like their system has this weird gap where online registration doesn't automatically set up the PIN for weekly filing. Here's what worked for me: I called (866) 832-2363 at exactly 8:00 AM (literally set my alarm for 7:55 AM) and got through in about 40 minutes. Have your SSN and the confirmation number from your online registration email ready - they'll ask for both right away. The rep activated my PIN immediately and I was able to file my weekly claim the same day. I know it's super frustrating having to call after doing everything online, but it's really just this one-time hurdle. Once you get your PIN, the weekly filing process is actually pretty smooth. Don't get discouraged - you're so close to getting this sorted out! πͺ
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Ethan Wilson
β’Thanks for sharing your experience, Ravi! This whole thread has been so helpful for understanding this frustrating PIN issue. I'm definitely going to follow your strategy - setting an alarm for 7:55 AM to call right at 8:00 is smart. It's crazy that so many of us have run into this same problem with online registration not automatically setting up the PIN. At least now I know exactly what to expect and what documents to have ready. Really appreciate you taking the time to share the step-by-step process!
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Mei Liu
I just went through this exact same issue a couple weeks ago! It's so frustrating that their online system doesn't automatically generate the PIN - seems like such a basic oversight. Here's what finally worked for me: I called the VEC number (866) 832-2363 at exactly 8:00 AM when they open. I actually called from my car in the parking lot at work so I wouldn't miss the call when they picked up. Waited about 50 minutes but got through to a really helpful rep. She just needed my SSN and the confirmation number from my online registration email, then activated my PIN right there on the spot. I was able to file my weekly claim that same afternoon! The key is definitely calling right when they open - I tried calling later in the day a few times and either couldn't get through or waited for hours. It's a pain that we have to call after doing everything online, but at least it's a one-time thing. Once you get past this, the weekly filing is actually pretty easy. Good luck!
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