Intro and First post/question (2014, employment, salary)

[stargazer777]

Hi all,

I'm new to the Forum(s), have been living in noVA for 17 years, am a family man, and my career has been as a technical writer, mostly in IT environments.

Last year, I was unemployed except for March through June. Stupidly ( ), I did not apply for unemployment benefits, largely because I was "so sure" I would be landing a job "any day now." Time slipped by, and here we're into 2014, I'm still job hunting, and considering an out-of-state move to improve our situation.

Anyway, my question is this: Regarding my very poor decision to not file for unemployment, can someone in my type of situation file much later, and receive retroactive benefits?

I've Googled this question and searched these forums, and have not found a solid answer. I have phoned State offices but am always on hold forever, and for now I've given up on them answering my call and my question(s).

If anyone has a verified answer to this, and/or can direct me to a website with reliable info, I would appreciate your input.

Thanks in advance,
David G.

[Flamingo13]

There is a forum for Unemployment questions but I'm pretty sure they won't retroactively pay you for nearly a yr. ago

[austindoxie1972]

I'd suggest that you personally go to the unemployment office and ask them your questions. I believe you might be able to start unemployment benefits now. But they'll be able to help you more directly.

[Pikantari]

I am not certain but I would doubt it. During the time you are on unemployment you have to be actively seeking employment and filling out paperwork to that effect. The potential employers may have to sign a sheet of paper saying that you applied , etc.

When I was living in Maryland I lost my job and went to apply for unemployment but ended up moving and just dropped it.

Good luck..

[Caladium]

I don't think you can get retroactive payments. You probably can get payments from this point forward, as long as you show evidence that you are continuing to apply for at least two jobs every week. You may have to show some sort of evidence that you've been actively seeking work in the past year--not sure about that but it's worth checking into.

[kimlou813]

Unemployment does not issue / award retroactive payments.

[Moorea03]

The only retroactive payment most states provide for unemployment benefits is from the date you apply to the date you are approved. Since the Viriginia unemployment application asks for all employment in the past 18 months (your salary for the past 5 calendar quarters is used to determine your unemployment pay rate -see File an Initial or Weekly / Continued Claim | Virginia Employment Commission) you may still have a chance. I would suggest filing a claim sooner rather than later. The worst that can happen is you don't get approved.