Job loss · West Virginia

Losing your job in West Virginia: what to do first

A layoff sets several clocks running at once — unemployment benefits, health coverage, and any final-pay rules in West Virginia. Here is the order most people should work through, and where to go for the official answer.

The first week

1. File for unemployment right away. Benefits in most states are paid from the week you file, not the week you lost the job, so waiting costs money. File through the West Virginia agency linked below.
2. Get your separation paperwork. Ask your employer in writing for your final pay date, unused PTO payout, and the reason for separation recorded with the state.
3. Decide on health coverage. You generally have a limited election window for COBRA and a special enrollment window on the marketplace. Compare both before the earlier deadline passes.
4. Pause what you can. Call lenders and utilities about hardship programs before a payment is missed, not after.

Documents to gather

• Photo ID and Social Security number
• Employment dates and employer address for the last 18 months
• Final pay stubs and your most recent W-2
• Separation, severance, or layoff notice letters
• Bank details for benefit direct deposit
• Health plan documents and the COBRA election notice when it arrives

Official West Virginia resources

• West Virginia unemployment benefits office

  Official state unemployment insurance agency, filing portal and phone number.

• West Virginia job centers

  Free in-person help with job search, training and benefits.

• West Virginia voter registration

  Register or update your address after a move.

• West Virginia courts

  Court self-help, family law forms and filing information.

• West Virginia business registration

  Register a business entity and find state licensing requirements.

• West Virginia health insurance marketplace

  Coverage options after losing employer health insurance.