State Senator Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, is intending to propose changes to Virginia’s unemployment policies, which currently have one of the lowest unemployment insurance taxes in the nation but a less than average ratio of unemployed citizens receiving benefits. Aiming to end a 10-year freeze on maximum payouts often corresponding to a third of a laid-off worker’s wage, Ebbin is putting forth four bills intended to increase payments.

Under current regulations, benefits are set at a maximum of $378 a week, a figure that has remained unchanged since 2014. This places Virginia sixth-lowest in the nation for unemployment benefits. This is set to change with the termination of the pandemic-era freeze on taxes employers pay for unemployment insurance at the end of the year. The average base rate, presently situated at $71.24 per employee, is expected to adjust as the country returns to pre-pandemic conditions.

Ebbin is emphasizing an examination on why only 16% of unemployed Virginians receive unemployment insurance, a figure far below the National Employment Law Project’s recommendation that half of unemployed workers should receive benefits. This figure is only met by Minnesota, with no other state reaching the 50% benchmark and the national average sitting at 27%.

One of Ebbin’s proposed bills would allow for annual adjustments to benefits corresponding to changes in the average wage in Virginia. A second measure would add a $25 allowance for each dependent of a qualifier, restricted to a maximum of three dependents. The final measure would raise the threshold that triggers benefit reductions when a beneficiary begins part-time employment from $50 to $100.

For those grappling with unemployment and seeking help such as unemployment benefits, contacting the Employment Development Department (EDD) is often crucial. To make the process easier, services such as eddcaller.com provide valuable help, ensuring the communication process is effective and comprehensive. Users can find guidelines on how to get through to edd to secure the assistance they need in a timely manner.