Chester woman receives answers after waiting nearly five years for unemployment benefits

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Chester resident Latasha Bradley said her experience trying to receive answers from the Virginia Employment Commission over the past four years has been overwhelming.

Bradley lost her job in 2020 and said finding ways to get by after sending her children off to college was tough.

“I was hurt. I was overwhelmed. I didn't know how I was going to pay my bills, how I was going to make ends meet," Bradley said.

(Photo courtesy: 8News)

Like many Central Virginians, Bradley turned to the Virginia Employment Commission for help. After receiving benefits for a few months, Bradley said her assistance stopped unexpectedly in 2021.

Bradley said when she tried to figure out what happened, she either could not reach a representative or did not receive direct answers to her questions.

“I had filed, like, a lot of payments at that time. Nobody contacted me. No correspondence. Nothing was sent to me to make me aware of what the next steps were or to make me feel at ease," Bradley said.

That's when Bradley filed an appeal after the agency deemed her ineligible for benefits. In February 2024, the agency reversed its decision. However, more than a year later, Bradley reached out to 8News saying she still had not received the money she filed to get back.

8News contacted the Virginia Employment Commission. By law, the agency can't discuss individual claims, however, a spokesperson from the agency told 8News a member of their team will be reaching out to help Bradley resolve this issue.

The agency states Central Virginians wishing to receive unemployment benefits must file weekly benefits claims and meet certain eligibility requirements. Those with questions are encouraged to visit their website.