Temporary Furlough FAQs
GENERAL FAQs
Q.
Why has WVU enacted a temporary furlough?
A. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, WVU must continue to limit its on-campus
operations for the foreseeable future. While these restrictions are necessary to
protect the health and well-being of our campus community, they also have resulted
in the loss of several revenue streams at the University. WVU must prioritize funding
to satisfy our financial obligations while also considering the ongoing needs of
our students, faculty and staff.
Q. What exactly does the word “furlough” mean?
A. A temporary furlough is defined as a temporary reduction of force with an expectation of returning to work.
Q. What employees were considered for temporary furlough?
A. The temporary furlough plan applies to WVU and its divisional campuses (WVU Potomac State College and WVU Institute of Technology). Employees who were considered for temporary furlough include temporary workers and 12-month benefits- and non-benefits eligible:
- Classified employees;
- Non-classified employees; and
- Academic professionals (non-teaching).
To ensure continuity of the educational experience, the following employees were not considered for temporary furlough:
- Faculty;
- Staff scheduled to teach a course during the furlough period;
- Student employees; and
- Federal work study and graduate student assistants.
Q. How was the decision to furlough an employee made?
A. WVU asked leaders to consider staff who should be retained to ensure the delivery of critical services during the temporary furlough period. In situations where some (but not all) of a unit’s staff were deemed critical, the following were considered:
- Performance;
- Skills and Qualifications; and
- Seniority.
If all factors were equal, the employee with the more seniority was designated as critical. Further, given the resources currently available through state and federal programs, the temporary furlough plan was designed to avoid financial hardships furloughed employees would experience. Eligibility for complete wage replacement of an employee’s annual base salary through unemployment compensation was a key factor in determining employees who were considered for furlough.
Q. How were return-to-work dates determined for impacted employees?A. Based on operational needs, leaders selected one of the following dates for impacted staff to return to active employment:
- Sunday, June 28, 2020; or
- Sunday, July 26, 2020.
BENEFITS FAQs
Q.
Will I be able to continue my insurance benefits during the temporary furlough
period?
A. Yes. Employees on temporary furlough will continue insurance benefits,
if elected. WVU would continue to pay the employer’s share of the premium during
the temporary furlough period and staff would continue to be responsible for
the employee’s share of the premium.Since insurance premiums usually are paid as pre-tax deductions from wages earned, premiums occurring during temporary furlough may be collected from future University pay when staff return to active employment with WVU, if the staff member so chooses. Other voluntary benefits may also be continued as long as the staff member would agree to pay for any required premium amounts.
In the
Employee Information Form, employees have two options for repayment of benefit
premiums (if applicable) missed during the temporary furlough period:
- Payroll deduction (pre-tax/post-tax) from a minimum of six consecutive pays,
beginning with the first full pay after return to work; or
- Payment (after-tax) in full by check or money order after receiving billing statement from Benefits Strategy.
The payroll deduction option requires employees to sign a wage assignment agreement,
which indicates the exact total of premiums the employee owes back to WVU. The
agreement must be notarized.
Q. May I drop my health insurance during the temporary furlough period?
A. In addition to paying the employer portion of the premium, WVU also would pay the employee’s portion of the premium (i.e., the amount normally deducted from the employee's paycheck) until the furlough ends, when insurance is dropped by the employee or if the employee separates from employment (whichever comes first). Employees who continue health insurance coverage would be responsible for paying their share of premium costs back to WVU.
In the
Employee Information Form, employees have two options for repayment of benefit
premiums (if applicable) missed during the temporary furlough period:
- Payroll deduction (pre-tax/post-tax) from a minimum of six consecutive pays,
beginning with the first full pay after return to work; or
- Payment (after-tax) in full by check or money order after receiving billing statement from Benefits Strategy.
The payroll deduction option requires employees to sign a wage assignment agreement,
which indicates the exact total of premiums the employee owes back to WVU. The
agreement must be notarized.
If an employee elects not to repay premiums, the employee’s coverage(s) may be canceled,
which may leave the employee responsible for the full cost of claims incurred.
Employees who wish to discontinue health insurance coverage may do so by completing
a qualifying life event form through PEIA's
Manage My Benefits site or print a paper
change-in-status form* and complete.
To cancel coverage June 1: Change-in-status requests must be submitted
on or before Friday, May 22.
To cancel coverage July 1: Change-in-status requests must be submitted
on or before Friday, June 19.
*Paper forms must be sent to
SharedServices@mail.wvu.edu.
Employees can re-enroll in health insurance upon return from temporary furlough.
Supporting documentation would be required for re-enrollment (e.g., marriage
certificates and birth certificates).
Q. May I drop my dental and/or vision insurance during the temporary furlough?
A. In addition to paying the employer portion of the premium, WVU also would pay the employee’s portion of the premium (the amount normally deducted from the employee's paycheck) until the furlough ends, when insurance is dropped by the employee or if the employee separates from employment (whichever comes first). Employees who continue dental and/or vision coverage would be responsible for paying their share of premium costs back to WVU.
Q. May I drop my dental and/or vision insurance during the temporary furlough?
A. In addition to paying the employer portion of the premium, WVU also would pay the employee’s portion of the premium (the amount normally deducted from the employee's paycheck) until the furlough ends, when insurance is dropped by the employee or if the employee separates from employment (whichever comes first). Employees who continue dental and/or vision coverage would be responsible for paying their share of premium costs back to WVU.
In the
Employee Information Form, employees have two options for repayment of benefit
premiums (if applicable) missed during the temporary furlough period:
- Payroll deduction (pre-tax/post-tax) from a minimum of six consecutive pays,
beginning with the first full pay after return to work; or
- Payment (after-tax) in full by check or money order after receiving billing statement from Benefits Strategy.
The payroll deduction option requires employees to sign a wage assignment agreement,
which indicates the exact total of premiums the employee owes back to WVU. The
agreement must be notarized.
If an employee elects not to repay premiums, the employee’s coverage(s) may be canceled,
which may leave the employee responsible for the full cost of claims incurred.
Employees who wish to discontinue dental and/or vision coverage may do so by completing
a FBMC paper
change-in-status form*.
To cancel coverage June 1: Change-in-status requests must be submitted
on or before Friday, May 22.
To cancel coverage July 1:
Change-in-status requests must be submitted on or before Friday, June 19.
*Paper forms must be sent to
SharedServices@mail.wvu.edu.
Employees can re-enroll in dental and/or vision insurance upon return from temporary
furlough. Supporting documentation would be required for re-enrollment (e.g.,
marriage certificates and birth certificates).
Note: If you were enrolled in the enhanced dental plan and drop
your coverage, the six-month waiting period to get back into the enhanced plan
will be waived due to the temporary furlough when you return to work.
Q.
May I cancel my group long-term disability insurance during the temporary
furlough period?
A. In addition to paying the employer portion of the premium, WVU also would pay the employee’s portion of the premium (the amount normally deducted from the employee's paycheck) until the furlough ends, when insurance is dropped by the employee or if the employee separates from employment (whichever comes first). Employees who continue group long-term disability coverage would be responsible for paying their share of premium costs back to WVU.
A. In addition to paying the employer portion of the premium, WVU also would pay the employee’s portion of the premium (the amount normally deducted from the employee's paycheck) until the furlough ends, when insurance is dropped by the employee or if the employee separates from employment (whichever comes first). Employees who continue group long-term disability coverage would be responsible for paying their share of premium costs back to WVU.
In the
Employee Information Form, employees have two options for repayment of benefit
premiums (if applicable) missed during the temporary furlough period:
- Payroll deduction (pre-tax/post-tax) from a minimum of six consecutive pays,
beginning with the first full pay after return to work; or
- Payment (after-tax) in full by check or money order after receiving billing statement from Benefits Strategy.
The payroll deduction option requires employees to sign a wage assignment agreement,
which indicates the exact total of premiums the employee owes back to WVU. The
agreement must be notarized.
If an employee elects not to repay premiums, the employee’s coverage(s) may be
canceled.
Employees who wish to discontinue group long-term disability coverage may do so
by completing a
group LTD cancellation form.
To cancel coverage June 1: Change-in-status requests must be submitted
on or before Friday, May 22.
To cancel coverage July 1: Change-in-status requests must be submitted
on or before Friday, June 19.
*Paper forms must be sent to
SharedServices@mail.wvu.edu.
Employees can re-enroll in group long-term disability upon return from temporary
furlough; however,
re-enrollment will be subject to underwriting and is not guaranteed.
Q.
Am I able to receive an amount for my bi-weekly benefit deductions so I
can budget for the amount I will need to repay WVU?
A. You can obtain your bi-weekly benefits deduction amounts from your pay
statement by visiting
portal.wvu.edu, selecting the MyHR tab and clicking on “Pay Statements.”
Q.
What benefit deductions should I be looking for on my pay statement?
A. Below is a listing of payroll deducted pay statement names for benefits
premiums that will be owed back to WVU:- PEIA Health (pre-tax) – PEIA Health
- The Health Plan (pre-tax) – PEIA Health
- Dependent Life Insurance (pre-tax) –
Dependent Life
- Optional Life Insurance (pre-tax) –
Opt Life
- Optional Life Insurance (post-tax) – Opt Life AT
- Mountaineer Flexible Benefits (pre-tax): dental, vision, short or long-term
disability, hearing, legal, health care or dependent flexible spending
accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA) –
Mt Flex Benefits
- AIG – American Insurance Group
- Group Long-Term Disability (annuity premium) – TIAA Disab Annty
- Group Long-Term Disability (income premium) – TIAA Disability
Q.
What paychecks am I going to miss while off on temporary furlough?
A. If your scheduled return-to-work date is Sunday, June 28, you will
miss the following pays during the temporary furlough period:- June 19
- July 3
- July 17 (one week of pay)
If your scheduled return-to-work date is Sunday, July 26, you will miss the
following pays during the temporary furlough period:
- June 19
- July 3
- July 17
- July 31 (deduction holiday)
- August 14 (one week of pay)
Q.
What are my options for repaying my missed benefit premiums back
to WVU?
A. In the
Employee Information Form, employees have two options for repayment
of benefit premiums (if applicable) missed during the temporary furlough
period:
- Payroll deduction (pre-tax/post-tax) from a minimum of six consecutive
pays, beginning with the first full pay after return to work; or
- Payment (after-tax) in full by check or money order after receiving billing statement from Benefits Strategy.
The payroll deduction option requires employees to sign a wage assignment
agreement, which indicates the exact total of premiums the employee owes
back to WVU. The agreement must be notarized.
Q.
I have elected to repay my missed benefits premiums in full by
check or money order. How will I be notified of the amount that
I owe?
A. During the first week of July, Benefits Strategy will email you
to confirm your payment option. If you have chosen to pay in full by
check or money order, you will receive a billing statement with the total
amount of money you owe. Payments may be made by personal check or money
order to “West Virginia University” and must be paid by July 17, 2020.
Q.
I have elected to repay my missed benefits premiums from payroll
deductions when I return to work. How will I be notified of
the amount that will be taken from my pay and how many pays
this will occur?
A. During the first week of July, Benefits Strategy will email
you to confirm your payment option. If you have chosen payroll deductions,
you also will receive your Wage Assignment Agreement attached to the
email, which will detail the total amount of money you owe and over
how many pays WVU will take deductions. Your deductions will be spread
over a minimum of six pay periods beginning with your first full pay
after your return to work.Example of employee returning to work July 26:
- Total amount of missed benefit premiums owed is $60 and will be taken over six (6) pays.
- Total premiums owed $60 divided by six (6) pays = $10 per pay.
- The first $10 deduction would begin on Aug. 28 paycheck and continue in the amount of $10 for an additional five (5) pays: Sept. 11 and 25; Oct. 9 and 23; and Nov. 6.
Q.
What if I want to change my election on how I will repay WVU
for my missed benefits premiums and have already submitted
my Employee Information form?
A. You can make a change to your payment election after completing
your
Employee Information Form. Send an email to
coronavirushr@mail.wvu.edu
stating your name in the email indicating your change. You can make a change up through
June 15, 2020.
Q.
May I have my benefits premiums owed deducted from my longevity
pay?
A. No. WVU will not be withholding premiums owed from longevity
pay.
Q.
Am I able to split my payment for the missed benefit premiums
that I owe?
A. No. Benefits premiums owed will be totaled and cannot
be split into separate payment types. You may either pay in full
by check or elect payroll deductions.
Q.
I have elected payroll deductions and will receive the
wage assignment agreement form. Where can I have my
form notarized?
A. You can use a notary public of your choice (fees may
apply) or a notary public of WVU will be available free of
charge. Additional details will be in your email from Benefits
Strategy the first week of July.
Q.
When is my first WVU paycheck after I return to work?
A. If your scheduled return to work date is Sunday, June
28, your first pay will be on July 17 for one week (for wages
earned June 28 – July 4). Regular bi-weekly pays will
resume on July 31, which also is a deduction holiday (no
benefit deductions are withheld).If your scheduled return to work date is Sunday, July 26, your
first pay will be on Aug. 14 for one week (for wages earned
July 26 – August 1). Regular bi-weekly pays will
resume on Aug. 28.
Q.
What is the first pay WVU will begin taking money
for my missed benefit premiums if I have elected
to repay by payroll deductions?
A. Depending upon your return-to-work date, WVU will
begin taking deductions as follows:
- Return to work June 28 – payroll deductions begin August 14.
- Return to work July 26 – payroll deductions begin August 28.
Q.
What should I do if I already have submitted a
leave request during the temporary furlough period?
A. Employees who have been identified for temporary
furlough are not eligible to utilize paid leave during
the temporary furlough period, and all requests already
approved for paid leave should be canceled by the employee
and/or their supervisor and approved by the supervisor.
Q.
What will happen to my unused floating holiday
hours if I do not use them by June 30?
A. The floating holiday will be extended for use
for all leave-eligible employees through Aug. 31.
Q.
Will I still receive my increment pay (longevity
pay) in July?
A. Any employee who is eligible to receive increment
pay still will receive payment in July.
Q.
May I take out a loan or withdrawal from
my TIAA retirement savings without penalty
during the temporary furlough period?
A. Information relating to TIAA loans and withdrawals
and the CARES Act during the COVID-19 pandemic
can be found on the
TIAA website.
Q.
What happens if I need to have surgery
while I am furloughed?
A. If you do not drop your health insurance,
your coverage still will be effective. It is
not necessary to provide medical documentation
to support your time away from work during the
temporary furlough period. If you are unable
to return to work due to medical reasons after
the temporary furlough period, you need to contact
your supervisor and provide a completed WVU
Medical Verification Form
directly to WVU Medical Management.
The form can be emailed to
medicalmanagement@mail.wvu.edu
or mailed to:
WVU Medical Management
One Waterfront Place
PO Box 6640
Morgantown, WV 26506
Q.
How would employees who are taking classes
and receiving a tuition waiver be affected
during the temporary furlough?
A. Undergraduate tuition waivers submitted
by the April 30 deadline will be approved for
any temporarily furloughed employees. Graduate
tuition waivers already submitted will be approved
for any furloughed employee. No new graduate
waivers will be approved since the deadline
has passed.
Q.
Do I have to continue paying for my
parking?
A. Employees impacted by the temporary
furlough will not be receiving pay from WVU,
therefore no parking deductions will be taken.
Employees will resume parking deductions
when they return to work without loss of
parking privileges.
Q.
Will I still be able to use my Mountie
Bounty during the temporary furlough
period?
A. Yes. Employees on temporary furlough
still will be able to use their Mountie
Bounty funds on their Mountaineer Card.
Q.
How will Talent and Culture communicate
with me once my WVU email is
inactivated?
A. All communications during the
temporary furlough period will be sent
to the email address you provided in
the Employee Information Contact form.
A. If you need assistance with setting out-of-office replies for your email or phone, please contact the ITS Service Desk at 304-293-4444 or ITShelp@mail.wvu.edu . You can also review these instructions for email , and scroll down to "Rerecord your current greeting" in the voicemail instructions .
Normal Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday - 7:30 a.m.
to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday - 10 a.m. to 5
p.m.
Note: Due to a May 22-24 scheduled outage, and the University holiday on Monday, May 25, the ITS Service Desk will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22, and remain closed until 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26.
UNEMPLOYMENT FAQs
Q.
How soon can employees identified for temporary furlough apply for unemployment
benefits?
A. Employees identified for temporary furlough may begin filing for unemployment
on Sunday, May 24, by one of the following methods:
- Contact WVU Shared Services at 304-293-6006.
- Online at www.uc.workforcewv.org.
- Contact WorkForce West Virginia directly at 1-800-252-JOBS (5627).
Note: Attempting to file unemployment prior to May 24 could result in
delays in the application process.
Q.
Would an employee identified for temporary furlough who lives out of
state apply for unemployment through West Virginia's unemployment office
or their state's office?
A. Unemployment benefits are based on the state where the work is performed,
not the individual’s state of residence.
- If (1) the individual files a claim with WorkForce West Virginia on their employment with WVU and (2) the work was performed in West Virginia, then it will be a West Virginia claim.
- If (1) the individual files a claim in an unemployment compensation office located in any other state, (2) was employed by WVU, and (3) the work was performed in West Virginia, then it will be a West Virginia claim regardless of the state in which the claim was filed.
- If (1) the individual files a claim in an unemployment compensation office located in any other state, (2) they were employed by WVU, (3) the work was performed in West Virginia, and (4) they had other employment in a state other than West Virginia, then it will be a combined wage claim against the state where the claim was filed. That state will contact WorkForce West Virginia for wage information that we have already reported.
- If the individual works for WVU in a state other than West Virginia, and files a claim in that state, then it will be a claim against that state. In this situation, that state’s unemployment compensation unit will contact WVU directly.
Q.
If I take a part-time job, would it affect my unemployment pay?
A. All earned income would need to be reported to WorkForce West Virginia
and may impact the amount of unemployment you receive.
Q.
Is unemployment paid weekly or bi-weekly?
A. Unemployment is paid out weekly. You will submit a weekly certification
each Sunday (either online or over the phone) and will receive the funds
two to four days after submission.
Q.
Is there a resource available for me to calculate my estimated
unemployment compensation?
A. Yes. You can visit the
WorkForce West Virginia site to view a personal estimate of your
weekly unemployment benefit from the State of West Virginia.
Note: When considering this amount, please remember that if
you are approved for unemployment you also would receive an additional
$600 per week through federal pandemic unemployment compensation.
Q.
What is the work address I need to list on my unemployment application?
A. The work address to use for your unemployment application is:One Waterfront Place
PO Box 6640
Morgantown, WV 26506
Q.
What phone number should I list for my employer?
A.
The phone number that you should use is 304-293-5577.
Q.
What should I list as my reason for filing?
A.
You should select the “lack of work” option.
Q.
What should I select for the question asking if we are out
work due to COVID-19?
A.
You should select “yes.” For the next question asking if your
employer is closed, you should select “no.”
Q.
How should we answer the question “If offered work, can
you start today?” (or questions asking if are you ready
and able to work every day of the week)?
A.
Answer honestly and think about the question in relation to
your job at WVU. Being ready and able to work is one of the
key elements needed to qualify for unemployment. If you select
no because you do not feel like you are available to work
(at WVU or elsewhere), a hold may be placed on your account
and you will need to contact WVU Shared Services at 304-293-6006
or WorkForce West Virginia at 1-800-252-5627 for next steps.
Q.
I forgot my WorkForce West Virginia PIN, what do I do?
A. Contact WVU Shared Services at 304-293-6006 or WorkForce
West Virginia at 1-800-252-5627 to reset your PIN. If you contact
Shared Services, they will work with WorkForce West Virginia
to get your PIN reset.
Q.
When and where do I complete my weekly certification?
A. You can complete your weekly certifications anytime
between Sunday at 12:01 a.m. and Friday at 5 p.m. (e.g.,
you would complete a weekly certification for May 31 through
June 6 anytime between June 7 through June 13).
Q.
I went online to WorkForce West Virginia to check
the status of my claim, and it says my claim is
on hold, what should I do?
A. You should contact Shared Services at 304-293-6006
at your earliest convenience. They will work with WorkForce
West Virginia to correct your application. The most common
reason why this occurs is when “no” is selected to for
the question “Are you ready and able to work every day
of the week.”
Q.
Will taxes be taken out of my unemployment compensation?
A. The weekly benefit paid by WorkForce West Virginia
is a gross dollar amount (subject to state and federal
personal income tax). You may elect to have federal income
taxes withheld from your unemployment compensation from
WorkForce West Virginia; however, state taxes are not
withheld. You are advised to speak to your tax professional
regarding the payment of state income tax.
Q.
What if I want to change my West Virginia taxes
since unemployment compensation does not withhold
West Virginia state taxes?
A. If you wish to make changes to your state tax
withholding, complete the
West Virginia State Income Tax Withholding Form.
Print out the form and send it to WVU Payroll one of
three ways:
- Online via secure WVU Filelocker to Kimberly.Foley@mail.wvu.edu.
- Mail to: WVU Payroll One Waterfront Place PO Box 6005 Morgantown, WV 26506
- Fax to: 304-293-7266.
Q.
Will WVU be available to help me file my unemployment
claim? Can I file it myself?
A. WVU Shared Services will be available to help
you file your unemployment claim or answer any additional
questions you may have regarding your claim. Shared
Services will be open for special hours on Sunday,
May 24, from 1 – 5 p.m. and Monday, May 25 from 9
a.m. – 1 p.m. You also may contact Shared Services
during our normal hours of operation, Monday through
Friday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. You also may choose to
file your unemployment claims on your own.
Q.
Do I have to actively seek employment during
the temporary furlough period?
A. No. According to the executive order issued
by Gov. Jim Justice on March 19, the work search
requirements have been waived. WVU recommends that
when filling out your initial claim and weekly
certifications, you do list one job contact. Since
you still are in contact with the University, you
may use WVU as a job contact. This will avoid any
potential holds on your claim.WVU Shared Services will be available to help you
file your unemployment claim or answer any additional
questions you may have regarding your claim. Shared
Services will be open for special hours on Sunday,
May 24, from 1 – 5 p.m. and Monday, May 25 from
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. You also may contact Shared Services
during our normal hours of operation, Monday through
Friday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. You also may choose
to file your unemployment claims on your own.
Q.
Do I have to report my June 5 paycheck
received from WVU as part of the weekly
certification for the unemployment compensation
benefits for the week ending June 6?
A. No, The WVU pay received on Juen 5 was
earned during the period that you were still
actively working (May 10-23) and before
the temporary furlough period began; therefore,
you do not need to claim this paycheck as earnings
when filing your weekly certification.
Q.
What do I need to do to get additional
$600 unemployment compensation from the
Federal CARES Act?
A. All individuals who are eligible to receive
unemployment will get an extra $600 per week
of CARES funds on top of the state benefit. In
West Virginia, the maximum weekly benefit amount
is $424 per week. Your weekly benefit is calculated
using wages paid to you in a defined base period.
For example, if your weekly benefit is calculated
at $250 per week, the $600 pandemic compensation
will be added to that amount for a total of $850.
Q.
Could you explain the process of unemployment?
What do I need to do each week?
A. You can begin taking the following steps
to file unemployment on Sunday, May 24:
- Sunday, May 24
- Contact WVU Shared Services at 304-293-6006.
- Online at www.uc.workforcewv.org.
- Contact WorkForce West Virginia directly at 1-800-252-JOBS (5627).
Tip: Ensure your PIN is unique and
does not contain any personal information
(e.g., your birthdate or Social Security
Number).
-
May 31 – June 7
- Continue checking your claim online with WorkForce West Virginia by clicking the sixth option: “If you are a claimant and want specific information about your claim.” If you see any notifications, especially with the word “hold” in it, contact WVU Shared Services or Workforce West Virginia. This is the first location you will be able to see if your claim has been processed.
- Begin trying to file your weekly certifications online with WorkForce West Virginia. You won’t be able to file the weekly certification until after your initial claim is processed.
- To file your weekly certifications, click
the third option: “TO FILE YOUR WEEKLY
CERTIFICATION FOR BENEFITS.” When the
system allows you to click the continue
button, proceed with the process. Once
your account has been processed and
it allows you to file weekly certifications,
the online system will permit you to
file one week of benefits a day until
you are caught up.
Once you are caught up, you will want to continue filing your weekly certifications for the prior week during the “filing window,” which runs from Sunday at 12:01 a.m. through Friday at 5 p.m.- The first weekly certification period, for those who begin temporary furlough on May 24, will begin on May 31. If you are not able to file this weekly certification by May 31, don’t worry. As stated above, as soon as your initial claim is processed, you will be able to file one week of benefits each day to catch up.
- After you file your weekly certifications, you should receive your funds within two to four business days.
- You will receive a letter in the mail
explaining your benefits, along with
a Key Bank Debit Card 10-14 business
days after filing your claim, or direct
deposit if you’ve elected that option.
- Upon returning to work, stop filing your weekly certifications for the week you return.
Within 24 hours after certifying and submitting your weekly claim, you should see a pay date and pay total listed when you log into Workforce West Virginia the area “if you are a claimant and want specific information about your claim.” You should receive payment 2 - 4 business days after filing the certification.
If you see that there is a hold on your account, contact the Shared Services Center at 304-293-6006 or SharedServices@mail.wvu.edu your earliest convenience. You will not receive payment until the hold is resolved.
There are eleven (11) questions asked when filing
a weekly unemployment certification.
Your eligibility to receive benefits for each
week claimed is determined by your answers
to the questions below:
Q.
I still have questions, who should I contact?
- Were you able to work and available for work each day of the week? If no, how many days were you not able and available for work?
Please answer honestly and think about this question relation to your job at WVU. Being ready and able to work is one of the key elements needed to qualify for unemployment. If you select no because you do not feel like you are available to work (at WVU or anywhere else), a hold may be placed on your account and you will need to contact the Shared Services Center at 304-293-6006 or Workforce West Virginia at 1-800-252-JOBS (5627) for the next steps.
- Did you actively seek full-time work during the week? If yes, how many job contacts did you make during the week?
Since you are a furloughed employee, you are still in contact with your job here at WVU. You can select yes and enter one job contact.
- Did you refuse any work or fail to report for a job interview?
Please answer honestly and think about this question in relation to your job at WVU.
- Did you attend school or training?
Please answer honestly. You should only select yes if you left work specifically to attend school or for additional training. As a furloughed employee, this answer is likely no. If you answer yes, there is a possibility of a hold on your account.
- Did you apply for a pension, retirement pay, or Social Security benefits?
If you have not applied for any of the listed benefits in the last week, select no.
- Are you receiving a pension, retirement pay, or Social Security benefits?
As long as you answer this question in a similar fashion to how you answered it on the initial application, it will not affect your claim.
- Did the amount of your pension, retirement pay, or Social Security benefits change?
If you select yes to the amount changing, a hold will occur, and WorkForce West Virginia will need additional information about the changes in your payments.
- Did you receive a bonus, wages in lieu of notice, holiday pay, or vacation pay?
Generally, the answer for furloughed employees will be no, unless they have other employment.
- Did you work during the week, including self-employment?
Generally, the answer to this question will be no unless you have another job or have returned to work at WVU.
If you answer yes, the following questions will need answered: How much did you earn before deductions? How many hours did you work during the week? Did you work all the hours available to you? Did you quit or were you fired from a job?
If you did work during the week, enter the pretax total of your earnings. Keep in mind that earnings may affect your eligibility to receive unemployment each week.
- Have you returned to full-time work?
This answer will be no if you are still on temporary furlough from WVU and you do not have any other employment. It will be no until the week following your return to work date with WVU. If you select yes, this will cause your claim to be put on hold.
If the answer is yes, enter the date you returned to work (MM-DD-YYYY).
- Do you certify that the answers you have given are true?
You will then certify your claim.
A. Please reach out to WVU Shared
Services at
SharedServices@mail.wvu.edu
or 304-293-6006.
Special Hours of Operation:
Special Hours of Operation:
Sundays, June 7 through July 26: 1 - 5
p.m.
Normal Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. — 7 p.m.
Normal Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. — 7 p.m.