Virginia: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 11 topic we track for Virginia on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Virginia compares.

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Workers' comp deadlines · Workers' comp benefits · Paid leave programs · Minimum wage · Final paycheck rules · Unemployment benefits · Meal break laws · Tipped minimum wage · Payday frequency · Rest break laws · Noncompete laws

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Workers' comp deadlines

Tell your employer	30 days, in writing
File a claim	2 years from accident

Workers' comp benefits Single detailed source

Waiting period	7 days
Waiting days paid back	After more than 3 weeks
Max weekly benefit (2026)	–

Paid leave programs Under review

State program	Virginia paid family and medical leave (new law)
Status	Enacted April 2026; benefits planned for Dec. 1, 2028

Minimum wage Checked on official source

State minimum wage	$12.77
Next change	$13.75 on Jan. 1, 2027

Final paycheck rules Single detailed source

If you are fired	Next regular payday
If you quit	Next regular payday

Unemployment benefits Single detailed source

Maximum weekly benefit	$478
How long it lasts	12 to 26 weeks

Meal break laws Checked on official source

Meal break required	No general requirement

Tipped minimum wage Checked on official source

Minimum cash wage	$2.13
Most tips can count	$10.64

Payday frequency Checked on official source

Required frequency	Every two weeks or twice a month for hourly; monthly allowed for salaried

Rest break laws Checked on official source

Paid rest break	No state requirement

Noncompete laws Single detailed source

Noncompetes	Restricted by pay level or job