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Max. Weekly Benefit Amount
$350
Max. Weeks of Benefits
20
Current Jobless Rate
3.9%
Max Weekly Benefit Amount
$350
Max Weeks of benefits
20
Current Jobless rate
3.9%

Updated : May 30th, 2023

North Carolina Unemployment Benefits

North Carolina Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment benefits in North Carolina are available to eligible workers who have lost their employment through no fault of their own. These benefits are designed to provide temporary financial assistance while claimants look for new work.

If you qualify for NC unemployment compensation, you can receive weekly payments for 12-20 weeks.

North Carolina UI Benefits Calculator

The North Carolina Unemployment Benefits Calculator helps you estimate your UI weekly benefits amount.

UI Benefits Calculator
Calculate Your North Carolina Unemployment Benefits

See our North Carolina unemployment calculator to estimate your UI benefit payments.

North Carolina Unemployment Calculator


Eligibility for UI Benefits In North Carolina

North Carolina Division of Employment Security Commission has set certain criteria that you need to meet to claim weekly unemployment benefits.

Monetary Eligibility

One of the requirements for NC unemployment eligibility is that you must have worked and earned enough during the previous year.

The North Carolina Department of Employment Security examines your work over the past year, often referred to as your base period. To qualify for unemployment benefits, you need to have earned at least $780 in the final two quarters of your base period. The sum of your wages during your base period must be at least six times the “average weekly benefit amount,” which is the dollar amount that unemployed North Carolinas receive on average.

Your base period usually comprises the first four of the last five full calendar quarters before you claimed unemployment insurance benefits.

After applying for UI benefits, you will receive a Wage Transcript and Monetary Determination. This letter will contain all the necessary information about you, including all the employers you’ve worked for and the wages you’ve received. The letter will also provide your estimated weekly benefit, maximum benefit amount, and the number of weeks you will receive benefits. You are expected to read this letter and verify if your wages are correct.

Find out more about eligibility requirements

Job Separation

After establishing monetary eligibility, the next step is to qualify for benefits based on the reason you became unemployed.

The North Carolina unemployment insurance program is available if you lost your job through no fault of your own. If you’re an unemployed worker who was laid off, you can potentially be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, but if you quit your job without good cause or were fired for misconduct, you may not be eligible.

The NC DES will verify your job separation claim with your former employer. If you and your ex-employer disagree with the reason for your job separation, your eligibility for benefits may be withheld during the appeals process.

Eligibility Calculator

Maintaining Eligibility

To remain eligible for unemployment benefits in North Carolina, you must continue to meet specific requirements each week. This includes being able and ready to work, actively seeking employment, and performing weekly work search activities. You are required to file a weekly claim and submit your weekly certification before your payment will be sent.

To make sure that you receive your weekly benefits every week without any hurdles, make sure to adhere to the following points:

  • You must be available to work at all times in the weeks you receive monetary benefits.
  • You are mentally and physically able to work.
  • You must report any income or job offers
  • You must register with the North Carolina Division of Workforce Solutions for work at NCWorks online.
  • You must actively search for work and make at least three new job contacts each week
  • You must follow the rules and prevent yourself from committing NC unemployment fraud by providing false information or by withholding important information.

Learn more about NC job search requirements

How to apply for UI benefits in NC

To apply for unemployment benefits in North Carolina, you will need the following documents:

  • Your Social Security Number.
  • Details from your most recent employer about separation, vacation, or severance pay you received, will receive, or are entitled to receive.
  • Details regarding any retirement pay (gross monthly amount of pay along with proof).
  • Your bank routing number and account number if you would like unemployment payments directly deposited into your bank account. If you do not select direct deposit, payment will be placed on a DES-issued debit card.
  • Your work history for the past two years (employer name as it appears on your check stub, employer’s payroll and physical addresses, telephone number, employment dates, rate of pay, and reason for separation from each employer).

You must file your North Carolina unemployment claim online. You can apply for NC unemployment insurance benefits 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you don’t have internet access, you can use the computers at your local NCWorks Career Center or call the Customer Support Center for additional assistance.

Apply for NC unemployment benefits

How To File Weekly Claims

Before you can collect payment, you must certify your eligibility each week. You can file your weekly claims through the DES website. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can also certify your weekly claims by calling the customer care number – 1-888-737-0259. Each week, you will be asked to verify that you are willing and able to work. You must report any job offers or earned wages. To meet the weekly work search requirement, you must document three new job contacts each week during this process. Payments are usually sent within 48 hours of submitting your request for payment.

Learn how to claim weekly benefits

Things To Know After Filing An Application

You are expected to follow certain guidelines after filing for unemployment benefits in North Carolina. Not following these guidelines can create problems for claimants and may result in a denial of your UI benefit.

Overpayments And Collections

An overpayment occurs when you receive benefits to which you are not entitled, either inadvertently or through willful misrepresentation. Examples of overpayment include undisclosed earnings, fake documents submission, not reporting your new job or your new source of income.

North Carolina overpayments fall into two types – Fraudulent and Non-Fraudulent. A fraudulent overpayment occurs when you knowingly provide false or misleading information to get benefits or to extend the benefits weeks. The Division of Economic Security takes cases of fraud very seriously. NC unemployment fraud cases that exceed $400 can be prosecuted as a felony in the state of North Carolina. If you receive an overpayment, you must pay it back (learn more).

Benefits Extension

The state offers a UI benefits extension when the unemployment rate is too high or there is an economic downturn. Regular unemployment compensation in North Carolina lasts 12-20 weeks, depending on the seasonal unemployment rate in the state. Disaster Unemployment Assistance may be available in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Learn more about extended UI benefits in NC.

Job Training Assistance

North Carolina offers several job training programs aimed at supporting unemployed workers and preparing them for new employment opportunities.

On-the-Job Training programs provide practical, hands-on experience, so eligible workers can develop specific skills needed in the workplace. There is also the Customized Training Program, which helps businesses design training that meets the unique needs of employers and their workforce.

The Incumbent Worker Training program is a service for employers that enhances the skills of current employees. There are also a variety of apprenticeships available that provide structured training with an employer in a specific trade. Additionally, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) supports workforce development activities, including job search assistance and training services, for individuals facing barriers to employment.

Find job training opportunities in NC

North Carolina unemployment contact information

If you have questions about your claim for NC unemployment benefits, you can call the unemployment claims center.

If you need assistance finding a new job, including help with resume writing, job interview preparation, current labor market information, and job training programs, visit your local NCWorks Career Center.

NCDES Mobile App

      NCDES Mobile App

Available on Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

The North Carolina DES has created a mobile app for those claiming unemployment benefits. The app allows you to file your weekly certifications for benefits. Once you’ve completed your certification, you’ll receive a confirmation number right on your device.

With the NCDES mobile app, you can check the status of your claim, see your weekly benefit amount, and view the status of your payments. The NCDES mobile app also provides access to important documents and notifications from the DES.

Frequently Asked Question

Q. I received separation pay (or pay, wages in lieu of notice, vacation pay, etc). When should I file a claim?
Generally, you should file your claim the first week after the period covered by the payment (if the last week of the payment is not a full week’s pay, you may file that same week, although you possibly will still be ineligible due to excessive earnings).

You are not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits for any full week covered by separation pay, vacation pay, etc. (nor may such a week count as your “waiting period week”).
Q.What are my work search requirements in North Carolina?
The state of North Carolina mandates that you must be able to work, be available for work, and actively pursue job opportunities.

To receive benefits:
  • Under state law, you need to make contact with at least three different employers every week and record your work search. You can satisfy one of the three job contacts requirement by attending an approved reemployment activity offered by a NCWorks Career Center or a partnering agency.
  • You need to register with a jobseeker account on NCWorks.gov. You can use NCWorks.gov to search and apply for jobs, access labor market information and find opportunities for workforce training.
Q. Am I required to register for work in the state of North Carolina?
Yes, you need to register for work to be eligible for your weekly unemployment benefits in North Carolina.

You can register by -
  • Visiting www.NCWorks.gov and create an account. Click on the link that says 'Not Registered?' and then select 'Individual' under Option 3 - ‘Create a User Account.’ The website will then guide you through the steps to complete your account setup.
  • Maintain an active account. If you have not logged in for more than 90 days into NCWorks.gov, you must log in and verify your information to reactivate your registration.
Q.When should I file a claim for UI benefits?
You should file a claim for benefits if you lost your job due to no fault of your own, you are willing to register for work and actively seek employment, and you are able and available to work if any work is offered to you.

NOTE: If you are still employed but are temporarily laid off due to a decrease in workload, your employer may file an attached claim on your behalf. Attached claims do not require that you register for work or actively seek work. If your employer refuses to file an attached claim on your behalf, you must file your own claim and meet all eligibility requirements.

Questions & Answers

  1. […] you are receiving a worker’s comp check you absolutely should not be getting an unemployment check and would need to return that money and would need to really sit down and talk with a lawyer as […]

  2. Hi,
    I had to order a replacement benefits card because my first card had been lost and never activated. I finally recieved my replacement card today. I activated my card and found that it has a zero balance. Looking at my account, I see that the last transaction was on September 10th with “Funds returned to sponsor due to non-activation of card”. Any idea who I can contact to get my funds issued to me?
    Appreciate the help!
    Thanks

  3. I live in North Carolina and I was wanting to see after I’ve done used all my extensions is there anymore I’m on my last week of EB and they haven’t told me anything I haven’t found a job yet well I get till the end of the year or what my Pua is pending but I don’t think I’m eligible for that does anybody know if I’ll get another extension till the end of the year I get the max 350 a week in North Carolina but I’ve been getting it since February and this is my last of my EB

  4. I am moving to NC from FL, where I have been getting unemployment after being laid off because of Covid (and being one of the oldest and, therefore, highest paid on-staff). I worked remotely for a UK/NY-based firm. No luck finding another job yet. Should I stay in the FL system or can I transfer unemployment benefits to NC? Not sure how much longer they will last TBH. Thank you.

  5. My livelihood was taxes and painting. I am only available to do seasonal work. I have been denied my claim and can’t get a hold of anyone, and once someone finally answers, they hang up. I have now lost my entire yearly income as I have to home-school. Along with the debt I am racking up, I will also have to repay all of Obamacare subsidies! Please read this and look at my file! I had to have filled out something incorrectly!!!!!!!! I need HELP!!!!!

  6. I have exhausted my 12 weeks of unemployment in NC. There were a few weeks where I exceeded the $70 weekly earning allowance, which has resulted in a small amount left over ($105), well below the normal weekly paid benefit ($350). Do I have to file another weekly claim (which would actually be week 13!) for the remaining $105 left BEFORE I can apply for the unemployment extension (PEUC) that I need? I’m not understanding what constitutes “exhausting benefits:” running out of weeks OR running out of money. $105 is well below $350. This does not seem right. I feel like I am being punished for working the few hours I was able to find. Had I not worked at all, I would have completely used the maximum amount during the initial 12 weeks, thus free to move forward in the application process. I appreciate any information available. Thank you.

  7. I would like to no when I’m gng recurve my unemployment it’s been 9 weeks and I still don’t no anything when I’m gng recurve it or if I am

  8. I work for a company that is based in IL. I lived in NC from 2015 – October 2019 and then moved to FL. I still work remote for the same company but they are doing rolling furloughs, meaning I had a week unpaid in April, May, June, with a week scheduled in July. I am ineligible for unemployement in FL because I only worked one quarter while living here but I have worked for the same company for 15 years. Where do I file for unemployment? I would like to receive the $600 at minimum for the weeks I was off.

  9. I moved from CA to North Carolina. My benefits in CA have been extended in accordance with the PUEC federal act. My weekly benefits in CA are $450 for 26 weeks. NC benefit maximum is $350 for 20 weeks. Do I reapply in NC and what will happen to my benefit amount?

  10. Yes I have pending resolution on my account who do I need to speak to? I’ve been on hold for 3 hours phone then I got disconnected then I used the chat and was on hold for 3 hours for that do I call the appeals line or someone else

  11. I’m certain my neighbor is getting UI benefits illegally. He was fired from his job and is not looking for another one. He’s in his early 20’s and healthy. Besides UI, he’s collecting an additional $600/wk. He had no auto until he got this windfall and just recently bought a Volvo. Is he illegally feeding in the trough that working people are supporting?

  12. My hours got cut at work due to covid. I was working 40hr for over a year and they were cut to 30. Am I eligible for partial UI? Thanks

  13. I have filed for unemployment back in March why does it still say pending resolution. I have tried calling everyday at 8am and i’m immediately told to callback later the que is full and can not take anymore calls. When will this issue be resolved, I have no idea what is going on with my claim it’s just open and no one is touching it.

  14. I was laid off of my part time job due to the pandemic and receive retirement income. I was approved for unemployment compensation but my case is pending due to something that has to do with that retirement income. I have submitted 7 weekly certifications and still nothing. Do I qualify for this income while receiving non Social Security retirement income?

  15. HI! I currently work in healthcare Part time. Some weeks my hours are cut. Do I apply for benefits just for the weeks I’m short or do I continue to file every week? I don’t want to do anything wrong and be in trouble for anything.
    Also, I received my 1st benefit but how do I know if my job denies me unemployment? Do they have a certain time period that they have to take money back?
    I was on hold for hours with unemployment and the person I spoke with had no answer for me.
    Thank You

  16. I accidentally filed my weekly certification wrong. I never intended the option of refusal to work and now I have a pending resolution. What do I?

  17. Why did you hire a bunch of sub-contractors that can not help anyone with their claims status or anything else because “they can’t get into that part of the DES system”. I know that this is stressful for all but the way that DES is handling the calls/chats is ridiculous. I filed my initial claim back on March 26, it was marked as allow on April 8th. I finally got someone through chat on May 1 and they stated I had to do a PUA application because my benefits had exhausted. It is now May 11th and I’m still in the pending stage. I was told that they will not go back and pay me for the weeks that I certified before May 1st. As with a lot of individuals that have filed. We have bills and other obligations and we would like our benefits. It is at no fault of ours that we can not work and we should not be punished as such

  18. I had applied for early retirement prior to the Covid Virus; however, I will not receive my first check until after May 20th. With that being said, I worked part time and am receiving Unemployment due to Covid and got the extra $600. In North Carolina, they ask if you are receiving a retirement check, so if I do get a retirement check, and will have to put yes, does the extra $600 stop?

  19. I filed for unemployment on March 24. My status still reads “Pending” and issues still read as “Pending Resolution”. I’ve faxed and mailed copies of my online application and all supporting documents. As of April 15, I’ve called over 20 times a day and am not even given the opportunity to remain on hold because the queu is full. Please help!

  20. Claim has been pending for 8 weeks now. Can not get thru on the phone and the chat line says they have limited access to see my account and said that their only suggestion is to keep trying the number I have had no luck with for 8 weeks. Got a letter on May 5th dated March 30 saying im no eligible. I have no other source of income and am no allowed to work per government. I need someone to click the magic button so I can get the money i so desperately need. I know I should at least get PUA but cant even get the link to apply for that. I have faxed, emailed…..i have exhausted all contact options….with no response except for out dated mail.

  21. Can not even get up with some one about a claim issue that has been pending for over a month!!! I understand being busy but this is none sense, You all knew this was coming yet no extra help has been hired to at least answer phone calls or take notes from concerned people? How would like it if you were in our shoes with no money and can not go any were and have people to feed? with no job or ability to get one till this is all over due to employers not hiring!!!

  22. I filed over a month ago and I have called everyday including the weekends and I still have not received any payments. I know exactly what the automated system will say when I hit the buttons and what will happen if it rings. I have worked and have not ever had to use unemployment until now. I put money in the system just in case of something like this and now why can’t I get money when I need it?

  23. I applied for unemployment due to Covid-19. It was determined that I didn’t make enough to receive benefits. Do I have to keep filing my unemployment certification every week?

  24. I’ve tried to call the numbers several times and keep getting hung up on. My hours are cut in half and trying to find out if I qualify .no answer thanks NC

  25. I recently retired from the military and due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I am unable to find employment in my field.
    What is the maximum government pension one can receive and still file for UI benefits?

  26. I applied for unemployment 7 weeks ago in NC, I am eligible. My application is still pending and I can not get through to anyone on the phone. 28 phone calls a day just to hear the phone queue is full and hangs up. I understand that UI is swamped but I helped a friend file hers 5 weeks after I did and she’s already receiving her UI.

  27. Hello DES,
    I want to begin by saying I appreciate the hard work you are doing during these unexpected and stressful times we are experiencing.
    I have called everyday and have been placed on hold for hours (4 hours+) without being able to speak with someone in the Fraud Department.
    I have reported my Fraud case online in the forum on the webpage and I have also left 2 voicemail messages about this issue also.
    Someone has stolen my SSN and have received benefits on my behalf since January, and I need to submit my own claim for benefits and cannot due to this.
    What are the next steps for me to get an associate assistance?

    Thank you.

  28. I filed as self employed at the end of March. This is all a joke! I have gotten the letter for my business from DES and went online and filled out the information as asked. The letter took 12 days to get to me, so it was past the 10 day response period through no fault of my own. I personally do not understand why this step was even neccessary to begin with since I am SELF EMPLOYED and I am the ONLY Employee for my business. The status says ineligible and has pending resolution still at reduced hours. This has been the same since the day after I filed. I have called and get through and they tell me they are transferring my call, then I am hung up on. I cannot get any help and have had no income since March due to Covid. I am well aware that I am not the only one going through this same struggle. What else do I need to do? I cannot feed my family! Self employed workers need help too!!!!

  29. I’ve been on hold for this office for well over an hour and am still currently on hold. How might I speak to someone about taking care of an over payment??

  30. How do I get in touch with someone? I’ve called the numbers listed, no one ever answers. Sucks you’ve taken money from me my whole life, now I can’t get it when I need it. Thanks government

    • I am facing the same challenges my weekly certificate will not populate and no one can assist. This is so wrong

    • That’s a big thank you to our Governor. You would think being ranked last for getting people’s UI out that something would change, some people don’t care about being ranked the worst like Lockhart Taylor. They still get paid while people are losing their homes, not being able to buy food. I hope people take notice and the next election they realize that a lot of this could and should have been fixed and done in a better way.

    • I’ve tried for weeks to get through to and always get recording saying call center is full. My claim has been pending for over a month now but can’t get through to rectify it. Should I file a new claim?

    • Nathan,

      We understand this might be a difficult time for you. We’re anticipating a shortage of staff across unemployment offices due to the massive surge in UI applications considering the pandemic. We advise against calling or visiting the office, as you may not get a response instantly.

      Your state may have activated “Extended Benefits (EB)” authorized by the federal government. We recommend you apply for UI benefits online. For more information, please visit your state’s official Unemployment website.

      • My husband has filed for unemployment pua back in November hasn’t heard anything. I don’t no what to do about this. We have nothing right now. Please someone tell me what to do to help him. We almost got our home payed off. Then this hit. I’m on as ssi so it was keeping us going but bills are starting to pill up. It’s hard waiting not knowing.

        • Dave,

          The Unemployment Office might be inundated with pending requests. Please continue chasing the office/check your status online at regular intervals.

      • Please please please read this!!!! We have 7 children and my husband filed in March because I am considered a high risk patient and he had to leave his job until this covid passes. We have no diapers, no wipes, no tp, our bills are piling up. We have always worked but we need this help now. We are extremely anxious and stressed. Every time we call someone just tells us they don’t understand why he hasn’t received it. Please help us. Please do whatever is necessary to release the funds so we can take care of our family
        Claim #11552078

        • Oscar,

          I can understand your situation. Please wait for an update from the office. There will be thousands of applications for the office to be processed. Make sure to check the status at regular intervals.

      • My determination shows only 12 weeks of benefit but when I use the calculator it shows 20 weeks. Since I can’t talk to anyone, what steps should I take to rectify?

      • I’ve been waiting over 7 weeks and no change in my “pending resolution ” status. I have 4 kids and in very serious danger of losing everything. I have no choice but to stay out of work to homeschool. Why are you not helping when its needed? 7 weeks is too long to be waiting to pay bills. Please help!

      • If “EB” has been authorized by the federal government, why is N.C. making people wait for these benefits!

      • Something about 6 times is pending a resolution on my account…its been this way since I applied for unemployment…I’ve called everyday and I can’t get through to anyone…i need someone to please fix the issue as soon as possible

      • I have been out of work since March 1, 2020 and I have yet to get through to DES! I start calling at 8am and all their reps are allegedly helping someone else. I call everyday all day since March like it was my job. I have sent numerous emails, Send emails to the governor. No response I have deferred my payments for Credit Cards, Car Note, etc. for 2 months. All of my bills are now due and I have $0 to pay. There is nothing left to do except for filing a complaint with NC Labor Board for DES violating 640.1 Section 303 (a) (1)

  31. I relocated from NY to NC. I am a medical assistant. My job required a certification which i was ineligible to certify for due to length of time between my graduation date and present. I was fired due to not being able to certify(which was no fault of my own) would I be eligible to unemployment

    • A decision was made on my claim on 7-9-2020 but now they are saying they had to submit additional information to my employer to verify everything is correct. My employer submitted their information 3 weeks ago. So how can a decision be made but still requesting information from my employer??

    • On my claimant homepage it is showing that I got paid for this week meaning it deducted this week from my benefits amount but I have not gotten paid. It has been more than 48 hours since I filed my weekly certification. Who should I call to get this fixed?

    • Emily,

      UI benefits are available to claimants who lose employment due to involuntary reasons. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

      • i filled in a march an still got anything for my unemployment i dont know what to do i need some help to get my money i called so mang time an got no answer

  32. I have lived in NC for 3.5 years but continue to work remotely for my-NJ based employer. I have been with them 22 years. My position is being eliminated at the end of February 2020. In what state do I apply for benefits?

      • Im asking anyone that can help to please respond. I filed unemployment almost six weeks ago. After loosing my job because I was sick. My boss kept insisting i come to work but even though I had strep the hospital recommended verbally that I quarintine for at least another week cause I had been sick a week before going. Just in case all symptoms were covid 19. So of course i was scared. Ive filed weekly clams every week and nothing on my page ever changes. My bills are due my baby girl is 8 shes out of school. We are having to get food from churches and the schools. Which has been a God send. . Why is this taking so long? Please anyone have suggestions?

      • My husband’s account has said pending resolution for 28days. And of course I can’t get anyone on the phone. So I don’t know what to do. We need help. He lost his job right before the Coronavirus lay offs and it’s like he got pushed to the back and no one cares that we have a child to feed as well. Something needs to be done! This is ridiculous.

        • Oh wow I was thinking I was out here alone. My husband is going through this now. We have 3 kids 2 at home. At first we was holding on. Now it’s like do I pay this bill and let this bill go for now. We have to keep a roof over our heads. Like why would it take so long. We have to live to. We pay taxes in case something like this happened. But when it comes to it where’s the help. I pray some one can help.

        • Same thing with my husband! We live paycheck to paycheck and we are struggling because we can’t seem to get any help! This is crazy and something needs to be resolved ASAP! I feel your pain!

        • Same here Sadie. My wife lost her job on March 20, not due to COVID and her case has been pending ever since!!! They dont care. Pathetic.

  33. If receiving unemployment benefits and you try out a job for two weeks before accepting,if you decide not to take the job can you resume your unemployment if you haven’t used all of your 12 weeks?

    • I filed my initial claim on March 13 it still says pending resolution due to my notary pension 5 weeks later. I call the number at least 50 times each day and have been unable to get anyone to answer. The system tells me all reps are busy and to call at a later time. Who can help me with questions about my claim?

      • ?7 I filed for unemployment benefits on March 18th 2020, I am eligible but it says pending resolution lack of work due to Coronavirus I have been waiting for confirmation from my employer for over 30 days how can I get this resolved I now have an eviction notice I’m going to lose my storage unit as they’re going to put it up for auction. Can somebody please help me

  34. Where I work at my hrs got cut back I was getting 50 to 60 hours a week now do to the weather iam lucky to 20 to 30 hours a week so I trying to get my unemployment I found out that I could get it but with them going by the first two quarters is the lowest out of the 4 quarter and the first quarter is 630.00 the second quarter is zero the third quarter is 1.653.15 the fourth quarter is 10.024.35 see the first two quarters I got heart at work had to have surgery done and I just couldn’t work that why someone can tell me what can I do thks

  35. My company is closing the plant here in Lexington, NC, how can I calculate how much would I be receiving for unemployment benefits?

    • Yeah you get p e u c or whatever and then you get EB for 6 weeks that’s what I’m looking for after that my runs out this week I need to know if I got any more extensions cuz I ain’t found a job yet

      • Hi Sam, thanks so much for your help! I’m wondering about the Max Weeks of benefits. Some sources, even this website shows 20 weeks. But the unemployment office, and even this thread mentions 12 weeks. What determines the max weeks of benefits? Thanks!

        • I’ve been applying since March and called over 100 times. Can’t talk to anyone at Des. Tried faxing and emailing and still no one. If y’all was getting more people to help during the pandemic of covid 19 we would be able to actually speak to someone about our claim. I’ve waited 4 hours on the phone to be hung up on. Waiting 8 weeks now and still nothing. I need to know what is taking y’all so long. I have BILLS!

        • Thomas,

          I can understand your situation. Please wait for an update from the office. There will be thousands of applications for the office to be processed. Make sure to check the status at regular intervals.

  36. I filed for unemployment on August 18th 2019 and it said pending . I haven’t heard anything yet and now it’s September 19. How long does it take. About to lose everything. Help!

  37. Just a question… I am old enough to collect Social Security benefits. I am still working but things are looking bleak. Can I file for Social security and still be eligible for Unemployment ??

  38. I was laid off due to lack of work , I cant even get unemployment to tell me how much I can draw. The quarters for the year will start over next week so I will have to reopen the claim prior to any payment at all. I’m looking at weeks before I can even draw a cent if I am even entitled . 12 weeks is not much for anyone unemployed they really need to re look at this and change the laws back to where they were. NC offers no extension and I highly doubt I can even make my bills . I am searching high and low praying I soon find a job.

  39. I’m really tick off right now. My husband worked for almost 20 years for a company here in Charlotte NC. Then he was laid off at no fault of his own other than he made a good salary and had been there so long. He applied for UIB and he will only receive $350 for 12 weeks. Seriously, he has worked all of his adult life and can only receive unemployment benefits for 12 weeks and $350 at that? Unbelievable! He can’t even request an extension. How is the time for receiving benefits deterimined?

    • North Carolina is 49th in the country for overall worst unemployment benefits, considering both maximum weekly amount as well as maximum benefit period. 40 states give 26 weeks with only Florida, the worst in the nation for total benefits ($3,300) also giving 12 weeks. The US average total weekly benefits is more than $500, making NC 30% lower than national average. The US average maximum total benefit is $12,622, with NC providing only about one-third of that average national figure. Illinois has a maximum benefit of almost $39,000, almost ten times higher than NC. The maximum weekly amount I am entitled to represents less than 14% of what I have normally earned.

      With a Republican legislature, it is surprising that there is any unemployment benefit at all but we get what we vote for. NC is an embarrassment but this is not the only thing we very much lag behind the country on, powered by sheer meanness. Incidentally, before Republican Governor Pat McCrory and the GOP slashed the payment period and amounts in 2013, it used to be a maximum of $530 and 26 weeks for a total benefit of $13,780, a reduction now of 70%.

      https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article199209144.html

  40. I received a balance payout check on March 22, 2019 and before I could get to the bank to cash the check my dog ate most of it. I have called 17 or 18 phone numbers passed off to me by employees of the NCDOR employment department and spent 6 1/2 hours on the phone. This is deplorable that not one single employee can take the time to get an answer for me. It is not rocket science. All I need is to have the check reissued. I wouldn’t need that except when I inquired about the remainder on my NC debit card I was told there was no more money on it so I shredded the card. I would like an accounting for why this happens in my state. I have a picture of the partially eaten check and my check stub if I had a place to email the information.

    • Jane,

      I can understand what you must be going through. Please consider the option of visiting an office in the vicinity for a fix.

  41. I applied for UI benefits on Feb. 1st 2019. I have continuously tried to contact someone about my account to get some answers on why my account is still showing a message that says pending resolution. I have been reporting every week but have not received anything yet. Today is March the 24th. What is going on? The customer service line is absolutely no help and they tell me that I cant talk to anyone else. What and why is my account still pending resolution? Every time I have called customer service they keep telling me that it will be any day now. They have been saying that for weeks. Who do I talk to for a resolution to this issue? My situation is critical at this point and I am about to lose my car and my home!! What’s the holdup?

    • No help but the exact same situation. It’s been 7 weeks and my job portal looks exactly the same as the day I filed. “pending resolution” . The pending is with two employers ago and not with the people who fired me so I don’t get what the hold up is at all. Sorry for your situation. I know it’s tough

    • I have the very same issue I have been applying for my benefits for almost 8 weeks and have not received a denial letter nothing. Has your issue been resolved and if so how did u get it done

      • No help but the exact same situation. It’s been 7 weeks and my job portal looks exactly the same as the day I filed. “pending resolution” . The pending is with two employers ago and not with the people who fired me so I don’t get what the hold up is at all.

    • Alicia,

      Please note this is a private forum and we do not have access to your claim file. Please try visiting the nearest office for quick resolution.

  42. My job is moving from one part of Charlotte to downtown, which will make my commute go from 20mins to 45mins. Can I receive unemployment if I quite?

      • Well maybe someone can help me as well. I have been waiting now for 16 weeks and I have done wveryth in g in my power to get straight answers and I have been lied to all along the way. Still nothing!!! I never got paid !!!! Its just not fair!!!

  43. I was laid off from my full time job 2 weeks ago. I have had a part time job also which I still have. I am a single mom and needed both jobs to pay all my bills. What is the most I can work at my part time job and still get unemployment benefits. I need to still keep my part time job when I do full time work.

    • Melinda,

      I am not sure of a definite answer to your question. Please call the Unemployment Office in your state for clarification.

  44. My unemployment says exhausted, I’ve used 12 weeks. Is there a way to get an extension? If so do I need to do anything?

    • Sara,

      The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

  45. I just moved to NC Transferred here from same company in Atlanta, the work here is slow not making the same hrs pay plus work is really slow. Only working when it’s work to be done not making 40hrs, still consider full time can I receive parcel unemployment?

      • So if I try to get unemployment, can the company stop me? I transferred on my on. They lowered my pay to the standards here plus taken my seniority. Just trying to find out can they stop the unemployment. Only if you can help.
        Thanks

        • Marlon,

          The employer cannot stop the claim but can contest it at the time of processing which can influence the determination made by the Unemployment Office.

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