North Carolina Unemployment Eligibility

North Carolina Unemployment Benefits

North Carolina Unemployment Eligibility Calculator

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Qualifications & Eligibility Requirements for NC Unemployment

North Carolina unemployment benefits are available for jobless workers who qualify and continue to maintain their eligibility. If you meet the requirements set forth by the North Carolina Division and Department of Employment Security (DES), unemployment compensation can provide financial relief during a challenging time.

You must meet several requirements in order to be approved for UI benefits in North Carolina. There are monetary eligibility requirements, job separation qualifications, and ongoing eligibility requirements. It’s important to understand these requirements if you become unemployed.

To qualify for NC unemployment benefits, you must:

  • Be unemployed due to no fault of your own

To be eligible for NC unemployment benefits, you must:

  • Have earned enough wages during your base period
  • Be physically able and available for work
  • Be actively seeking work
  • Register with NCWorks
  • File weekly claims
  • Be a United States citizen or be legally authorized to work in North Carolina

Eligibility vs Qualification

While these words seem interchangeable, NC DES makes a distinction in their legal language.

Eligibility: Eligibility involves working and earning enough money within your base period to establish a claim for benefits, filing weekly claims, meeting work search requirements, and being able and available for work. Eligibility is determined weekly. Ineligibility results in a postponement of benefits until you meet the weekly requirements.

Qualification: Qualification focuses on the reason for your job separation. To qualify, you must be unemployed through no fault of your own. A disqualification means you have lost your benefits, either because you were fired or because you quit your job without good cause.

You can be eligible and disqualified for benefits at the same time. You can also be ineligible and qualified for benefits at the same time. You must be both eligible and qualified to receive a UI benefit in North Carolina.

Monetary Eligibility Requirements

The NC DES looks at your previous work history over the last year. This is known as your base period. To be eligible for unemployment compensation, you must have earned at least $780 in the last two quarters of your base period. The total wages you earned during your base period should be at least six times the North Carolina average weekly insured wage to qualify for UI benefits. Your employer must also be paying taxes into the NC unemployment system so your wages are insured.

What does “average weekly insured wage” mean?

NC DES calculates the average weekly insured wage by dividing the total annual wages of all covered employers by the average monthly number of employees, and then dividing that number by 52.

(Total Employer Wages / Average Monthly # of Employees) / 52 = Average Weekly Insured Wage

What is a base period?

Your base period normally includes the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the date you applied for UI benefits.

If you didn’t earn enough during your base period, the DES may use an alternative base period to determine whether you are eligible for UI benefits. The alternative base period consists of the last four completed calendar quarters immediately before the first day of your benefit year.

What is a benefit year?

Your benefit year is a span of 52 weeks starting from the date you first register for work and successfully file a valid claim.

Wage Transcript & Monetary Determination

Once you’ve submitted your application for unemployment compensation in North Carolina, you will receive Wage Transcript & Monetary Determination. This isn’t a promise of benefits, but it does detail what you could potentially receive.

The determination includes the calculation of your weekly benefit amount and your earnings allowance – which is the amount of income you can earn from part-time work and still be eligible for a partial unemployment insurance benefit.

The determination letter will also tell you the maximum amount of benefits you can receive, and the duration of your eligibility for these benefits. In North Carolina, unemployment insurance will last between 12-20 weeks, depending on the current unemployment rate (adjusted seasonally). During periods of high unemployment, temporary UI extended benefits may be activated. Please note that programs like Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) have expired and are no longer available.

Non-monetary Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for unemployment benefits in North Carolina, there are several additional non-monetary requirements you must meet.

You must:

  • Be physically able and available for work
  • Be actively seeking work
  • Register with NCWorks
  • File weekly claims
  • Be a United States citizen or be legally authorized to work in North Carolina

Let’s take a closer look at what these requirements mean.

You must be able to work

You need to be physically able, which means you’re healthy and capable enough to perform the job you’re seeking. If an opportunity comes along, you should be able to take it without physical constraints hindering your performance. If you collect Social Security Disability benefits or worker’s compensation payments and are unable to work, you will be deemed ineligible.

You must be available for work

Being available for work means that you have the time and flexibility to accept a new job if you receive a job offer. It also means that you are not restricted by other commitments that could interfere with a typical work schedule.

You must be actively seeking work

You are required to actively search for a new job, apply to job openings, attend interviews, and do everything you can to secure employment. It’s a sign to the Employment Security Division that you’re making a genuine effort to find work. According to the North Carolina work search requirements, you must document 3 job contacts each week.

You must accept a suitable job offer

Another NC unemployment eligibility requirement is that you must be willing to accept a suitable job offer. If a position that matches your skills and experience is offered to you, you’re expected to take it. Turning down job offers could lead to a denial of NC unemployment benefits.

You must register with NCWorks

Registration with NCWorks is also required. You can register online at ncworks.gov or in person at your local NCWorks Career Center. NCWorks connects job seekers with employers and provides resources to aid in your job search. Registering demonstrates that you’re proactive in your job hunt. With NCWorks, you can upload your resume, search for jobs, research labor market information, and access a variety of reemployment tools.

You must be a United States Citizen

To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you must either be a United States citizen or be legally authorized to work in North Carolina. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you will need to provide your Alien number and the expiration date from your Employment Authorization Document.

Job Separation Qualification

To qualify for North Carolina unemployment compensation, you must be unemployed through no fault of your own. This means that your separation from your job must not be due to any misconduct or if you quit without good cause.

If you were laid off because your employer had to cut costs or had to close the business, you would qualify for benefits because you did nothing wrong and the job separation was out of your control.

However, if you were fired for violating company policies or for consistently poor performance, you would likely be disqualified from receiving benefits. This is because your own actions led to your job loss.

In some cases, you might quit your job and still be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, but this is only true if you quit for a good cause. Good cause refers to circumstances that would make any reasonable person stop working. For instance, if you were being harassed at work, leaving the job under such conditions might qualify as good cause.

Each case is evaluated individually by the North Carolina Division of Employment Security. The DES will review your specific circumstances and determine whether your reason for separation meets the requirements for unemployment benefits.

Ongoing eligibility requirements

To receive your weekly UI compensation, you must maintain your eligibility by meeting ongoing eligibility requirements.

Filing Weekly Certification

Each week that you’re unemployed and want to receive benefits, you must submit a Weekly Certification. This certification is a set of questions designed to confirm that you were able, available, and actively seeking work during that week. You must also report any wages earned that week, and report and job offers you received.

Work Search Requirements

During the certification process, you must also document 3 new job contacts each week to show that you met the NC unemployment work search requirements.

Attend any scheduled meetings

You are required to attend all scheduled meetings. These might be meetings with potential employers, NCWorks career counselors, or with the Employment Security Division. Missing these meetings will jeopardize your benefits.

Provide any requested documentation

If the DES contacts you for more information about your claim, you are expected to respond promptly. Requested information might include proof of your job search activities, employment records, or other information relevant to your claim. Failure to provide this information can lead to a suspension of UI benefits.

Issues that can affect your eligibility

Various factors could complicate your North Carolina unemployment insurance claim and lead to a denial of benefits. The reason behind your unemployment, any separation payments you might have received, or a failure to complete a weekly work search could raise issues that need to be addressed.

If you find yourself denied unemployment insurance payments, you have the right to file an appeal. The denial notice will include specific instructions for appealing. You should continue to file weekly certifications during the appeals process.

Be honest and accurate

One important step when filing your weekly certifications is to report any income you’ve earned during the week. Report the income for the week it was earned, not when it was received. Not reporting earned income could be considered NC unemployment fraud, which carries serious consequences. It’s important to be honest and transparent during the process to ensure your eligibility for unemployment benefits.

  1. Was hurt on job cut hand 10 stitches was drug test 4 days latter failed for thc was on light duty fired me now need sergers on hand do I qualify for unemployment

    • Hi, Kevin – you may want to reach out to someone directly with the North Carolina unemployment office to discuss the specifics of your claim. In general, workers are eligible for unemployment when they lose their job through no fault of their own. Once you apply for benefits, the state will reach out to your former employer – if they report that they fired you for cause, in this case, failing a drug test, then it is unlikely that you’ll be found eligible for benefits.

  2. If you work for the County and paid through a Federal grant and your job ends can you file for unemployment

    • Hi, Teresa – you should definitely connect with someone in the North Carolina unemployment office to discuss the specifics of your case. In general, if your job is ending and you have no promised rehire date for a new project, you may want to apply for benefits. Ultimately, it will be up to the state of North Carolina whether your specific situation makes you eligible.

  3. C’est depuis plus de 4 ans que je suis travailleur dans une compagnie, et maintenant je suis malade me retrouva ainsi donc dans l’impossibilité de travailler, je ne suis pas licencié mais mon employeur ne me paye plus, que dois je faire dans ce cas?

  4. I have been laid off due to the coronavirus. I work at a restaurant in Virginia & their home office in in North Carolina. I also live in North Carolina so do I file unemployment with N.C. or V.A.?

  5. How long do I need to be employed to receive unemployment if I am laid off due to the coronavirus. I have been at my hotel for 5 months. I have heard you need to be at your job at least 6 months.
    Thanks

    • Judy,

      Please use the ‘Eligibility Calculator’ to ascertain eligibility. Your state may have activated “Emergency Funding” considering the Coronavirus outbreak.

  6. Hello,

    I worked for an electric company last year until April 4th when I was in a car accident on my way to work. Since then I have not been able to work and have been on short term disability.
    As of yesterday I was let go from my job. I have rec’d short term disability since my accident and was transitioning to long term care this month so I technically have not actively worked due to my disability. How does this effect my qualifying for unemployment?

    Thank you for your assistance with my question.

    • Lori,

      UI benefits are only extended to claimants who are able and available for work. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

      Hope you get well soon!

      • I recently learned I am to be terminated for something that happened in my store while I was not there. I have been with company for two years. I was told by fellow employees and not management that this was to happen. If I give two weeks notice can I collect unemployment?

        • Jenny,

          Please note UI benefits are offered to claimants who lose employment due to involuntary reasons (performance-related issues are generally not considered).

  7. Does NC allow medical unemployment. My husband has been diagnosed with cancer and we are being told the process will take at least 1 year and 1/2. We need help desperately.

  8. After 7 years of employment, with NO disciplinary actions or complaints evern, I was “terminated” by my manager for basically using my FMLA time (the DOL is investigating), although when I called HR and asked specifically WHY I was terminated, they said they couldn’t give me that information (???) — will I qualify for unemployment…?? Should I wait for the outcome of the investigation?

    • Lisa,

      If you’re able to provide supporting documents in case of a dispute during claims processing, you might be able to claim. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  9. Hello, I worked for a company for 2 years(land surveying). Did not miss one day, never wrote up never got a review. I had one complaint form a Clint that a small bag of trash fell out of my truck on his property and I cut some tree limbs. (part of the job) I was fired the next day cursed out and told to GET THE F*** OUT AND WAS CALLED NAMES. I was told I had to wait 6 weeks for being fired (from calling NCES)
    I have not got any information in the mail yet. Its been 36 days since I filled a clam. Why was I told 6 weeks for being fired ? Should I expect to get approved or not?

    • Hello, I am not sure what to do. I just got back from a leave and my manager told me alot has changed while I was out. And there is not alot of time for training and I if I do not catch on quickly I should consider quitting or I may get fired. I am not sure if I should quit or wait to get fired? If I quit can I collect unemployment?

      • Crankin,

        UI benefits are only provided to claimants who lose employment due to involuntary reasons. I suggest you talk it out with your manager.

    • Kevin,

      It looks like you were asked to leave due to a trivial issue. Please chase the Unemployment Office at regular intervals and contest the claim in case it goes against you.

    • Britt,

      If you were commissioned for full-time employment and the hours were cut, please consider applying for partial Unemployment Insurance benefits.

  10. Can I apply for unemployment if I worked part time 20 hours a week and wrongfully let go today. Ive been with the company since January 2018.

    • Michelle,

      Part-time workers are generally not eligible. Please call the Unemployment Office in your state to confirm.

  11. I was pulled into office and was told that I was best fit another position in agency and lower pay from $17 to $15 with out consulting me first about the change. I did not accept so resign due to put tremendous change to my living condition. can I get unemployment due to not honoring employment contract

    • Pitt,

      You can be eligible to claim Unemployment Insurance benefits under such circumstances. Please consider applying.

  12. won my appeals in later part of april. When will i receive my backpay and unemployment check in NC? Cant seem to reach a live person to ask. Thanks

    • Sharon,

      Please contact the adjudicator or the team that worked with you for an update. They should voluntarily communicate with you on the dates.

  13. I was required to file a check stub for my last payday. However, I elected to receive direct deposit instead of being mailed a check. I was told that my report of direct deposit will not be accepted. How can I get the State to accept my report of direct deposit to be declared eligible to receive unemployment payments once again?

  14. If I am terminated due to being pregnant and haven’t worked for this company for twelve months….am I eligible for unemployment after my baby is born

    • Jane,

      You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  15. My husband had to quit his job in North Carolina because I relocated to the state of Washington to work for Amazon. Would he qualify for NC unemployment while he is searching for another job in Washington?

    • Mary,

      Your husband will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  16. I my position has been classified as “temporary” for the last year and a half with quarterly reviews, they have also kept me at 29 hrs/wk. I have been informed that this is the last quarter they can afford to keep me. Will I qualify for benefits even as a part time temp?

    • Christine,

      Part-time/contract employment does not qualify since employers do not remit unemployment taxes. Please call the Unemployment Office in your state for clarification.

  17. Hi,
    I am contract worker and i have been with the company for over year and half. They keep renewing my contract every 3 months. My contract was suppose to end for good as they outsourced the whole department and i was looking for a full time job as i can’t work any longer without benefits or any time off whatsoever. They offered me again for renewal very last minute so i asked for pay raise and time off as i am being underpaid for my qualifications, if i say no would i still be able to collect unemployment and look for a better job?

    • Saima,

      Contract jobs are generally not eligible since employers’ generally don’t pay unemployment taxes. Please check with the Unemployment Office.

  18. Hi, I work for a government agency for over 2 years. My old supervisor retired and a coworker took her position. One whom isnt very fond of me. She gave me a work plan out of the blue. She stated I had improved and then followed it with a written warning. Now on my final written warning for not completing a processing quota, continued errors in work. Getting help from others although she claims I have improved she still gave me the final warning. If she fires me am I eligible for unemployment?

  19. During the mandatory interview i failed to bring the required worksearch for the first week of my unemployment which was the waiting week. I had misplaced it and couldn’t remember the exact places or dates I had applied. I have received a notice that I now owe one week of benefits in over payment. my first question is why do i owe money i did not receive? secondly, I did happen to run across the work search for that week can i use this to appeal this decision and how does the appeal process work?

    • Heather,

      For precise answers to all your questions and to resolve disputes, please call the Claims Center on the phone numbers provided.

  20. I was asked to resign behind a workers compensation claim in order to get my medical expenses covered. Will I be eligible for unemployment?

    • UI benefits are available only to those who’re able and available for work.

      Please call the Unemployment Office for further information.

  21. Hello,
    my job changed my hours, and now I am unable to find a daycare that open late enough for my child. If I get fired for calling out due to childcare would I get unemployment

  22. The place I work at owes me between 6-8 weeks pay from back in February and it is now june. I’ve asked about this to my employers who own this small restaurant on several occasions and it was always put off until next week until finally they denied it and refuse to pay me that money owed, and now I’m about to be homeless because my savings got depleted living paycheck to paycheck and not getting paid. I live in NC. My question is, if I quit my job would I still qualify for unemployment? And would I legally be able to obtain my money I worked for in a quick fashion so I could avert this problem at hand? A reply would be greatly appreciated, and thank u all!

    • Jason,

      I can understand your situation. Generally, if a worker quits voluntarily, he/she will not be eligible. However, there are exceptions. Please contact the Unemployment Office to find out more.

  23. Recently moved to NC from SC to find employment. I wanted to know if I would be eligible for unemployment if I was “let go” from my previous job in SC due to me be incarcerated for 6 months. They have tried to deny me in SC bc I was a no call no show which isn’t true because one I was all over the news so how would I call and two I kept in touch with multiple managers to communicate to my managers (in FL where corp is) since I was a manager myself.

    • UI benefits are only extended to those who lose their job due to involuntary reasons. You may not be eligible under such circumstances.

  24. I had to move to Florida due to husbands job,so I had to quit my wonderful job in NC to move with my family can I draw unemployment till I find a job ?

    • You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  25. I have worked from home for over 5 years with my company. Since it has been so long, I ended up moving away and even out of the state. I have lived over 2.5 hours away for over a year and lived as far as 5 hours away at one time. The company is now telling me I have to stop working from home and have to come in every day. This is after a complaint a customer made. The company basically will write up anyone if a customer complains long enough, to satisfy the customer. They deem complaints as misconduct and make us sign a form stating we had misconduct. This is why they are forcing me to go into the office that I live hours away from every day. Am I eligible to quite and receive unemployment?

    • If you quit voluntarily, you will not be eligible to claim UC benefits.

      Please call the Unemployment Office to ascertain eligibility.

  26. I was working for a hospital for 2 years and went out on FMLA to dealing with PTSD symptoms. Since I can no longer afford to stay out of work, my doctor released me to work with restrictions. My manager is saying they may not be able to accommodate me because of the nature of the job role. Would I qualify for unemployment benefits is my employer is unable to accommodate my disability.

    • I am not sure if you can be eligible to draw UI benefits under such circumstances.

      Please call the Unemployment Office for further instructions.

  27. I have been on my job for two years and was recently let go because I failed a random drug test. Am I able to file for unemployment

  28. I have been working for a company for over a year and a half. We were sold back in January and ever since the new company came in, we are NEVER paid on our pay date. It is always at least a week or two later than our pay date. They still owe my expenses from June til present. I could not continue to work for them because I could not count on my wages to be paid so I could take care of my bills. Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?

    • Though quitting voluntarily is not accepted, there are exceptions such as your case.

      Please call the Unemployment Office in your state to confirm eligibility before making a decision on your employment.

  29. I work in an office where another employee is verbally abusing me and now has threatened me in front of my employer. I have gone to this employer and he has even witnessed it and has done nothing about it. I am now concerned that my safety is at risk. At none of these confrontations did i say or do anything to even get near or around that other employee. They came and physically got in my face with their face and hands as if to strike me and my employer did nothing. Not even tell them to go back to their seat. But let that person do what they did. I work hard and never talk ugly or unprofessional regardless of what is being said or done to me. I do not lower myself.

    • You can be eligible for UI benefits if you quit due to hostile working conditions.

      Make sure to keep supporting documents handy to prove if your employer disputes.

  30. I am a self-employed childcare provider, & I lost my job due to circumstances beyond my control (a prank against my son by someone else). My business was my sole source of income for the past 18 years, & I’ve been without my income for 6 weeks now. Am I eligible for unemployment?

    • Self employed citizens do not qualify for UI benefits.

      Please check further with the labor authorities in your state.

  31. I worked for my company for about a year and was supposed to be provided with health insurance. I never got it. The person responsible would not return my calls and I went to her supervisor. Still nothing. I am not eligible for Obamacare because my job is supposed to provide insurance. At the time I live in California. The area I lived in was affected by the wildfires and was considered a federal disaster area. My roommate sold her home so I was without a place to live and with so many homes burned I could not find another home. I moved to North Carolina to stay with friends while I job searched. Am I eligible for unemployment while I job hunt?

  32. The company where I had worked and paid as an employee was sold to another company about four years ago. Although I was doing the same duties, I was then treated and paid as a contract driver. Would I be eligible for unemployment benefits?

    • Contracted employees are generally not eligible to receive Unemployment Compensation since the employers do not generally pay the relevant taxes into the system.

      Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state.

  33. I recently moved here from New York my husband was transferred with his job. I am currently receiving unemployment through New York State unemployment but it is going to run out and I still haven’t found a job. Am I able to file for unemployment benefits in NC until I find a job?

  34. I have worked for a company for 21 years. This last year, I got written up twice because of the 2 mystery customer surveys and that led to my termination. Will I be eligible for unemployment?

  35. If a person who is an alcoholic, fired from job for sleeping on job and wasn’t written up and no warnings given and is now receiving help from an inpatient facility, would they qualify for unemployment until they are out and able to find another job?

  36. I was fired from myob after attempting to call in and no one answering I then sent a text message to my shift supervisor and received no call concerning my whereabouts so the following day I was told to report to my direct boss on Monday upon which I was told I was fired and then in Tuesday I called human resources who informed I wasn’t fired so I called for my weekend schedule Thursday and was informed I was fired for no call no show Monday night after I had been told Monday morning I was terminated should I be eligible for unemployment. In N.C.

  37. I recently resigned from my position at a company I worked for, for over 2 years due to my daughter starting school and their lack of flexibility with scheduling. Would I be eligible for UI benefits? I am currently looking for something within my field and more flexible hours.

    • You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  38. I recently became unemployed in North Carolina and have been approved to receive my benefits. As of the first week of my claim I am a full time currently enrolled college student training to receive my certificate/degree in a new field of future employment. Are there any approved programs that doe not require me to continuously search for work each week, or has any “Commissioner Approved Training” Programs been canceled or no longer applicable or available ?

    • Please check on the website of the labor department in your state or call them for further information in this regard.

  39. I have been working at my job for 3 1/2 years, I just got accepted into the Radiology program at my school. the program is going to be very demanding of time (classes and clinicals). Due to my focus on school, I plan to leave work. Would I be eligible for unemployment?

  40. I can no longer perform my job as a nurse due to a spinal fracture. Can I collect unemployment? I have worked on my current job for 1.5 years and as a nurse over 20.

    • Unfortunately, the system does not consider personal reasons like illness.

      Unemployment benefits are extended to those who are able and available to work. Please inquire about workman’s comp scheme in your state.

  41. If you have worked 3 continuous years but the last 2 months have been with a different company, does that affect you being able to collect unemployment?

  42. I worked to the State of South Carolina for sixteen years. My partner and I decided to move to the mountains in North Carolina and I quit my job in South Carolina. I have been in North Carolina for a year now and still can not find a job. Can I get any benefits in North Carolina? South Carolina will fight any unemployment I try to pursue. Thanks

  43. I will be on Short Term Disability for approx 6-8 weeks and my STD is only for 85% of my pay. I was told by coworkers that in the state of NC we are able to file for the additional 15% of our pay during STD. Is this correct?

    • We do not have information on the STD benefits. Please contact the relevant authority in your state.

  44. I was promoted to a job with my employer and filled the job for six months My employer now has informed me they have eliminated my new position and the only thing offered is a demotion . Can I refuse the demotion and still receive unemployment while I look for a new position . If I refuse the demotion the employer will offer 30 days severance I cannot seek unemployment until that serverance period runs out correct

    • UI benefits is extended to those who are unemployed involuntarily. So be cautious. Yes, one cannot seek UI until the severance runs out.

  45. I recieved 26 weeks of unemployment benifits in 2013 from nc , i currently am a full time sutdent can i recieve addition unemployment benifits in 2014 evn though i have not returned to work since recieving benifits in 2013?

    • You seem to have exhausted your benefits basket.

      I don’t think you will be eligible for an additional benefits at this time.

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