How to File for an Unemployment Claim in North Carolina
Before starting to file for unemployment in NC, unemployed claims applicants must verify they meet the state eligibility requirements. Claims applicants must be completely or partially unemployed by no fault of their own. Unemployment claimants may still apply for unemployment benefits if they work part time or have had their hours significantly reduced. Terminated employees or those who quit may by ineligible to collect unemployment benefits. However, unemployed residents can still file for an unemployment claim if the separation issue has extenuating circumstances such as:
Unemployed claims applicants must also meet the monetarily requirements to file for unemployment in NC. Prior work wages determine your unemployment compensation claim. The base period is the first four quarters of the most recently completed five calendar quarters. Unemployment claimants must have earned $780 in one of the last two quarters as well as earning six times the average weekly benefit amount in at least two calendar quarters of the base period. Claim applicants may still be entitled to benefit payments using the alternate base period. The alternate base period is the most recentlycompleted four calendar quarters.
DES calculates the weekly benefit amount by dividing the sum of the last two completed quarters of the basic or alternative base period by 52 (weeks). Claim applicants with a weekly benefit less than $15 are not eligible. The maximum weekly benefits allotted to unemployed claimants is $350.
Unemployment insurance benefits are only available for claimants who are able and willing to accept work immediately. Unemployment claimants must actively search for new employment. Claimants who are unavailable to accept a job or refuse a suitable position are ineligible to collect compensation. Claim applicants who are ill, traveling or otherwise unable to acquire work promptly are not eligible to file an unemployment claim in North Carolina.
On the North Carolina unemployment EDD application, you will need to include identification information such as your name, address, contact information and Social Security Number. Other information unemployment claim applicants will need is comprehensive work history that includes dates and pay rate of past employment, reason for employment separation, names and contact information of employers. Military personnel will need the dates of service. Non-citizens must include their alien registration number.
Learn Where to Register for Unemployment Benefits in North Carolina
Qualified unemployed claim applicants must know when and where to apply for unemployment in North Carolina. To file for unemployment, claim applicants can phone the DES customer call center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or complete the NC online application for unemployment. To expedite applying for unemployment benefits in NC, qualified unemployment applicants should know how to apply for unemployment online. The NC online application for unemployment is available from 8 a.m. until midnight. To file online you must have a valid email address.
Find Out What to Do After North Carolina Unemployment Registration
Unemployment claimants are required to seek new suitable work actively. Qualified unemployment applicants must keep a written record of work search efforts. DES may request this record at any time, including years after you file for unemployment benefits for an audit. This written record must include how and when you contacted a potential employer, the employer’s name and address or website. Qualified claimants must contact at least five employers a week about job opportunities.
Unemployed claimants must continue to certify for benefit payments weekly. Even unemployment claim applicants waiting on a determination of eligibility should apply for unemployment payments. The first week is an unpaid waiting period that claimants need to certify for to be eligible for future paid weeks.
After you file for an unemployment claim in North Carolina, DES will require an in-person employability assessment interview. This interview at a local Division of Workforce Solutions office is mandatory. Failure to participate will result in denial of unemployment insurance benefits.
