Support working families and fuel the economic recovery
Since the pandemic triggered widespread layoffs, North Carolina unemployment insurance (UI) has become a key tool for restarting the economy. But the weekly benefit amount is insufficient, and many people have struggled to receive the payments they qualify for. The system is broken. We’re calling on our leaders to fix it, and your stories can help. If you have a tale to tell about trying to get your money — or trying to live on what you get — contact us.
Answers to frequently asked questions
If you’ve lost your job or are out of work, read the answers to these frequently asked questions about UI benefits in North Carolina and file a claim.
What are North Carolina’s UI benefits?
If you lost your job or had your hours cut through no fault of your own, you can apply online to receive payments and get help finding work. You can also file over the phone by calling 1-888-737-0259.
Your weekly unemployment payment is determined based on your earnings while you were employed. The maximum weekly amount is currently $350.
What is the weekly payment amount for unemployment insurance in North Carolina?
The weekly payment amount is determined by your earnings when you were employed, and the maximum weekly payment is currently $350.
Do I qualify for unemployment in North Carolina?
If you lost your job through no fault of your own and are totally unemployed, you likely will qualify. Additionally, you must have worked in employment subject to UI tax (known as covered employment) and received wages in at least two quarters of your base period. You must also have been paid wages totaling at least six times the average weekly insured wage during your base period. The exact amount of benefits and the duration of those benefits will be determined when you file your claim.
For more details on UI benefit eligibility and how to file a claim, visit this webpage.
How does unemployment benefit our businesses?
When a large number of people in the community are without work and don’t have money to spend, they don’t buy food or other goods and services. That hits local businesses hard. UI is an important tool to keep families afloat and money circulating to aid in an economic recovery.
Let’s improve North Carolina’s unemployment system
Too many North Carolinians have struggled to get the benefits they qualify for during the pandemic, and we need to do better. Unemployment rates are likely to remain high throughout 2021, so for the sake of our families and local economies, we must ensure that the system works and that people don’t fall so far behind that they can’t keep up.
Help us keep money in people’s pockets so they can buy groceries and pay bills. This will boost consumer spending and aid North Carolina’s economic recovery. If you’ve struggled to get your unemployment payments, contact us. Sharing your story can help us improve the system.
