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North Carolina

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on July 16, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in North Carolina, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Information Hub, the North Carolina Department of Commerce or the North Carolina Center for Nonprofit Organizations' Nonprofit Pandemic Resources

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Description of Program and Relief

Unemployment Insurance Benefits Relief (§ 96-1 et al.)

Under the Employment Security Law, unemployment benefits are generally available to individuals who have been separated from employment through no fault of their own, earn sufficient wages to establish a claim, and are physically able, available, and actively seeking work.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Governor has signed an Executive Order ordering that the requirement that the individual be physically able, available, and actively seeking work is to be interpreted flexibly or waived, as appropriate. The Governor has also suspended the standard one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits for unemployed claimants and has waived the requirement that people must apply for benefits in person. Additionally, the Governor has declared that employers will not be responsible for benefits paid as a direct result of any COVID-19 based claims.

Government or Lead Agency

North Carolina Department of Labor

Dates Available

Effective March 17, 2020

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Eligibility requirements can be found at https://des.nc.gov/employers/unemployment-requirements. Basic eligibility requirements include being unemployed due to no fault of the claimant; being considered monetarily eligible; and registering for work with the state’s job service office.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

Visit North Carolina Division of Employment Security website at https://des.nc.gov. Individuals and claimants should contact the Customer Call Center at (888) 737-0259 with questions regarding benefits and assistance with unemployment insurance claims, sign in, or password resets.

List of Additional Information

For additional information or to apply, please visit:

https://des.nc.gov/need-help/covid-19-information

https://des.nc.gov/need-help/faqs


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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