Unemployment Benefits By State
| State | Max Benefits | Employment Agency | Phone Number |
| Alabama | 26 weeks $275/wk max | Alabama Department of Labor | 334-242-8025 |
| Alaska | 26 weeks $370/wk max | Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce ... | 907-269-4700 |
| Arizona | 26 weeks $240/wk max | Arizona Department of Economic Security | 1-877-600-2722 |
| Arkansas | 26 weeks $451/wk max | Arkansas Department of Workforce Service ... | 501-682-2121 |
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in North Carolina?
- Duration should be restored to 26 weeks;
- Benefits should be based on the highest quarter of earnings;
- Waiting weeks should be eliminated, or at least reduced to a maximum of one week;
- The maximum benefit should be increased to at least $400 per week and indexed to 40 percent of the state’s average weekly wage;
Who qualifies for unemployment in NC?
- You must be unemployed due to no fault of your own (DES will make this determination based upon information provided by you and your last employer);
- You must be considered monetarily eligible (earned sufficient wages to establish a claim);
- You must be physically able, available and actively seeking work; and
What are the unemployment benefits in North Carolina?
To be eligible for state unemployment benefits, individuals:
- Must be unemployed due to no fault of your own.
- Must have earned sufficient wages in employment that was subject to unemployment insurance tax.
- Must be physically able and available to work.
- Must be actively seeking work.
How much is unemployment in NC?
— The N.C. Department of Commerce reports that unemployment in December decreased in 91 of the state’s 100 counties. Overall, Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.9 percent while Orange County had the lowest at 2.2 percent. Overall, unemployment in the state increased in four counties and remained unchanged in five others.
What is a unemployment benefits base period?
Your base period is the time frame used to determine whether you are monetarily eligible to receive unemployment payments. It normally includes the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.
Can I file for unemployment benefits again if I lose my job?
If you lose your job again, you may file for unemployment benefits by telephone or at the DES website.
What wages can be used to establish a claim for unemployment benefits?
Any wages used to establish eligibility for UI benefits must be earned in employment that is covered by the Employment Security Law. This means that the employer must be subject to UI tax. Employers who are liable under the Employment Security Law are required to post a Certificate of Coverage and Notice to Workers (Form NCUI 524) in their place of business.
Am I required to register for work to be eligible for unemployment benefits?
In order to meet your work registration requirement for unemployment insurance benefits, you must:Register for work at www.NCWorks.gov by creating an online account. Click on the 'Not Registered?' link 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 more than 90 days has passed since you last logged in to NCWorks.gov, you must login and verify your information to reactivate your registration.While you're logged in to NCWorks Online, you may check out the many resources the Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS) has online to assist you with your re-employment efforts.If you fail to register for work at www.NCWorks.gov by setting up an NCWorks Online account or maintain an active account, your benefits may be delayed or denied.
What is a nonmonetary determination for unemployment benefits?
A determination of qualification for benefits based on any consideration that is not monetary is a nonmonetary determination. If you quit a job, get discharged, refuse referral to a job, refuse a job, refuse to enter DWS-approved training, or fail to complete DWS-approved training, you may be disqualified. You and/or your employer may appeal an unfavorable nonmonetary determination.
What is the deadline for filing an unemployment benefits appeal of a determination?
The determination will tell you the deadline for filing your appeal. The date listed in the document that you are appealing is controlling. If the last day of the appeal period falls on a weekend or a legal state holiday, the appeal period is automatically extended to the next working day. If your appeal is not filed by the required deadline, it may be denied.
What is an Eligibility Review for interstate unemployment claimants?
The Eligibility Review is designed to accelerate the claimant’s return to work and systematically review your efforts toward the same goal. The questions asked are designed to explore the continuing relationship between you and the labor market.
What evidence should I provide during the unemployment benefit hearing?
See full answerThe best evidence is testimony from a person who was present at an event and can answer specific questions about what happened. Hearsay evidence may support a finding of fact if it meets the statutory requirements set forth in N.C. Gen. Stat. 8C, Article 8. If the hearsay evidence does not meet the statutory requirements, then the evidence may qualify as an exception under the hearsay rules found in N.C. Gen. Stat. 8C, Rules 803 and 804. If the testimony is based on a video or audio recording, the recording should be offered into evidence during the hearing.To have documents or electronic recordings considered, mail, fax, or deliver a copy of each to the appeals referee and each party, before the hearing date. Do this even if you previously submitted the evidence to DES. Only the documents and recordings in the hearing file will be considered, unless the right to view them is waived.
Do I need a lawyer to file a petition for judicial review of my unemployment claim in North Carolina?
Claimants can generally represent themselves in court. Corporations must be represented in court by a licensed attorney. Representation in court must comply with North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 84 and the North Carolina State Bar Rules. You may consult an attorney for legal advice.
What should I say in my petition for judicial review of my unemployment claim?
The law requires that you explicitly state your specific exceptions (disagreements) to the Board of Review’s decision or procedure in your petition. You must also state the relief that you seek (what it is that you want the court to do for you). You may consult an attorney for legal advice.
What happens if I disagree with the determination letter sent to me about my unemployment claim?
You may file an appeal. Instructions on how to appeal are included in the determination letter.
What is an appeal in the context of unemployment benefits?
An appeal is a written statement contesting or challenging a determination, decision or opinion issued by an adjudicator, Appeals Referee, or the Board of Review. You do not need to use any special form in order to file an appeal, but the content of the appeal and the way you file the appeal may be different depending on the type of determination or decision you are appealing. See the text of the determination or decision itself for specific information on how to file an appeal and the deadline for doing so.
Unemployment Benefit Basics
Unemployment benefits provide temporary payments to eligible workers who lose their job through no fault of their own. These payments can help you with expenses while you look for employment. You must be able and available for work, and actively seeking work, to receive benefits.
Before You Apply
Not everyone who applies for unemployment benefits will qualify. Certain conditions must be met in order to meet initial eligibility requirements and to remain eligible to receive benefits. Filing your claim will go faster if you have the following important information before you begin.
Filing your Unemployment Application
You must create an online account to file an application for unemployment insurance online. Your account also provides access to the Claimant Self-Service Portal, where you can get information about your claim at any time.
File Your Weekly Certification
You must submit a Weekly Certification after each week for which you would like to receive benefits. The Weekly Certification is a series of questions that helps verify that you were able, available and looking for work that week.
Your Work Search Responsibilities
To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you must seek work with at least three potential employers each week and maintain a detailed and verifiable record of your work search. If you cannot prove you looked for work, you may be considered overpaid and required to repay benefits.
Report Work and Earnings
You can work and earn 20% of your weekly unemployment benefit amount without penalty. Earnings over this amount are deducted from your weekly benefits.
Find a Job
As you begin your search for new employment, the Division of Workforce Solutions has many resources available to help you.
Amount And Duration Of Unemployment Benefits In North Carolina
Where’s the money? Some North Carolina residents still haven’t received unemployment checks
Unemployment Program Extensions Under Covid Relief Bill
The $900 billion COVID-19 relief package was passed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, which among several other pandemic relief measures extends and provides additional federal funding for enhanced unemployment benefits.
Expanded Unemployment In North Carolina During The Covid
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill known as the American Rescue Plan .
Five Ways An Unemployment Lawyer Can Help You In North Carolina
If you have a straightforward unemployment claim, you will likely be able to file for unemployment benefits on your own, without any help from a lawyer.
As An Employer What If The Claimant Is Not Claiming Benefits Against My Account
You should respond to all requests for information regarding a claim from DES. Neither claimants nor employers get to choose which employer is charged for a claim. This is determined by the Employment Security Law. All employment within a claimants base period and a claimants last employment before filing a claim are considered.
Here Are Some Common Reasons Your Employment May Have Been Affected By Covid
Your employer cut your hours or laid you off because the business is closed or has reduced hours
How North Carolina Determines Benefit Amounts
Each state determines how much it will pay in unemployment benefits. Generally, the weekly benefit amount is some fraction or percentage of your earnings in the base period or your highest paid quarter of the base period.
Can I File A Claim If I Am Not A United States Citizen
If you are not a citizen or national of the United States, you must have legal authority to work in the U.S. You must present either:
What Are The Requirements To Qualify For Unemployment Benefits In North Carolina
To be eligible to receive payments you must meet the requirements as set forth by the DES. The state has three basic criteria.
Will The Bill Pass
The bill has wide support with Republican lawmakers in the General Assembly, who control both the state House and Senate.
How Are Benefits Calculated
The formula and method to calculate benefits are very state-specific. About half of the states use the highest quarter method in which the calendar quarter in which your earnings are the highest is taken into consideration.
Expanded Unemployment In North Carolina During The Covid
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill known as the American Rescue Plan .
How North Carolina Determines Benefit Amounts
Each state determines how much it will pay in unemployment benefits. Generally, the weekly benefit amount is some fraction or percentage of your earnings in the base period or your highest paid quarter of the base period.
North Carolina Unemployment Benefits And Eligibility
COVID-19 UPDATE: Because the coronavirus pandemic has left so many Americans jobless, the federal government has given states more flexibility in granting unemployment benefits.
Calculator
Instructions and details are included below the calculator. The calculator will auto-update as you enter information.
North Carolina Weekly Benefit Amount Calculator: Instructions and Explanations
Enter the date that you filed your claim (or will file your claim) for unemployment.
North Carolina Weekly Benefit Amount Calculator: Results
The calculator returns your estimated WBA based on your average weekly wage during the base period.
File a Claim in North Carolina
The following link will let you start the online process to file a claim for benefits. Unemployment compensation benefits are administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Employment Security, the state government agency that helps North Carolinian job seekers and workers.
What is the COVID-19 Increased Benefit Amount (IBA)?
IBA was created by North Carolina’s HB 1105, Coronavirus Relief Act 3.0.
When will IBA be paid?
DES is currently issuing payments for the Increased Benefit Amount to eligible unemployment claimants.
Who is eligible for IBA?
People receiving state unemployment insurance benefits: Under the new state law, all claimants receiving state unemployment insurance benefits during the weeks of the IBA program will be eligible for the $50 Increased Benefit Amount.
What is the expanded unemployment benefit?
Expanded Unemployment Benefits Under the CARES Act. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act included a section that expanded unemployment benefits by an additional $600 per week on top of the benefit offered by states. This provision is being rolled out on a state by state basis, however, ...
When will the 600 unemployment benefit be rolled out?
This provision is being rolled out on a state by state basis, however, the benefit is retroactive to April 5, 2020. The additional $600 weekly benefit brings the state and federal unemployment benefits up to an average of the median weekly wage in the United States.
How many weeks of unemployment benefits are there in 2020?
It adds an additional 13 weeks of benefits through December 31, 2020. Most states currently offer 26 weeks of unemployment benefits (see the unemployment benefits by state section below). it expands benefits for part-time, seasonal, self-employed, and contract workers (such as those in the gig economy). Offers to reimburse the cost ...
How long do you have to wait to apply for unemployment?
You should apply for unemployment compensation as soon as you are unemployed. Most states will make you wait for one week before you are able to apply for unemployment benefits. However, this is currently waived due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Is unemployment taxable income?
Be aware that unemployment insurance benefits are considered taxable income . However, most states do not automatically withhold any taxes from your unemployment benefits. You may opt to do so, which will save you from a large tax bill down the road.
Do you have to be willing to work to get unemployment?
Most states require workers who are receiving unemployment compensa tion to be willing and able to work as well as actively seeking suitable employment. In this case, most states define suitable employment as comparable if the wages, hours, and/or working conditions are similar to your previous levels of employment.
Does each state have its own unemployment?
Each state runs its own unemployment insurance benefits program. Because each state is unique, we created this table of unemployment benefits by state so you can quickly determine how much money you will earn if you claim unemployment benefits, whether or not you will receive additional income if you have dependents, ...
