Open an account on the DES website. The NC DES recommends that you file your application for unemployment on the DES website. Go to https://des.nc.gov/des and click the link under "New Customers" to create an account. You must have a valid email address to open an account on the DES website.
Full Answer
Who qualifies for unemployment NC?
Who Qualifies for Unemployment Benefits in North Carolina? Qualifications for unemployment are determined by residents’ past employment history and total wage earnings. In order to meet eligibility for unemployment in NC, residents must have been employed throughout the last 12 to 18 months prior to filing a claim to receive benefits.
How do you sign up for unemployment benefits in NC?
The information you'll need to provide includes:
- Your Social Security number or Alien Registration Number if you're not a U.S. ...
- Your work history for the past two years
- Details of your separation agreement, including severance pay you may be entitled to
- Your SF-50 form, SF-8 form, pay stub (s), or W-2 if you were a federal employee
- Form DD-214 if you were in the military
How do you file unemployment in NC?
RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina’s unemployment rate is continuing on its downward arc. The state Commerce Department said on Friday that the seasonally adjusted rate fell from 4.1% in October to 3.9% in November. North Carolina hasn’t logged a rising ...
What is the maximum unemployment benefits in NC?
The maximum number of weeks of federal extended benefits in North Carolina is 9.6. Also as a result of the change, the maximum number of weeks for which a person may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance will be 39 instead of 42.6.
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, we have many resources available to help you.
How to file unemployment claim in NC?
Create an Online Account at des.nc.gov to: 1 File a claim for unemployment 2 Complete your Weekly Certifications 3 Check your Claim Status
How to create a new DES account?
1. Click on ‘Create an Online Account’ on the DES homepage, des.nc.gov . 2. Enter your Social Security Number twice. 3. Select ‘Next.’. On the ‘User Account Creation’ page: Create a User Name (Remember: you will need this to sign in). Enter a valid email address twice.
How long does it take to get unemployment benefits?
Most people start getting benefits within 14 days of filing an initial claim, so the sooner you get moving, the sooner you'll have some financial breathing room.
How often do you fill out a claim certificate?
Your bank account details if you intend to sign up for direct deposit. Don't forget to fill in your weekly claim certificate every week, starting the week after you apply -- even if your application has not yet been approved.
Separation Pay
All separation payouts must be reported in your response to the Request for Separation Information. These payments may affect an individual’s unemployment insurance. People should not delay filing for benefits based upon receipt of separation pay.
Eligibility Criteria
There are FOUR criteria that individuals must meet to be eligible for unemployment benefits in North Carolina:
Base Period
A person’s unemployment insurance benefits are calculated based upon wages earned during a 12-month period.
How many criteria are there for unemployment in NC?
There are FOUR criteria that you must meet to be eligible for unemployment benefits in North Carolina: 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);
What is considered monetarily eligible in NC?
You must be considered monetarily eligible (earned sufficient wages to establish a claim); You must be physically able, available and actively seeking work; and. You must register for work with your resident state's job service office. In North Carolina that service is NCWorks Online.
Does unemployment pay for temporary assistance?
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.
When is work search required for unemployment?
Under Executive Order 216 , all claimants of unemployment benefits will be required to fulfill work search requirements beginning June 6, 2021. The work search requirements apply to all claimants receiving state unemployment benefits, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation or Pandemic Unemployment ...
When do you have to provide employment documentation for PUA?
IMPORTANT: Federal guidelines require any claimants who have received PUA benefits on or after Dec. 27, 2021 to provide proof of prior employment or self-employment to receive benefits.
Can I get unemployment if I refuse a job offer?
Claimants who refuse a suitable offer of work are typically ineligible to receive unemployment benefits, unless it is determined that the claimant has good cause to refuse to return to work. Employers may report to the Division of Employment Security that an individual has refused an offer of work through the Refusal of Job Offer link on ...
Do I Qualify?
If you lost your job through no fault of your own, have qualifying wages in the past 18 months, and are able and available to work.
Information We Need From You
For your convenience, a list of the information needed to apply for Unemployment Insurance is provided.
Online Application
If unemployed through no fault of your own and are able, available, and looking for work, you may apply for Unemployment Benefits. Such benefits are also available if your employer has significantly reduced your work hours. Upon application, expect two letters regarding your potential benefit amount and the agency’s decision.
What to expect after you file
In order to receive unemployment benefits, it's important to know what to expect and your responsibilities after you apply.
Restarting Benefits
When you take a temporary job and earn more than your weekly benefit amount, your benefits will stop. When your temporary assignment ends, you need to re-file for unemployment. The same rules for leaving this new employer apply; if you voluntarily quit or you are fired for just cause, you may not be eligible for benefits.
