COVID-19 and Unemployment Benefits in North Carolina FAQ

 

Get answers to common questions about unemployment for those who have lost work due to COVID-19.

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1. Are coronavirus unemployment benefits still available?

2. How do I apply for unemployment if I am out of work due to COVID-19?

3. Can self-employed people and gig workers who have lost work due to COVID-19 collect unemployment?

4. How much will I get in unemployment benefits if I am unemployed due to COVID-19?

5. How long will my benefits last if I am unemployed because of COVID-19?

6. Can I collect unemployment if I was furloughed due to COVID-19?

7. Where can I find the latest information on how North Carolina is dealing with unemployment claims relating to coronavirus?

1. Are coronavirus unemployment benefits still available?

As of September 6, 2021, the answer is no. The special pandemic programs Congress created to help those who have lost work due to COVID-19 (and the steps state and local governments have taken to stop the spread of the coronavirus) have expired. These programs included:

    • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which made benefits available to those who wouldn't qualify for traditional unemployment benefits, including the self-employed, gig workers, those who have already used up their state benefits, and those who don't meet the work history eligibility requirement in their state. 
    • Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC), which provided $300 more per week in benefits to unemployed workers, whether they are receiving traditional unemployment benefits or pandemic unemployment assistance. 
    • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provided additional weeks of benefits to those who are still out of work when their state benefits run out. 

2. How do I apply for unemployment if I am out of work due to COVID-19?

You must apply for unemployment benefits at the North Carolina Department of Commerce: Division of Employment Security, whether you are out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic or for any other reason. Visit the website of the North Carolina Department of Commerce: Division of Employment Security to get the latest information on how to apply.

3. Can self-employed people and gig workers who have lost work due to COVID-19 collect unemployment?

Not any more. Although these contract workers were eligible for benefits temporarily under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, that program expired on September 6, 2021.

Now, unemployment is available only to employees who are out of work through no fault of their own. Non-employee workers -- freelancers, gig workers, independent contractors, and the like -- are no longer eligible for benefits for weeks of unemployment starting on or after September 6, 2021. 

4. How much will I get in unemployment benefits if I am unemployed due to COVID-19?

Whether you are unemployed for reasons relating to the coronavirus pandemic or for any other reason, your benefits will be calculated based on your state's rules. Although the federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program temporarily provided an additional $300 per week in benefits, that program expired on September 6, 2021.

To learn more about how North Carolina calculates benefit amounts, see How Much Will I Collect in Unemployment Benefits in North Carolina.

5. How long will my benefits last if I am unemployed because of COVID-19?

Whether you are out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic or for any other reason, North Carolina law determines how long benefits last.

In North Carolina, the duration of benefits depends on the state's unemployment rate when you apply. The maximum period for which you may receive benefits is 12 to 20 weeks

If your state's unemployment rate is high when you apply for benefits, you may be eligible for extended benefits for 13 - 20 additional weeks. See How Long Will My Benefits Last in North Carolina to learn more. Although up to 53 weeks in extra benefits were previously available under the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program, that program expired on September 6, 2021. 

6. Can I collect unemployment if I was furloughed due to COVID-19?

Many employees have been furloughed – placed on unpaid leave – due to COVID-19 and the state and local measures put in place to combat the spread of coronavirus. You may be eligible unemployment benefits if you are furloughed and not being paid. If you are receiving your usual pay, or you are on paid sick or family leave, however, you will not be eligible.

7. Where can I find the latest information on how North Carolina is dealing with unemployment claims relating to coronavirus?

The best place to look is North Carolina Department of Commerce: Division of Employment Security’s website.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce: Division of Employment Security has posted detailed FAQs with information on eligibility, filing an unemployment claim, work search requirements, and much more. 

 

 


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Jurisdictional relevance: ST

There are versions of this article for each State.