North Carolina Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment Resource

Website: http://www.ncesc.com

Eligibility

The Federal Economic Stimulus Bill authorized the payment of Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation Act (TEUC) benefits in March 2002. This program has been extended through May 31, 2003.

Because of an increase in the total unemployment rate in North Carolina, a state Extended Benefits (EB) period began in North Carolina effective June 2, 2002. Individuals who exhausted TEUC benefits were potentially eligible for additional benefits under the TEUC-X or Federal-State EB program. The Extended Benefits period in NC ended November 16, 2002.

TEUC, Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation, is a federal extension of unemployment benefits for individuals who exhausted benefits on or after March 15, 2001.

TEUC-X Tier II Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation, is a second phase of federal TEUC benefits that may be authorized in states in an Extended Benefit period.

EB Extended Benefits, is a federal-state program that authorizes additional weeks of unemployment insurance when the Total Unemployment Rate in NC reaches 6.5%.

Unemployed individuals who filed an initial claim effective on or after March 11, 2001 are potentially eligible for TEUC. Individuals filing new benefit years that are monetarily ineligible may also qualify based on their previous claim. You must first file a new claim if your benefit year has ended.

The week ending Saturday, March 16, 2002 is the first week for which benefits can be paid.

The week ending Saturday, August 30, 2003 is the last week for which benefits can be paid.

The maximum amount of TEUC benefits is one half (1/2) of the eligibility of the original claim. For example, if you originally received $300 per week for 20 weeks, you would be eligible for $300 per week for 10 weeks under this extension.

In March, a "Notice of Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation" was mailed to the last known address for claimants who had filed claims meeting the federal criteria and had previously exhausted benefits. Notices were also mailed to individuals who have not earned enough money to establish a new benefit year since January 6, 2002 who met the federal criteria. You do not have to receive a notice in order to apply if you think you may be eligible.

If you have stopped filing for benefits, visit your local ESC office. If you are currently filing for UI benefits, you will be notified of potential TEUC eligibility when regular benefits are exhausted.

You may file weekly certifications by calling the JOBS line on TUESDAY or after each week or file online ANY day of the week.

If you previously participated in direct deposit of your UI benefits, TEUC benefits will automatically be deposited in the same account. If you have not previously requested direct deposit and would like to do so, you may download Form NCUI500TW, Voluntary Election for Withholding of Individual Income Tax and or Direct Deposit of UI Benefits from our web site. Please follow the instructions on the form.

State and/or federal taxes will be deducted from your weekly benefits if you previously requested that taxes be withheld. You may complete Form NCUI500TW to begin tax withholdings or to request a change.

Source: Employment Security Commission of North Carolina