Unemployment Insurance

The unemployment insurance program in North Carolina is part of a national system designed to provide temporary economic benefits to eligible workers. Employers pay unemployment insurance benefits.

Eligible workers are individuals who have become unemployed through no fault of their town, worked during a specified time period and received a minimum amount of wages during that time period, are able and available for work and are actively seeking new employment.

If an individual became unemployed for an other reason, the claim must be adjudicated and a determination issued on the claimant's eligibility for unemployment benefits.

A totally separated individual may file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits at the nearest Employment Security Commission local office or if an individual has earned wages in North Carolina and lives in North Carolina or a border state, then they may file for benefits and register for work online.