Extended Unemployment Benefits

The unemployment rate for North Carolina reached a staggering 11.2% in June of 2009. If you’re somebody who has been collecting unemployment benefits, you’re probably keeping a close eye on your benefit end date. The state of North Carolina and the federal government are working together to give you one less thing to worry about.

Take a look at the extensions of unemployment benefits that are available to you.
The federal government extended the time frame that you can collect unemployment benefits by 33 weeks under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation 2008, sometimes referred to as EUC08.

The program was extended thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, otherwise known as the economic stimulus package. To apply for the extended North Carolina unemployment benefits, all you need to do is file your weekly certification while meeting the eligibility requirements.

After you’ve used up your regular unemployment insurance benefits as well as EUC08 benefits, you may be eligible for extended benefits from the state of North Carolina. You must apply for extended benefits, which give you an additional 13 weeks of payments, in order to receive them.

Visit the North Carolina Employment Security Commission online at https://www.ncesc1.com/individual/webInitialClaims/applyBegin.asp to apply for benefits. You need to file weekly certifications online at your convenience or call 888-372-3453 on your assigned day Wednesday through Saturday.

The payments under the extended benefits program include the additional $25 per week you’ve been receiving.

Your efforts to achieve employment are stricter with extended benefits than they are with normal unemployment insurance and emergency unemployment compensation. You must actively seek work at least two different days each week. You must also make a total of two different contacts with either potential employers or an agent of one every week. Be sure to thoroughly document your work search so you can present it to the Commission if they ask to see it.

When you’re unemployed, there’s no need for you to go it alone. The state of North Carolina is available to partner with you. Together, you can make it through these tough economic times and be able to get back on your feet to a stable job.