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Have you been laid off from your job in the state of North Carolina? Not sure of what you should do next? Before you even begin to search for a new job, you should file for North Carolina unemployment compensation. Though paperwork may not be the first thing you feel like doing at the moment, it can prove to be of significant help. Read on to find out the steps you should take to file for unemployment in North Carolina.
North Carolina workers who have been laid off through no fault of their own may be eligible for unemployment benefits. If you are not sure you qualify, go ahead and file a claim—you will be notified if you are denied, and can appeal the decision. The Employment Security Commission of North Carolina (NCESC) is the state agency that handles all unemployment-related information for eligible workers. Think about it; what do you have to lose? If you are entitled to benefits but don't apply right away, note that payments will not be retroactive. If you don't apply right away, you may be leaving money on the table. You've likely contributed to the system anyway, so why not claim your benefits at a time when you need them?
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New Way to File for Unemployment in North Carolina
This video clip discusses a new way that individuals can file claims for unemployment benefits. It explains that North Carolina introduced the abi ... read moreThis video clip discusses a new way that individuals can file claims for unemployment benefits. It explains that North Carolina introduced the ability to file by phone in 2008, to make it easier for the newly unemployed to access benefits. Because if this change, those who would otherwise have to apply in person may now do so by phone.
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Step 1: Determine If You Qualify
When you file for unemployment in the state of North Carolina, there is a set of criteria that you must pass. Unemployment funds don't come from blank checks written by some faceless government body. Because funds are limited, its important to keep track of who they go to and to make sure the people who are receiving them are deserving. If funds go to people who don't need them, there are likely other people who won't get the help they deserve. In order to be eligible to collect unemployment in the state of North Carolina, you must:https://www.ncesc1.com/individual/webInitialClaims/applyBegin.asp
- Have become unemployed through no fault of your own
- Register to work with the North Carolina Employment Security Commission
- File a weekly claim for benefits
- Actively seek employment
- You must seek work in person on two different days with at least two employers
- Keep a written record of all work search contacts
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Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents
Since unemployment funds need to be tracked, the next step after determining that you qualify is gathering the necessary documents, records and information. They can't just go on your word alone, and you will need to provide proof of previous employment history as well as some other pieces of info. Before you file your unemployment claim, be sure you have your:https://www.ncesc1.com/individual/webInitialClaims/applyBegin.asp
- Social Security number
- Registration number for former employers (this information can be found on your W-2)
- Names of all former employers over the past 12-18 months
- Dates worked for each employer
- Rate of pay for each job
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Step 3: Apply for Benefits
As mentioned above, the first step to collecting unemployment is determining whether or not you qualify and are viewed as someone in need of benefits by the government. Once you've passed that test, you need to gather up paperwork and documentation to prove your employment history and other claims in order to receive your money. The third step is to simply take your records and actually file. Note that you should do this as soon as possible, as unemployment checks are not retroactive. Since it takes time to process your application, you should apply as soon as you find out you're going to be unemployed. If you want even a week or two, you'll likely be out hundreds of dollars that could have and should have been sent to you.
There are three ways to apply for unemployment insurance benefits in the state of North Carolina:
- Online
- By telephone, by calling 1-877-841-9617
- In person, at any NESC officehttps://www.ncesc1.com/individual/webInitialClaims/applyBegin.asp
You can choose whichever method you are most comfortable with. Note that there may be long lines and/or a generally unpleasant atmosphere if you apply in person. If you're comfortable completing your application over the phone or online, you may find it less stressful and more relaxing to do it right from your living room. -
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Conclusion
- If you find yourself without a job through no fault of your own, and you have worked in North Carolina, you should file for unemployment insurance benefits. If you are eligible, you will get a weekly unemployment check. That money could go a long way toward easing the financial burden associated with job loss; it may buy you time as you begin to search for a new job.
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