As the nation continues to work through this current economic crunch, many of North Carolina’s working class are finding themselves out of a job.

Being unemployed is difficult; trust me, I know. It is possible to get back up on your feet, but you may need a little help.

I started this blog to help others find the services and resources they need to become self-sufficient again. Today we are going to talk about the North Carolina Unemployment Insurance program.

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Eligibility Requirements for North Carolina Unemployment Benefits

The North Carolina Unemployment Insurance program part of a national system designed to provide temporary economic benefits to eligible workers. Eligible workers are individuals who:

· Lost their jobs through no fault of their own;

· 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.

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. You must have worked at least two quarters in the current base period to be eligible.

If you quit your job or were fired for misconduct, you may be disqualified from receiving North Carolina Unemployment benefits.

If approved, you will be required to keep a written record of your job search, showing at least two employment contacts on two different days, each week.

Applying for North Carolina Unemployment Benefits

You may apply for North Carolina Unemployment benefits online at https://www.ncesc.com/individual/webInitialClaims/applyBegin.asp?init=true or by calling 1-877-841-9617. The system is available Monday - Friday: 6:00am - 9:30pm, Saturday: 6:00am - 12:00 Midnight, and Sunday: 12:00 Noon - 11:30pm.

You should have the following information ready when you apply:

· Your social security number;

· The dates and rate of pay of your last employment;

· The dates of your military service, if applicable; and

· Your alien registration number, if you are not a U.S. citizen or national.

When you file for North Carolina Unemployment benefits, you automatically be registered for job referral services. The process can take 30 minutes or more, so be sure to give yourself enough time to complete the application.

Receiving North Carolina Unemployment Benefits

The North Carolina Unemployment benefit year lasts for 52 weeks from the effective date of your claim. You may file another initial claim until the 52 weeks have been completed, even if your benefits have been exhausted. You will receive a written notice if extended or emergency unemployment benefits are available.

You weekly benefits are determined by dividing the earnings in the highest quarter of your base period by 26. A valid claim can last from 13 to 26 weeks; this period can be extended by law.

For More Information

Please complete the form on the right to stay informed of all the latest news and updates for North Carolina Unemployment and tips on how to survive and thrive during this difficult time. Good luck!

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People can be desperate to hold onto jobs today. You might find yourself biting your tongue and not complaining to your boss about something for fear of losing your job. You might be worried about what will happen if your child is sick and you might have to miss work. Will that cost you your job? The economy is in a scary place and everyone is worried about not having a job to provide income. What do you do if you find yourself laid off?

North Carolina Unemployment Insurance in is designed for just this reason. Often, through no fault of their own, people are let go from their jobs and need temporary assistance in creating and income to pay the bills. Unemployment benefits are available to you if you have lost your job (not your fault) and you are actively looking for a new one.

North Carolina Unemployment Insurance Benefits don’t cost you anything. The money for this unemployment program comes from taxes paid by employers. The amount of money you are eligible for depends on your past wages, the reason you lost your job, and certain requirements about how you need to be searching for a new job. As of December 2008, North Carolina benefits ranged from $41 to $476. Unemployment payments in North Carolina are made, provided for a minimum of thirteen (13) weeks to a maximum of twenty-six (26) weeks, but only if all requirements are met. You’ll need to check with the Employment Security Commission to be sure about what those requirements are when you apply.

To find specific information on how and where to file an unemployment claim, you can visit the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina website at http://www.ncesc.com/splash.asp or you can call North Carolina Unemployment Insurance at 1-877-841-9617. They can answer specific questions you have.

When you apply for unemployment benefits, you will need to bring along your social security card as well as a letter from your former employer stating that you have been separated from your job. It’s also good to have the names and addresses of your employers for the past eighteen months. You’ll be asked to provide that information on your application.

If you are found eligible for unemployment benefits, you will receive a debit card in the mail. You must activate that debit card before you can use it. You will need a PIN number for that card. Be sure to understand how and where you can use that card so as not to incur unnecessary fees. Your unemployment benefits will be applied directly to the debit card.

While unemployment benefits are extraordinarily helpful during the times you are not working, this is also a good time to take a look at your job skills and how to improve your chances of being hired into another job as soon as possible. Update your resume. Network. If you need help making an action plan to find a new job, the Employment

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