North Carolina unemployment benefits are available to unemployed workers who meet certain eligibility requirements. These benefits provide temporary financial assistance to those who’ve lost their jobs through no fault of their own. These benefits play an important role in supporting individuals while they seek new employment opportunities.
North Carolina Unemployment Benefits Calculator
How are NC unemployment benefits calculated?
The unemployment payment you collect weekly is known as your weekly benefit amount.
Your weekly benefit amount is determined by taking your total wages from the last two quarters, dividing it by 52, and then rounding that number down to the nearest whole dollar. This calculation forms the base period of your claim. To qualify for a payout, this amount has to be at least $15. The NC unemployment calculator can provide a good estimate, but your precise benefit amount and the duration of unemployment benefits can only be ascertained once you officially file your unemployment claim.
The maximum benefit amount anyone can receive is $350 per week.
The maximum number of weeks you can receive benefits is determined by the unemployment rate in North Carolina, which is recalculated on January 1 and July 1 every year. Your benefits will last between 12-20 weeks, or longer if NC activates Extended Benefits (EB). Benefit extensions only occur when the North Carolina unemployment rate is too high.
Wage Transcript & Monetary Determination
After you apply for NC unemployment compensation, you will receive a Wage Transcript & Monetary Determination. It is not a guarantee of benefits but it does summarize how much you are entitled to receive. The determination will show your weekly benefit amount, the maximum amount you can get, and the number of weeks you’re eligible for these benefits. It will also show your earnings allowance, which is the income that part-time workers can earn and still receive partial unemployment benefits.
Your previous income not only determines your weekly payment amount, but it’s also used to determine whether you meet the monetary eligibility requirement for UI benefits.
Base Period
Your monetary eligibility and the amount of your weekly payment are based on a one-year base period, known as the base period. The base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.
The total wages you received during your base period should be at least six times the North Carolina average weekly insured wage.
Do I have to pay taxes on North Carolina unemployment insurance?
Yes. Unemployment insurance benefits, like other forms of income, are subject to taxes and must be reported on your federal and state tax returns. You can choose to have the NC DES withhold a portion of your weekly benefits to cover your taxes.
The IRS will send you form 1099-G, and you can also access this form through your online DES account. The statement will include the total amount of benefits that you received in the prior calendar year, which is needed for your tax return.
Receiving Payment
You can choose to receive your weekly payments through direct deposit or via debit card. If you choose to use a debit card, it can take up to 10 business days for your card to arrive in the mail.
To set up direct deposit, log in to your des.nc.gov account and click on “Update Bank Account Info for Payment of Benefits.” You will need your bank account number and bank routing number to set up direct deposit.
Issues that can affect your payment
Keep in mind that your UI compensation can be decreased or withheld if the NC DES finds an issue with your eligibility. You must report any income each week when you file a weekly claim, and meet weekly work search requirements. It is important to be honest when providing information, otherwise you can get in trouble for NC unemployment fraud. If you do receive a denial notice, you have the right to file an appeal and request a hearing.