Experiencing job loss is undoubtedly a challenging time for you and your family.
However, there are resources available to help ease the financial burden. Unemployment insurance serves as a temporary assistance program, funded by employers in North Carolina and managed by the Division of Employment Security.
To qualify for unemployment benefits, a few criteria must be met:
- You must have become unemployed through no fault of your own.
- You should have earned sufficient income in the recent past.
- You must actively search for work and be ready to start immediately if offered a job.
Once you have applied for unemployment insurance, it’s vital to promptly engage in specific activities each week to ensure a smooth payment process. These activities are essential in preventing any delay in receiving your benefits.
One of the key requirements is completing your weekly certification online. This entails reporting your activities from the previous week, including at least three job search activities, any wages earned, and your availability for work. Completing your weekly certification is a prerequisite for receiving payment.
Job Search Activities:
As part of unemployment insurance, it is mandated that you engage in a minimum of three work search activities each week, starting from the week you first apply for benefits. Approved work search activities include:
- Submitting applications and resumes.
- Job interviews, whether in-person or by phone.
- Speaking with potential employers.
It is crucial to keep a comprehensive record of your work search activities. This record must be maintained for five years and can be requested during an audit. Failure to provide these records may result in repayment obligations.
Additionally, during your unemployment insurance claim, you’ll be required to review your work search records with an NC Works Career Center representative. Hence, it is essential to keep your records secure and readily available.
Helpful Work Search Records Form:
For your convenience, an online work search records form is available. Along with the work search guidelines, copies of this form will also be mailed to you. The form serves as a handy resource to document your work search activities effectively.
Reporting Part-Time or Temporary Work:
If you come across part-time or temporary work opportunities during your job search, it is important to report all such work activities, including self-employment, cash-based jobs, and paid training. Even if you haven’t received payment yet, you must report the earnings for the previous week.
When reporting your earnings, remember to report the gross earnings rather than take-home pay. Gross earnings represent your income before deductions. For instance, if you worked 15 hours at $10 per hour, your gross earnings for the week would be $150, regardless of whether you have received payment.
Complying with Requirements:
Failing to meet any of the requirements in full may lead to a suspension of benefit payments and potential repayment obligations. Providing false information or withholding information to receive benefits constitutes fraud. It is crucial to be accurate and honest when completing your weekly certification.
Remember, the majority of individuals successfully fulfill their work search and reporting requirements, receiving their benefits each week. Should you have any questions, our team is ready to assist you—we genuinely want you to succeed.