A: Yes, if you’ve lost your job due to the federal separations, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. You can apply for benefits starting the day your job ended. Your eligibility will depend on the state’s unemployment laws.

A: If you’re a federal worker who has experienced a job separation, you should file for unemployment benefits with the state (last duty station) where you last worked.

A: If your last duty station was in North Carolina, you can file your claim online at des.nc.gov. If your duty station is in another state, you can find contact information at: www.servicelocator.org.

A: To avoid delays, federal employees will need to have these documents ready:

• SF-8 (Notice to Federal Employee About Unemployment Benefits)
• SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action)
• Wage information (W-2, LES or pay stubs from the past 18 months)

A: Yes, if you’re filing in North Carolina, you must complete at least three job search contacts each week you’re claiming benefits.

A: Benefits are determined by your earnings within a 12-month base period. In North Carolina, the maximum weekly benefit is $350. You can get benefits for up to 12 weeks.

A: You must look for work, contact three different employers, be able and available, and complete a certification each week to get paid. You MUST file a weekly certification within 14 days after each week (Sunday-Saturday), or you won’t get paid for that week. File your certifications every week. You should file even if you are still waiting to see if you will get benefits. This will allow you to get payments for weeks that you were eligible.

A: No, the first week you’re eligible for benefits is a mandatory unpaid waiting week. Filing your weekly certifications and meeting other weekly requirements are mandatory to get unemployment benefits. To get unemployment benefits, you must file your weekly certifications and meet other weekly requirements.