Weekly Requirements

After you apply for unemployment benefits, DES will let you know how much money you may be able to get. In North Carolina, the most you can currently be paid in state unemployment benefits is $350 a week for up to 12 weeks.

To get your money each week you must:

Search for Work

Register as a jobseeker with NCWorks and start looking for a job. Starting the week you file for unemployment, you must contact at least three employers for a job every week. Keep a record of what you do and who you contacted to look for work.

Important Notice: Work Search Update

Filed your claim on/after March 23? You may need to enter work searches before your weekly certification. See when this change affects your county.

File Weekly Certifications

File your weekly certification every week to get your payment – even if you are waiting for a decision to be made on your unemployment claim. You can complete your weekly certifications through your MyNCUIBenefits account online. You must report any wages you have earned during the week.

Report Work Earnings

If you work while getting unemployment benefits, you must report the money you make each week, even if you have not gotten paid. You can work and make 20% of your weekly unemployment benefit amount without any deductions.