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North Carolina Unemployment Benefits: Who Qualifies, How Much, and How to Apply

North Carolina unemployment: can you get benefits if fired or you quit, weekly benefit amounts, how many weeks, work search rules, how to apply and appeal.

Quick answers for North Carolina

If you were fired
You are disqualified if you are unemployed because of misconduct connected with the work: willful or wanton disregard of the employer's interest, such as deliberately violating standards of behavior the employer can expect or has explained to you, or carelessness or negligence so serious… N.C. Gen. Stat. § 96-14.6
Weekly benefit amount
Your weekly benefit amount is your wages in the last two completed quarters of your base period divided by 52, rounded down to the whole dollar. The maximum is $350 per week; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 96-14.2(a); North Carolina DES, Unemployment Insurance FAQs
How many weeks
From 12 to 20 weeks, depending on the seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate, set every January 1 and July 1: 12 weeks when the rate is 5.5% or less, rising one week for each additional half-point up to 20 weeks when the rate is above 9%. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 96-14.3; North Carolina DES, Unemployment Insurance FAQs
How to apply
Apply online through MyNCUIBenefits at des.nc.gov (the fastest way) or by phone at 888-737-0259. Then file a weekly certification online or by phone for every week you want benefits, starting the week you file, reporting any work, wages and work search activities. North Carolina DES, Guide to Unemployment Insurance Benefits; Unemployment Insurance FAQs

Last verified: 2026-10-27

Who qualifies

If you were firedYou are disqualified if you are unemployed because of misconduct connected with the work: willful or wanton disregard of the employer's interest, such as deliberately violating standards of behavior the employer can expect or has explained to you, or carelessness or negligence so serious or repeated that it shows intentional disregard of the employer's interests. Examples presumed to be misconduct (which you can rebut) include violating a written drug or alcohol policy, reporting to work impaired, physical violence connected with work, theft, falsifying employment documents, violating a written absenteeism policy, and refusing or failing to perform assigned work after at least three written reprimands in the prior 12 months.
Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 96-14.6
If you quitYou are disqualified if you left work for a reason other than good cause attributable to the employer, and you must prove good cause. Leaving because of a permanent, unilateral cut of more than 50% in your scheduled full-time hours, or more than 15% in your rate of pay, is presumed to be good cause attributable to the employer, unless the employer shows the cut was temporary or caused by your own conduct.
Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 96-14.5
Layoffs and reduced hoursGenerally, you can qualify if it was not your fault that your job ended. If you work part time, report your earnings; you may receive a partial benefit. An employer-filed (attached) claim for partial unemployment cannot cover more than six weeks in a row.
Source: North Carolina DES, Unemployment Insurance FAQs
Earnings needed to qualifyYou must have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period, and your total wages in at least two quarters must be at least six times the state average weekly insured wage. If you do not have enough wages in the regular base period, an alternative base period of the last four completed calendar quarters is used.
Source: North Carolina DES, Unemployment Insurance FAQs
Self-employed, 1099 and gig workersWhen you file a new claim, self-employment does not count as your last employer. DES defines self-employment as working as a 1099 independent contractor, doing freelance work, or owning your own business.
Source: North Carolina Division of Employment Security, Unemployment Insurance FAQs

How much and how long

Weekly benefit amountYour weekly benefit amount is your wages in the last two completed quarters of your base period divided by 52, rounded down to the whole dollar. The maximum is $350 per week; if the calculation is less than $15, you are not eligible.
The $350 maximum is fixed in the statute and is not adjusted annually.
Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 96-14.2(a); North Carolina DES, Unemployment Insurance FAQs
How many weeksFrom 12 to 20 weeks, depending on the seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate, set every January 1 and July 1: 12 weeks when the rate is 5.5% or less, rising one week for each additional half-point up to 20 weeks when the rate is above 9%. DES currently states the maximum is 12 weeks. Your monetary determination shows the number of weeks for your claim.
Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 96-14.3; North Carolina DES, Unemployment Insurance FAQs
Waiting weekYes. North Carolina law requires an unpaid waiting week, the first week you are eligible. You must still complete your weekly certification for that week.
Source: North Carolina DES, Unemployment Insurance FAQs (glossary)
Working part-time on benefitsYour weekly benefit is reduced by any wages you earn in the week above 20% of your weekly benefit amount, rounded down to the whole dollar.
Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 96-14.2(b)
Severance and vacation payYou are not eligible for benefits while you receive separation pay such as severance; you may become eligible once the weeks it covers are over. Payment for unused vacation may not affect your claim if your employer had a written vacation pay policy before your job ended. A pension from a base period employer reduces your weekly benefit; Social Security retirement does not.
Source: North Carolina DES, Unemployment Insurance FAQs; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 96-14.2(c)

Applying and keeping benefits

How to applyApply online through MyNCUIBenefits at des.nc.gov (the fastest way) or by phone at 888-737-0259. Then file a weekly certification online or by phone for every week you want benefits, starting the week you file, reporting any work, wages and work search activities.
Source: North Carolina DES, Guide to Unemployment Insurance Benefits; Unemployment Insurance FAQs
Work search requirementsStarting the week you file, contact at least three potential employers each week (different employers, or the same employer for different jobs). One contact can be replaced by attending a job fair or workshop at an NCWorks Career Center or partner agency. Record your work search in your MyNCUIBenefits account before filing your weekly certification, and register with NCWorks (log in at least every 90 days). Keep records, since DES may ask for them.
Source: North Carolina DES, Unemployment Insurance FAQs
Appealing a denialAn adjudicator's decision becomes final unless you file a written appeal within 30 days after the date of notification or mailing, whichever is earlier. An appeals referee's decision can be appealed to the Board of Review within 10 days. Follow the appeal instructions and deadline printed on your determination letter.
Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 96-15; North Carolina DES, File an Appeal
Logging in and filing weekly claimsNorth Carolina unemployment claimants file weekly certifications (weekly claims for benefits) online through MyNCUIBenefits, run by the NC Division of Employment Security: sign in, open the Action Required box and select the weekly certification option. File within 14 days after each Sunday-Saturday week, even while waiting for an eligibility decision, or you will not be paid for that week; payments can take up to 48 hours to process. UI Support Center: 888-737-0259.
Source: NC Division of Employment Security, File Your Weekly Certification

Where to get help in North Carolina

Unemployment Benefits FAQ

Can you get unemployment if you were fired in North Carolina?
You are disqualified if you are unemployed because of misconduct connected with the work: willful or wanton disregard of the employer's interest, such as deliberately violating standards of behavior the employer can expect or has explained to you, or carelessness or negligence so serious or repeated that it shows intentional disregard of the employer's interests. Examples presumed to be misconduct (which you can rebut) include violating a written drug or alcohol policy, reporting to work impaired, physical violence connected with work, theft, falsifying employment documents, violating a written absenteeism policy, and refusing or failing to perform assigned work after at least three written reprimands in the prior 12 months.
Can you get unemployment if you quit in North Carolina?
You are disqualified if you left work for a reason other than good cause attributable to the employer, and you must prove good cause. Leaving because of a permanent, unilateral cut of more than 50% in your scheduled full-time hours, or more than 15% in your rate of pay, is presumed to be good cause attributable to the employer, unless the employer shows the cut was temporary or caused by your own conduct.
Can you get unemployment if your hours were cut in North Carolina?
Generally, you can qualify if it was not your fault that your job ended. If you work part time, report your earnings; you may receive a partial benefit. An employer-filed (attached) claim for partial unemployment cannot cover more than six weeks in a row.
How much do you need to have earned to get unemployment in North Carolina?
You must have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period, and your total wages in at least two quarters must be at least six times the state average weekly insured wage. If you do not have enough wages in the regular base period, an alternative base period of the last four completed calendar quarters is used.
How much is unemployment in North Carolina?
Your weekly benefit amount is your wages in the last two completed quarters of your base period divided by 52, rounded down to the whole dollar. The maximum is $350 per week; if the calculation is less than $15, you are not eligible.
How long can you get unemployment in North Carolina?
From 12 to 20 weeks, depending on the seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate, set every January 1 and July 1: 12 weeks when the rate is 5.5% or less, rising one week for each additional half-point up to 20 weeks when the rate is above 9%. DES currently states the maximum is 12 weeks. Your monetary determination shows the number of weeks for your claim.
Is there a waiting week for unemployment in North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina law requires an unpaid waiting week, the first week you are eligible. You must still complete your weekly certification for that week.
What are the work search requirements for unemployment in North Carolina?
Starting the week you file, contact at least three potential employers each week (different employers, or the same employer for different jobs). One contact can be replaced by attending a job fair or workshop at an NCWorks Career Center or partner agency. Record your work search in your MyNCUIBenefits account before filing your weekly certification, and register with NCWorks (log in at least every 90 days). Keep records, since DES may ask for them.
Does severance pay affect unemployment in North Carolina?
You are not eligible for benefits while you receive separation pay such as severance; you may become eligible once the weeks it covers are over. Payment for unused vacation may not affect your claim if your employer had a written vacation pay policy before your job ended. A pension from a base period employer reduces your weekly benefit; Social Security retirement does not.
How do I apply for unemployment in North Carolina?
Apply online through MyNCUIBenefits at des.nc.gov (the fastest way) or by phone at 888-737-0259. Then file a weekly certification online or by phone for every week you want benefits, starting the week you file, reporting any work, wages and work search activities.
How do I appeal an unemployment denial in North Carolina?
An adjudicator's decision becomes final unless you file a written appeal within 30 days after the date of notification or mailing, whichever is earlier. An appeals referee's decision can be appealed to the Board of Review within 10 days. Follow the appeal instructions and deadline printed on your determination letter.
Can you work part-time and collect unemployment in North Carolina?
Your weekly benefit is reduced by any wages you earn in the week above 20% of your weekly benefit amount, rounded down to the whole dollar.
Can self-employed or gig workers get unemployment in North Carolina?
When you file a new claim, self-employment does not count as your last employer. DES defines self-employment as working as a 1099 independent contractor, doing freelance work, or owning your own business.
Where do I log in to my unemployment claim in North Carolina?
North Carolina unemployment claimants file weekly certifications (weekly claims for benefits) online through MyNCUIBenefits, run by the NC Division of Employment Security: sign in, open the Action Required box and select the weekly certification option. File within 14 days after each Sunday-Saturday week, even while waiting for an eligibility decision, or you will not be paid for that week; payments can take up to 48 hours to process. UI Support Center: 888-737-0259.

Unemployment Benefits in other states

More North Carolina law

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.