Lost your job
Unemployment benefits in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the weekly unemployment benefit runs from $15 to $350, for 12 to 20 weeks, according to the U.S. Department of Labor summary effective July 2026.
At a glance
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration — Significant Provisions of State Unemployment Insurance Laws, effective July 2026 , checked 2026-10-20.
How to file
- File in the state where you worked
USAGov says that in most cases you file in the state where you worked, not where you live. If you worked in another state or remotely, contact your home state's unemployment office for help.
- Open North Carolina's official unemployment office
Find North Carolina's unemployment office on the U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop map . You may be able to file online or by phone.
- Keep looking for work while you claim
Many states require you to look for a new job to keep receiving benefits (USAGov).
- Protect your claim from scams
Unemployment scams — USAGov . Only file on your state's official site.
- Keep your health coverage
Find work in North Carolina
- Registered Nurse (Acute Care)
Veterans Health Administration · Salisbury, North Carolina · 5 hours ago
- Patient Service Representative (Office Automation)
Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Fort Bragg, North Carolina · 5 hours ago
- CUSTODIAL WORKER, NA-3566-02
U.S. Marine Corps · Jacksonville, North Carolina · 6 hours ago
- LIBRARY TECHNICIAN, NF-1411-02
U.S. Marine Corps · Jacksonville, North Carolina · 7 hours ago
- Food Service Worker
Veterans Health Administration · Fayetteville, North Carolina · 9 hours ago
Step-by-step paths to more income Minimum wage in North Carolina
The Department of Labor table is a summary, not an official interpretation of state law, and it does not include extensions or special programs. Your state decides your eligibility and your exact weekly amount. General information, not legal advice. State unemployment law information — U.S. Department of Labor .