The North Carolina Division of Employment Security (NCDES) has received official guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor on how to implement the three unemployment programs of the federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act.

The division is working as quickly as possible to modify its systems to make sure people receive proper and accurate payments. If you are due any benefits prior to the full implementation of these programs, NCDES indicates you will be paid retroactively.

NCDES intends to implement the programs in the following order:

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC): This program provides an additional $600 in weekly unemployment insurance benefits to eligible claimants. NCDES is currently testing its system for this program and anticipates making the first payments by April 17, 2020.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA): This program provides unemployment compensation for individuals not eligible for regular unemployment insurance or any extensions to unemployment insurance. This will provide benefits to eligible self-employed workers and independent contractors. NCDES anticipates the system will be ready to accept claims for this assistance around April 25, 2020.

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC): This program provides up to 13 additional weeks of benefits for those who have exhausted their state unemployment benefits. A definitive timeline for completing system updates for this program is not yet available.

NCDES will continue to provide updates about eligibility and how to apply for these and other benefits at des.nc.gov. More about COVID-19 related federal unemployment assistance can be found at des.nc.gov/need-help/covid-19-information/federal-unemployment-assistance.