How to File Out-of-State Unemployment in North Carolina

Actively seeking employment is one of the requirements of receiving unemployment benefits.

Even if you live in another state, if you have ever worked in North Carolina, you can file for unemployment benefits through the North Carolina Employment Security Commission's website or over the telephone. Unemployment benefits are monies paid to unemployed workers, and the funds used to pay unemployment benefits comes from taxes that state employers have paid. According to the state agency's website, individuals who have worked in the state are eligible to receive unemployment benefits, given that they meet the other requirements that have been established to distribute funds.

Things You'll Need

• Employment records

Instructions

1. Collect your records. Gather your employment records, such as old pay stubs, that show the dates you started and stopped working with your former employer, the starting and ending pay rates, as well as your job titles. Find out the company's official name and address because you must use this information to properly file for unemployment benefits.

2. Register with the state. Visit the North Carolina Employment Security Commission's website at www.ncesc1.com or call 1-877-841-9617. Enter your personal and employment information, including name, address, Social Security number, last employer, pay rates, job titles, etc. Submit your claim.

3. Look for work. Send out copies of your resume, complete job applications and attend job fairs. Make a regular routine of getting out and looking for work.

4. File a weekly certification. Visit www.ncesc1.com to notify the North Carolina Employment Security Commission each week about your employment status and job search efforts.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply for unemployment benefits immediately after you are separated from your former employer.

• Keep a log of your job search activities and document it at every step, including resume submittals, telephone and in-person interviews, follow-up calls and denials.

• Accept a job, even if it pays lower than your last one.

• Sign up to have your unemployment benefits direct deposited into your checking account.

• Unemployment benefits are only awarded to individuals that are separated from their former employer due to no fault of their own.

• You cannot go back and file a claim for a week that you have missed.

• Providing false or untruthful information to the North Carolina Employment Security Commission about the circumstances involving the separation from your employer is considered fraud.

• Failure to notify the North Carolina Employment Security Commission about new employment could result in prosecution, fines or jail time.

References

• North Carolina Employment Security Commission: Establishing a UI Claim
• North Carolina Employment Security Commission: Apply for UI Benefits
• North Carolina Employment Security Commission: Claims Information

Resources

• North Carolina Employment Security Commission: Work Search Record
• Employment Security Commission: Unemployment Insurance for Totally Separated Employees
• Employment Security Commission: Benefits Rights
• Employment Security Commission: General Questions
• Employment Security Commission: Unemployment Extension Programs