Unemployment Benefits Expanding To Include More Workers

Many people have been laid off from work or seen drastic reductions in hours due to the coronavirus pandemic. That means a big uptick in unemployment claims.

With record numbers of citizens applying for these benefits, many for the first time, there can be confusion. In North Carolina, an executive order by Governor Roy Cooper aimed to ease the process, but concerns remain.

Now that the federal coronavirus relief package has passed, new and expanded unemployment benefits guidelines are on their way to states. 

Members of the “gig” economy like contractors and freelancers should now be eligible for benefits. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is part of the coronavirus relief package designed to fill in the gap in coverage for those who don't meet the traditional definition of employee.

Ben Winikoff is an attorney with Elliot Morgan Parsonage in Winston-Salem. He says the state is still waiting for guidance on implementing the program.

“So there's going to be a little bit of a delay in getting the payments started,” he says. “However, they have been clear that the payments can be retroactive and can go backwards. You might not be able to apply for another week or two. So that first check can be a little bit bigger to get you caught up.“

The program also adds eligibility for an extra $600 per week through the end of July, and another 13 weeks of coverage beyond the state's usual guidelines.

Winikoff says that the applications for these new benefits are going to be via a separate system. It will still be administered by the N.C. Division of Employment Security, but handled a little differently.

“Instead of it being unemployment benefits, it will be this disaster unemployment assistance,” says Winikoff. “So its kind of two different places to apply, and if the first one doesn't apply to you, then you're going to have the second one.”

Traditionally when new benefits are rolled out, agencies are given more lead time — months usually — to make preparations. Winikoff says they're learning as they go.

“Their guidance is going to evolve,” he says. “They need to assure people aren't excluded who shouldn't be, and they're going to try to do what they can to meet the intent of these statutes.”

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.