Advocates for the unemployed applaud Governor Cooper's executive order but say more work needs to be done. In 2013, for example, North Carolina cut unemployment benefits from 26 weeks down to a range of 12 to 20 weeks.
Michele Evermore is with the National Employment Law Project. She says this new measure waives three of the usual requirements for unemployment insurance.
“Work search requirements, which is key during a pandemic,” says Evermore. “Waiving employer experience rating, or making sure employers don't pay extra taxes for workers who become unemployed due to the COVID outbreak. And waiving the waiting week. All of which were included in the executive order, so North Carolina is in good shape to receive that money whenever the senate passes the bill.”
Applicants will also be able to file for benefits if they are given reduced hours, not just laid off entirely. Businesses usually help pay for workers' unemployment benefits, but that rule shouldn't apply in cases related to coronavirus.
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