Public Radio for the Piedmont and High Country
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Over 1 Million North Carolinians Have Filed For Unemployment

The dashboard that an unemployment insurance applicant sees when logging into the NC Department of Commerce Division of Employment Security website. DES has received a record amount of claims as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. WFDD/SCREENSHOT DES.NC.GOV

North Carolinians have now filed over 1 million unemployment claims. The latest figures come as the state continues to navigate the coronavirus pandemic.

Over 20 percent of the state's workforce has now applied for unemployment insurance since March 15.

The highest days for unemployment claims were in late March and then again in late April, with over 30,000 seeking benefits each day.

Of those who have filed, The Winston-Salem Journal reports that just over 44 percent have received either state and/or federal payments.

The new figures come as Governor Roy Cooper signed two COVID-19 relief bills. The bipartisan measures were approved unanimously by the House and Senate. 

Not included was a Senate provision to raise the maximum weekly state unemployment benefit from $350 to $400 once federal benefits are exhausted.

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.  

Bethany is WFDD's editorial director. She joined the staff in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming editorial director, Bethany was assistant news director, a reporter and associate producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.

Donate