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$600 Unemployment Benefit Ending This Week

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

The additional $600 that people on unemployment have been receiving is about to run out. And it's ending a week earlier than many expected.

The federal CARES Act guarantees the additional funds through July 31. But due to a one-day difference in the calendar, this will be the last week North Carolinians receive the benefit.

Lawmakers wrote the act based on benefit weeks. In North Carolina and every other state except New York, those end on Saturdays — and July 31 is on a Friday, making that last week of the month ineligible.

State benefits will continue as expected, up to the $350 current weekly maximum. North Carolina has one of the shortest unemployment payment periods in the country, but it's extended an additional 13 weeks due to COVID-19.

Some lawmakers say the additional $600 should be continued, and possibly tied to the unemployment rate. 

There are no official extension policies at this time.

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.

Eddie Garcia is WFDD’s News Director. He is responsible for planning coverage, editing stories, and leading an award-winning news team as it serves the station’s 32-county listening area. He joined WFDD as an audio production intern in 2007 and went on to hold various roles, including producer, Triad Arts Weekend co-host, reporter, and managing editor. When he’s not working, Eddie enjoys spending time with his family, playing guitar, and watching films.

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