North Carolina Increases Unemployment Benefits Post-Hurricane Helene

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has issued an executive order that raises the maximum weekly unemployment payment from $350 to $600 in response to the job losses caused by Hurricane Helene. This order, supported unanimously by the Council of State, aims to alleviate financial strain on affected residents, particularly in western counties where many businesses have temporarily closed. While state benefits remain capped at 12 weeks, those impacted by the storm may qualify for up to 26 weeks of federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance through March 29, 2025. The increased benefits are expected to primarily assist workers from counties hit hardest by the storm, which account for 79% of new claims since the disaster began. The order is effective until the state of emergency is lifted, and retroactive benefits will be available starting September 29, 2024. Additionally, the state's robust Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund means that employers will not face increased taxes due to these benefit enhancements.