Unemployment benefits to increase for NC residents impacted by Helene

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order Wednesday to increase benefits for North Carolina residents whose employment has been impacted by Hurricane Helene.

According to the executive order, the maximum amount of unemployment benefits will increase from $350 per week to $600 per week. It will not modify how the state calculates the weekly unemployment benefits when determining a valid claim.

As noted in the executive order, many jobs have been lost in western North Carolina due to the damage from Helene. The storm caused western North Carolina residents to have their work hours reduced, be unable to work, or be unable to search for work.

Since Helene, North Carolina has seen a significant increase in unemployment claims from residents of storm-impacted counties. As of Oct. 13, these claims make up nearly 80% of new claims in the state.

The executive order says it will be effective for weeks of unemployment beginning on or after Sept. 29, which was the first week after Helene made landfall in North Carolina. It will remain in effect until rescinded or superseded by another executive order.

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