§ 96-14.3.  Duration of benefits.

(a) Duration. - The number of weeks an individual is allowed to receive unemployment benefits depends on the seasonal adjusted statewide unemployment rate that applies to the six-month base period in which the claim is filed. One six-month base period begins on January 1 and one six-month base period begins on July 1. For the base period that begins January 1, the average of the seasonal adjusted unemployment rates for the State for the preceding months of July, August, and September applies. For the base period that begins July 1, the average of the seasonal adjusted unemployment rates for the State for the preceding months of January, February, and March applies. The Division must use the most recent seasonal adjusted unemployment rate determined by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and not the rate as revised in the annual benchmark.

Seasonal Adjusted Number

Unemployment Rate of Weeks

Less than or equal to 5.5% 12

Greater than 5.5% up to 6% 13

Greater than 6% up to 6.5% 14

Greater than 6.5% up to 7% 15

Greater than 7% up to 7.5% 16

Greater than 7.5% up to 8% 17

Greater than 8% up to 8.5% 18

Greater than 8.5% up to 9% 19

Greater than 9% 20

(b) Total Benefits. - The total benefits paid to an individual equals the individual's weekly benefit amount allowed under G.S. 96-14.2 multiplied by the number of weeks allowed under subsection (a) of this section.  (2013-2, s. 5; 2013-224, ss. 13, 19; 2015-238, s. 2.8(b).)