HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?

You can initiate a claim with the NC Employment Security Commission in person, by phone, or online. In making the claim, you have the opportunity to tell your side of the story... to tell what happened, how you lost your job. The ESC will also contact your employer to get their side of the story as well. After this brief look at the your position and your employer's position, the ESC will make an initial determination regarding your eligibility, stating that you either are or are not eligible to receive your unemployment benefit. THIS IS NOT THE END. IT IS JUST THE BEGINNING.

When you receive written notification of the initial determination, both you and the employer have a right to appeal that determination. (10 day?) An appeal costs nothing. So if you are determined to be ineligible, give notice of appeal IMMEDIATELY. If you are determined to be eligible, the employer will likely give notice of appeal.

If either party appeals, you'll receive written notice of the appeal and a scheduled telephone hearing for that appeal. This is the point at which you may want to speak to an attorney to discuss your case... but you don't have to. It is possible to navigate the process on your own. However, it is important to remember that this appeal is the last chance you will have to contest the facts in the case. Any subsequent appeal is pretty much limited to matters of procedure or mistake on the part of the hearings officer. If you choose to represent yourself for the telephone appeal hearing, be prepared to live with the decision made there.