US Labor Department announces release of $205.1 million in unemployment insurance modernization incentive funds to North Carolina

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has certified for release $205,063,552 in unemployment insurance modernization incentive funds to the state of North Carolina. North Carolina qualified for its full share of the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by providing for a variety of provisions that assist recent entrants to the workforce, part-time workers and workers who become unemployed because of compelling family reasons.

"I am pleased to announce that North Carolina has made important updates to its UI program to better meet the needs of the modern workforce," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "North Carolina has strengthened its economic safety net by helping to broaden coverage to deserving workers who previously did not qualify for benefits."

The Employment Security Commission of North Carolina can use the funds to pay unemployment benefits or, if appropriated by the legislature, for administering its unemployment insurance program or delivering employment services.

The Recovery Act made a total of $7 billion available in UI modernization incentive payments to states that include certain eligibility provisions in their UI programs. Each state can qualify for a share of those funds by showing that its law includes those provisions. North Carolina's approved application will be posted at the department's Employment and Training Administration website at http://www.doleta.gov/recovery/. Other approved applications can also be found on this site.