Extended benefits passed, but some waiting still to go for unemployed

After that, there may be a gap in payments, and it wasn't clear Monday what the process will be to get weekly benefits rolling again under a new federal extension.

Now comes a rollout for the new program, then people get their 11-week extensions and the $300-a-week boost included in the bill.

"The N.C. Division of Employment Security is reviewing the new unemployment provisions of the federal COVID-19 relief bill and preparing to reprogram its system to process claims for the additional benefits," agency spokeswoman Kerry McComber said via email. "These benefits cannot be paid until official guidance is received and the benefits system is reprogrammed."

The division told claimants earlier on Monday that it didn't expect all of that guidance to come until next month.

Those people should be covered under the new federal extensions; it's just a matter of how long it takes to implement. Because of the way unemployment checks flow, the last checks under the old programs will go out this week, McComber said.

"Claimants have been notified about the expiration of benefits under the CARES Act, and we will provide more information about what actions they should take related to the extensions of benefits as soon as possible," she said.

McComber also offered this guidance for people on unemployment in North Carolina: