NC unemployment claims top 166,000

Since March 16, the day before Gov. Roy Cooper ordered restaurants and bars to go to drive-thru, takeout and delivery only, North Carolina's Division of Employment Security has processed at least 166,172 claims.

That's the latest figure as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, the division said.

Roughly 87 percent of these filings are listed as COVID-19 related, though the true number tied to the viral outbreak is likely higher. Not everyone lists it on their separation paperwork.

The first checks should go out about two weeks after people apply. The state has waived a normal one-week waiting period on benefits, but employers still get time to confirm that a worker is now unemployed.

State officials have asked both sides – employee and employer – to list COVID-19 as the reason for separation when applicable.

Once someone is set up in the system, they need to file weekly certifications, either online or by phone, to keep receiving benefits.

The state legislature may make changes to the system, and a legislative committee keying on COVID-19 economic issues met for the first time Wednesday and rolled out draft legislation meant to increase flexibility and give employers financial aid via a tax credit that they'd take against their state unemployment tax.

This bill is an initial proposal and may change significantly before passage.