Governor Cooper Issues Executive Order No. 134

Furloughs and Unemployment Insurance Benefits

On April 20, 2020, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 134, which helps temporarily furloughed employees receive support payments during their time of separation from their employers and classifies them as eligible for unemployment benefits. This Order goes into effect immediately, and will remain in place until an Executive Order rescinds the declared State of Emergency. 

What is a COVID-19 Support Payment?

It is a payment or series of voluntary payments made by an employer to an employee in response to a temporary furlough.

What is a furlough?

A furlough is a temporary period of off-time during which an employee does not perform services for the employer as a result of a layoff caused by the economic impacts or public health impacts of COVID-19.  

Will receipt of COVID-19 Support Payments disqualify an employee from unemployment benefits?

No. Receiving Support Payments does not reduce or delay unemployment benefits. Furthermore, this Order treats furloughed recipients of COVID-19 as unemployed under N.C.G.S. 96-15.0 I, and determines no overpayment occurs when a claimant receives unemployment insurance benefits at the same time as COVID-19 Support Payments.