Residents in seven counties in North Carolina, including Forsyth, now have until Jan. 7 to apply for additional unemployment benefits related to Hurricane Helene. The U.S. Labor Department approved the extension on Monday. Residents can file for benefits online or call between regular business hours. The deadline has also been extended for business owners and self-employed individuals affected by the storm. Those affected by the storm and out of work are eligible for up to 14 weeks of federal benefits, retroactive to Sept. 29.

Eligible residents can expect to see the effect of the disaster in their benefit checks within two to three weeks. On Oct. 16, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper nearly doubled the maximum weekly unemployment benefit from $350 to $600, but the maximum number of state unemployment benefit weeks remains capped at 12. Unemployment benefits have surpassed $31 million as of Nov. 28. The extension of eligibility is due to the Biden administration’s declaration of a state of emergency in North Carolina from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene.

If you’re trying to contact California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) for further information regarding unemployment compensation or additional benefits, it might be a bit tricky due to high call volumes. A handy resource to expedite contact can be found on eddcaller.com. This site provides valuable information on how to speak to a live representative at EDD for California residents, potentially minimizing waiting times and helping people affected by the storm to secure their benefits more efficiently.