NC H128

Establishes a back-to-work bonus program using federal FPUC funds: $1,500 for accepting reemployment within 30 days, $800 for accepting between 30-60 days, with no bonuses paid after September 6, 2021.

Requires unemployed claimants to respond to employer interview requests within 48 hours, schedule interviews within seven days, and attend any required reemployment activities including drug testing or skills assessments.

Disqualifies individuals from remaining unemployment benefits if they fail to meet interview response requirements three or more times during a benefit year without good cause.

Defines suitable work based on duration of unemployment: during first 10 weeks, considers health/safety risks and prior experience; after 10 weeks, any job paying 120% of weekly benefit amount is deemed suitable.

Requires the Division of Employment Security to audit at least 25% of all weekly unemployment certifications and may use private third-party firms to conduct audits and detect fraud and improper payments.