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Aid for Affected Campgrounds Issued by NC Gov. Cooper

Governor Cooper recently issued an emergency executive order to increase the maximum weekly state unemployment benefits from $350 to $600 for individuals whose employment has been affected by the Hurricane.

The order also expands eligibility for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance to include additional counties, bringing the total to 39 counties, such as Forsyth, Surry, and Yadkin. The increased benefits are retroactive to September 29, and adjustments will be made for benefit weeks dating back to that date.

Here’s how the measures impact CARVC members in the region:

  1. Financial Relief for Business Interruptions:
    • Loss of Income Compensation: Owners who have suffered business interruptions due to storm damage or mandatory closures can receive up to $600 per week in unemployment benefits. This assistance helps cover personal and business expenses while the campground is non-operational.
    • Retroactive Payments: Since the benefits are retroactive to September 29, owners will receive compensation for the time immediately following the hurricane, easing the financial strain during the initial recovery phase.
  2. Eligibility for Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance:
    • Expanded Coverage: With the inclusion of more counties, CARVC members in newly added areas are now eligible for federal assistance.
    • Up to 14 Weeks of Benefits: Eligible owners can receive federal benefits for up to 14 weeks, providing a longer-term safety net as they work to repair and reopen their campgrounds.
    • Support for Self-Employed Individuals: The disaster unemployment assistance extends to self-employed campground owners, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by small business operators in disaster recovery.
  3. Employee Retention and Support:
    • Assistance for Staff: Employees of campgrounds who are out of work due to the hurricane can also receive increased unemployment benefits. This will make it easier to resume operations once repairs are completed.
    • No Increase in Unemployment Taxes: The executive order ensures that campground owners will not face higher unemployment taxes due to the increased benefits, which prevents additional financial burden during the recovery process.
  4. Streamlined Application Process:
    • Accessible Resources: Campground owners can apply for state unemployment benefits and, if ineligible, proceed to apply for federal disaster unemployment assistance. The state has provided hotlines and online resources to facilitate the application process.
    • Deadline Extension: Owners have until December 2 to file for disaster unemployment assistance, giving them ample time to assess damages and understand their eligibility.

And don’t forget, if you need it, you can apply for aid from the OHI Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund. If your outdoor hospitality business has been affected by Hurricane Helene, you can apply at ohi.org/ohi-foundation.