North Carolina: rules and deadlines at a glance
Every 11 topic we track for North Carolina on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how North Carolina compares.
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Workers' comp deadlines · Workers' comp benefits · Paid leave programs · Minimum wage · Final paycheck rules · Unemployment benefits · Meal break laws · Tipped minimum wage · Payday frequency · Rest break laws · Noncompete laws
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.
Workers' comp deadlines
| Tell your employer | 30 days, in writing |
|---|---|
| File a claim | 2 years from accident |
Workers' comp benefits Single detailed source
| Waiting period | 7 days |
|---|---|
| Waiting days paid back | After more than 21 days |
| Max weekly benefit (2026) | $1,446 (2026 injuries) |
Paid leave programs
| State program | No state paid leave or disability program |
|---|---|
| Status | No program |
Minimum wage Checked on official source
| State minimum wage | $7.25 |
|---|---|
| Next change | No change scheduled |
Final paycheck rules Single detailed source
| If you are fired | Next regular payday |
|---|---|
| If you quit | Next regular payday |
Unemployment benefits Single detailed source
| Maximum weekly benefit | $350 |
|---|---|
| How long it lasts | 12 weeks |
Meal break laws Checked on official source
| Meal break required | No general requirement |
|---|
Tipped minimum wage Checked on official source
| Minimum cash wage | $2.13 |
|---|---|
| Most tips can count | $5.12 |
Payday frequency Checked on official source
| Required frequency | No set frequency; employer chooses |
|---|
Rest break laws Checked on official source
| Paid rest break | No state requirement |
|---|
Noncompete laws Single detailed source
| Noncompetes | Allowed if reasonable |
|---|