CHARLOTTE, N.C. — New numbers show job growth hit a road bump in November. The impact was felt across North Carolina including Mecklenburg County.
Unemployment rates increased in 81 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, and fell in only 13 counties.
Mecklenburg County’s unemployment rate jumped to 9 percent from 8.7 percent in October.
A steady stream of people entered the Employment Security Commission on Thursday with many trying to figure out where they stand with their unemployment benefits.
“It’s very frustrating, and I’m hoping for answers today,” said Julie Camargo.
Camargo brought her family with her while she waited in line.
She said after receiving unemployment benefits for four months, the checks stopped coming and she's worried.
"I'm not able to provide for my family. I'm not able to get the necessary things that I need and the bills is just piling up,” Camargo said.
Staff at the office said there’s confusion over the extension of unemployment benefits that passed with the vote on the fiscal cliff deal.
Many people don’t know what their status is.
Staff said they don’t have answers yet, because even though the extension was passed, it still needs to go to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The department will then let each state know how to implement it, and the staff didn’t know how long that process would take.
For Carmargo, she is hoping to get her benefits back or to find a job soon.
"I have four kids, and it seems like it's not going to be very long before I crash," she said.
WSOC
