North Raleigh Today

There are only four days remaining to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) in 39 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina. The deadline for applications is March 10.

Since Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina in late September 2024, around 19,680 survivors have received $81,175,356 in disaster-related unemployment benefits. This figure exceeds the combined total from Hurricanes Matthew (2016), Florence (2018), and Fred (2021).

Assistant Secretary M. Antwon Keith stated, “We are committed to providing financial assistance to help people rebuild following the devastation that Hurricane Helene left our neighbors in Western North Carolina.” He added that "the Division of Employment Security will review late applications on a case-by-case basis."

Residents from Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee Lincoln Macon Madison McDowell Mecklenburg Mitchell Nash Polk Rowan Rutherford Stanly Surry Swain Transylvania Union Watauga Wilkes Yadkin and Yancey counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians may be eligible for DUA if they are unemployed due to Hurricane Helene. Business owners affected by the storm might also qualify.

Applications can be filed online at des.nc.gov. DUA is available for weeks of unemployment starting Sept. 29 2024 and can last up to 26 weeks or through March 29 2025. Eligibility is determined weekly based on continued unemployment directly caused by the disaster.

To apply for DUA individuals must first apply for state unemployment benefits. If found ineligible or if regular benefits are exhausted a DUA claim may be possible. Required information includes employer details county of residence employment mailing address valid telephone number Social Security number or Alien Registration number and proof of employment income if self-employed.

Proof of employment at the time of the disaster must be submitted within 21 days after filing a DUA claim. For self-employment income calculations business ledgers bank statements or tax returns from 2023 should be provided with an option allowing DES access to tax returns via N.C Department of Revenue.

Assistance is available through a dedicated hotline at 919-629-3857 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with more information available at des.nc.gov/dua.