Meihui Bodane Assistant Secretary for Policy, Research & Strategy | North Carolina Department of Commerce
Meihui Bodane Assistant Secretary for Policy, Research & Strategy | North Carolina Department of Commerce
The deadline for applying for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) in North Carolina has been extended to April 7, 2025. This extension applies to 39 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The original deadline was March 10, 2025.
DUA benefits can be paid until March 29, 2025. These benefits are available for weeks of unemployment starting September 29, 2024, and may last up to 26 weeks. According to the Division of Employment Security (DES), DUA benefits will only be paid for weeks beginning September 29, 2024, and ending on or before March 29, 2025.
Eligibility is determined weekly based on continued unemployment due to the disaster. Applications must be submitted by April 7, 2025, and reviewed to confirm if applicants were unemployed during the disaster assistance period. Applications can be filed online at des.nc.gov.
Residents of the following counties may qualify: 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.
Those affected by Hurricane Helene might be eligible for these benefits under the DUA program. Business owners impacted by the storm could also qualify.
To apply for DUA:
Applicants must first apply for state unemployment benefits. If deemed ineligible or if regular benefits are exhausted they may file a DUA claim.
Required information includes:
- Name and address of all employers from the past two years
- County of residence
- County of employment
- Mailing address with ZIP code
- Valid telephone number
- Social Security number or Alien Registration number
Proof of employment at the time of the disaster is necessary within three weeks after filing a DUA claim.
For those who want self-employment income included in their benefit calculation proof from business ledgers bank statements or tax returns from 2023 is required. DES offers an option where N.C Department Of Revenue provides them with applicants' tax returns.
Assistance is available via a dedicated hotline at (919)629-3857 between eight AM five PM Monday through Friday For more details visit des.nc.gov/dua
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