North Raleigh Today

The North Carolina Division of Employment Security (DES) is rolling out a new online record-keeping process for tracking work search activities. This initiative will begin on March 23 for individuals filing new unemployment claims in specific counties, including Northampton, Hertford, and Gates, among others.

This new feature is part of a phased implementation across the state, organized by workforce prosperity zones. Further details can be found at des.nc.gov/work-search-activities.

DES Assistant Secretary M. Antwon Keith stated, "This new online record-keeping feature provides our customers with a more secure way to track their work search activities. This is another feather in our cap while we continue to streamline unemployment insurance processes in North Carolina."

Under the current requirements, those filing an unemployment claim must contact three different employers each week and maintain a record of these searches. They must also register for work with NCWorks and be available for employment.

From March 23 onwards, individuals filing new claims in the designated northeastern counties will need to log their work search activities into the MyNCUIBenefits system before completing their weekly certification. Those with existing claims can continue using hard copy records and are not required to switch to the online system.

After logging their work searches, claimants can proceed with their weekly certification process. This procedure must be repeated weekly to ensure timely benefit payments. The MyNCUIBenefits system will store all logged work searches, allowing claimants to download them as needed.

"This change is part of the division’s ongoing efforts to modernize the unemployment process," Assistant Secretary Keith explained. "Requiring people to record their work searches online helps to simplify the process, reduce errors, and support successful outcomes for those seeking unemployment benefits."

Claimants have access to resources such as a video tutorial and FAQ document to assist them through this transition. These materials are available at des.nc.gov/work-search-activities.

For additional information about this online feature, visit des.nc.gov.