The deadline for applying for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) in 39 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is March 10. The Division of Employment Security (DES) will consider late applications individually. Applications can be submitted online at des.nc.gov.
Residents in the affected counties, including 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 as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians may qualify for DUA if they are unemployed due to Hurricane Helene. Business owners impacted by the storm might also be eligible.
DUA benefits are available from September 29th of last year and can extend up to 26 weeks or until March 29th this year. Eligibility is assessed weekly based on continued unemployment caused by the disaster.
To apply for DUA:
Applicants must first apply for state unemployment benefits. If found ineligible or if regular benefits are exhausted applicants may then qualify for a DUA claim.
Required information includes:
– Name and address of all employers worked with in the past two years.
– County of residence and employment.
– Mailing address and ZIP code.
– Valid telephone number.
– Social Security number or Alien Registration number.
– Proof of employment and income if self-employed a farmer or a commercial fisher.
Proof of employment at the time of the disaster must be provided within 21 days after filing a DUA claim. To include self-employment income in DUA benefit calculations proof from 2023 such as business ledgers bank statements or tax returns is needed. The N.C. Department of Revenue can provide DES with applicants’ 2023 tax returns.
For assistance call the dedicated DUA Hotline at 919-629-3857 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit des.nc.gov/dua for more information.
