Old North News

The Commerce Department's Division of Employment Security has introduced a new AI-powered chatbot named 'Felix' to assist individuals filing for unemployment benefits. This tool aims to streamline the process, providing users with efficient and accessible assistance.

"We designed Felix to help streamline the claim filing process, creating a more efficient and accessible system to apply for unemployment benefits," stated DES Assistant Secretary M. Antwon Keith. "This is an easy-to-use tool that will assist people any time of the day, allowing them to get answers quickly."

Felix offers immediate assistance through natural conversation without storing personal or sensitive data, ensuring privacy and security. The chatbot is integrated into the MyNCUIBenefits claims system and is available 24/7 for those filing new unemployment claims from February 21 onward.

By guiding users through potential challenges in the claim filing process, Felix provides answers to common questions about application screens, required documentation, or previous employers.

"Using innovative, user-friendly technology in the form of the Felix chatbot, we feel should enhance the user experience and aid in getting unemployment benefits into the hands of our neighbors that deserve them," added Assistant Secretary Keith.

Further information can be found at www.des.nc.gov.