Old North News

The deadline for applying for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) in North Carolina has been extended to April 7, 2025. This extension applies to residents of 39 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Previously, the deadline was set for March 10, 2025.

The period during which DUA benefits can be paid ends on March 29, 2025. These benefits are available for weeks of unemployment starting from September 29, 2024, and may last up to 26 weeks. The Division of Employment Security (DES) will only pay DUA benefits for eligible weeks within this timeframe.

Eligibility is determined weekly based on continued unemployment due to the disaster. Applications will be accepted until April 7, 2025, and reviewed to confirm if applicants were unemployed during the designated period. Applications can be submitted online at des.nc.gov.

Residents affected by Hurricane Helene in the specified counties may qualify for DUA benefits. Business owners impacted by the storm might also be eligible.

To apply for DUA, individuals must first apply for state unemployment benefits. If they are found ineligible or have exhausted regular benefits, they may qualify for a DUA claim. Applicants need to provide employment details from the past two years and proof of employment at the time of the disaster within three weeks of filing their claim.

For those seeking to include self-employment income in their benefit calculation, documentation from 2023 such as business ledgers or tax returns is required. The N.C. Department of Revenue can share tax return information with DES upon request.

Assistance is available through a dedicated hotline at 919-629-3857 from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or more information can be found at des.nc.gov/dua.