Old North News

The North Carolina Division of Employment Security (DES) is rolling out a new online system for recording work search activities. This change applies to those filing new unemployment claims on or after March 23 in specific northeastern counties, including Northampton, Hertford, and others.

This initiative is part of a phased statewide implementation organized by workforce prosperity zones. More details are available at des.nc.gov/work-search-activities.

"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," stated DES Assistant Secretary M. Antwon Keith. "The phased implementation affects new claims filed on or after a particular date. It has been designed to minimize impacts on current claims and operations."

To qualify for unemployment benefits, claimants must contact three different employers each week and keep a record of these searches. They also need to register with NCWorks and be available for work.

From March 23, individuals filing new claims in the 17 specified counties will need to log their job search activities using the MyNCUIBenefits system before completing weekly certification. Those with existing claims will maintain hard copy records and won't be required to use the online system.

After logging their work searches, claimants can proceed with their weekly certification to ensure timely benefit payments. The MyNCUIBenefits system will store all logged searches, allowing claimants to download them if needed.

"This change is part of the division’s ongoing efforts to modernize the unemployment process, ensuring timely, accurate, and efficient payments to those who are entitled to receive them," said Assistant Secretary Keith. "Requiring people to record their work searches online helps to simplify the process, reduce errors, and support successful outcomes for those seeking unemployment benefits."

Resources such as video tutorials and FAQs are available at des.nc.gov/work-search-activities for guidance through this new process.

For further information about this feature, visit des.nc.gov.