The clock is ticking for residents in 39 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina who wish to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). With the March 10th deadline fast approaching, affected individuals and business owners should ensure their applications are submitted promptly.
Late DUA applications will be considered on an individual basis, but applying online via the North Carolina Division of Employment Security (DES) remains the most efficient option. More information and the online application process can be accessed at des.nc.gov.
Residents of 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 counties, as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, are eligible for these benefits if their unemployment is a direct result of Hurricane Helene.
DUA benefits cover unemployment weeks starting from September 29, 2024, with potential support for up to 26 weeks, ending March 29, 2025. Weekly eligibility reviews ensure that claimants remain unemployed due to the disaster.
Eligibility and Application Process
Applicants must first apply for state unemployment benefits. If found ineligible or if regular benefits have expired, they may qualify for DUA. The application requires detailed records such as past employers’ information, the applicant’s county of residence and employment, and personal identification details.
Proof of employment at disaster time must be provided within 21 days of filing the DUA claim. Self-employed individuals must submit 2023 income documentation, such as business ledgers, bank statements, or tax returns. The DES allows collaboration with the N.C. Department of Revenue to obtain tax return information if needed.
For assistance, the DUA Hotline is available at 919-629-3857, operational from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Further details can be found at des.nc.gov/dua.
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