Disaster Unemployment Assistance Extended for NC Counties Until April 2025

Residents of 39 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians now have an extended window to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The deadline has been pushed to April 7, 2025, from the previous date of March 10, 2025.

DUA benefits cover unemployment periods starting from September 29, 2024, and will be available until March 29, 2025. These benefits are applicable for up to 26 weeks, with eligibility assessed weekly. Assistance is contingent upon ongoing unemployment directly caused by the disaster. Applications can be submitted online at des.nc.gov until the new deadline.

The following counties are eligible for DUA benefits: 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, along with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina.

Individuals and business owners who’ve experienced job loss or business disruption due to Hurricane Helene may qualify for financial aid through DUA.

Applying for DUA

1. First, attempt to file for state unemployment benefits. If ineligible or if regular benefits have been exhausted, a DUA claim may be possible.
2. Necessary documentation includes:

   • Name and address of all employers from the past 24 months.
   • County of residence and employment.
   • Mailing address and ZIP code.
   • A valid telephone number.
   • Your Social Security number or Alien Registration number.
   • Proof of employment and income, particularly if self-employed, a farmer, or a commercial fisher.

3. Proof of employment during the disaster must be submitted within 21 days of filing the claim.
4. To include self-employment income in DUA benefits, submit 2023 income proof, such as business ledgers, bank statements, or a tax return. The N.C. Department of Revenue may provide DES with your 2023 tax return.

For assistance with DUA applications, call the dedicated DUA Hotline at 919-629-3857 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information can be found at des.nc.gov/dua.