The North Carolina Division of Employment Security provides claimants the option to receive unemployment benefit payments by direct deposit or on a debit card. The debit card option is particularly useful for recipients who don’t have bank accounts. The cards are cost-efficient, secure and easy to use for making withdrawals and purchases.

Important Notice

On November 2021, the N.C. Division of Employment Security (DES) transitioned to using the U.S. Bank ReliaCard® for all unemployment benefits paid by debit card. Claimants will no longer receive unemployment benefits on Bank of America debit cards after Nov. 15, 2021.

You may change your preferred payment method in your DES online account at any time.

Choosing Direct Deposit

• At any time, you may change your payment method to direct deposit using the ‘Change Personal Information’ link in your DES online account.  

Choosing a Debit Card

• Currently, all debit card payments are made to the ReliaCard. 
• Visit usbankreliacard.com to learn more about the ReliaCard program. 

The ReliaCard is issued by U.S. Bank National Association pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. © 2024 U.S. Bank. Member FDIC.

Customer Service for Bank of America Debit Cardholders and Lost/Stolen Cards

If your card is lost or stolen, the Bank of America “Zero Liability” Policy protects you against fraudulent transactions (subject to certain conditions). Contact the North Carolina DES Debit Card Customer Service Center at (855) 847-2026 to report your card lost or stolen and to request a replacement card. 

If the card has been used, the bank will issue the replacement card in the amount of the remaining balance. 

If the post office is unable to deliver a North Carolina DES Debit Card, it will be returned to the bank. Contact the North Carolina DES Debit Card Customer Service Center at (855) 847-2026 to update your address information and request a new card be mailed to you.