North Carolina Division of Employment Security
The Division of Employment Security is working hard to help North Carolinians understand unemployment insurance and receive the benefits for which they are eligible. If you have questions or need assistance with your claim:
- Find out the status of your claim at any time by phone or by clicking on the Claim Status tab in your online account.
- Chat with one of our agents here at des.nc.gov or call our Customer Call Center for assistance.
- Check our website frequently for updated FAQs and information for individuals and employers.
Please note that NCWorks Career Centers do not process unemployment claims, and staff at those offices cannot answer specific questions about your claim.
Online Account Access
Create Account
Individuals: Create an Online Account to file for unemployment.
Employers: Create an Online Account to manage your tax and unemployment information.
Online Account Help
News and Alerts
New Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation Program
The N.C. Division of Employment Security is now accepting applications for the new Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation benefits program (MEUC).
MEUC is a federal program of the Continued Assistance Act that provides eligible claimants with an additional $100 per week on top of their weekly benefit amount. MEUC may be paid for weeks ending Jan. 2 through March 13, 2021.
Claimants who may be eligible for MEUC will receive a link to apply through their DES online account. To be eligible, claimants must:
- Be receiving state unemployment insurance benefits, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, Extended Benefits or Trade Readjustment Allowance benefits, AND
- Provide proof of at least $5,000 in net self-employment income in the most recent taxable year ending prior to their application for state unemployment insurance. Acceptable forms of proof may include income tax returns, check stubs, bank receipts, contracts, invoices or other documentation.
People who are receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance are not eligible for MEUC.
Extended Benefits Period Ends Feb. 20, 2021
The U.S. Department of Labor has notified the Division of Employment Security (DES) that due to recent changes in the state’s unemployment rate, North Carolina no longer meets federal requirements to pay Extended Benefits after the week ending Feb. 20, 2021.
Claimants who are eligible for Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) under the recent federal extension of benefits may return to the PEUC program when the EB program ends.
Claimants to Receive 1099-G Forms
By Jan. 31, all individuals who received unemployment benefits during 2020 should receive an IRS Form 1099-G from the Division of Employment Security. This statement reports the total amount of benefits paid to the claimant in the previous calendar year for tax purposes. All claimants are notified by DES when filing a claim that unemployment benefits are taxable income and must be reported on federal and state tax returns. Claimants may elect to have state and/or federal taxes withheld from their benefit payments. 1099-G forms will be delivered by Jan. 31 to claimants by mail or email, as preferred by the claimant, and will also be available to download through their DES online account. For more information visit our 1099 FAQ page.
ID.me Identity Verification
Did you receive notification from the North Carolina Division of Employment Security (DES) asking you to verify your identity through ID.me? If so, you will need to verify your identity through ID.me in order to access your unemployment claim. Learn more here.
DES Proposed Rules
Notice is hereby given in accordance with G.S. 150B-21.2 that the Department of Commerce - Division of Employment Security intends to adopt the rules cited as 04 NCAC 24D .0201, .0206, amend the rules cited as 04 NCAC 24D .0102, .0202, .0203; 24F .0304, and repeal the rules cited as 04 NCAC 24D .0103-.0106; and 24F .0303. The notice of text of the proposed rules is found on the Laws and Rules page.