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
Increased Weekly Benefit Amount Program Payments Begin
The weekend of Oct. 17 – 18, the North Carolina Division of Employment Security will begin issuing payments for the $50 Increased Weekly Benefit Amount (IBA) program to eligible unemployment claimants.
People do not need to file a separate claim for IBA. Those who are eligible will automatically receive a $50 retroactive increase in their weekly unemployment benefit amount starting with the benefit week that began on Sept. 6 through no later than Dec. 26, 2020.
Learn more about IBA here.
Extended Benefits Available for Six Weeks After Oct. 10
Due to a drop in the state’s unemployment rate, beginning Oct. 10, federal Extended Benefits (EB) will be available for up to six weeks of benefits rather than the current 9.6 weeks. EB is the regular federal program that extends state unemployment insurance benefits during periods of high unemployment. People who have exhausted 12 weeks of state unemployment insurance benefits and 13 weeks of Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation may be eligible for EB.
As a result of the change in Extended Benefits, the maximum weeks for which a person may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance will be 39 weeks instead of 42.6 weeks.
Benefits Charging for Reimbursable Employers
In accordance with Executive Order No. 118, the Division of Employment Security is not charging employers’ accounts for benefits that have been paid to individuals for reasons related to COVID-19.
Employers recently received a list of charges to their account showing all unemployment insurance benefits paid during the second quarter of 2020.
This is not a bill, and employers are not required to submit payment with regards to these charges. It is generated for reporting purposes for the state to seek federal reimbursement for the charges. Employers will receive a reimbursement statement in November reflecting all credits due to their account.
Employers: Paycheck Protection Program
Employers who received a Paycheck Protection Program loan should use the following Earnings Report Form to report to the Division of Employment Security payments they made to employees under the program.
Employer Earnings Report Form Additional Page
We’re Hiring!
The North Carolina Division of Employment Security is looking for dedicated, motivated employees to join our team. With remote positions available, there are opportunities for people across North Carolina. Learn more about Jobs at NCDES.
DES Proposed Rules
Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 150B-21.1, DES intends to adopt a temporary rule-.04 NCAC 24G .0104. The public hearing is July 7, 2020. Notice of the temporary rule is posted on the OAH website.