Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

October 1, 2024: Following a federal disaster declaration because of Hurricane Helene, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are now available in 25 counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. People in these counties have 60 days from October 1 to file an application for Disaster Unemployment Assistance at des.nc.gov. The deadline to apply is December 2.

The counties are as follows, and more counties may be added to the list of those eligible for DUA at a later date: Alexander, Alleghany Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Latest News

(Press Release) Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available in 25 Counties Following Hurricane Helene

What is Disaster Unemployment Assistance?

If your employment has been lost or interrupted because of a federally declared disaster, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

DUA is a federal program that provides temporary payments for people who, as a direct result of a disaster:

• No longer have the job that provided their primary source of income.
• Are unable to reach their place of unemployment.
• Cannot work because of an injury caused by the storm.
• Were unable to begin employment or self-employment due to the storm. Have become the major supplier of household income due to a storm-related death of the previous major supplier of household income.

Am I eligible for DUA?

People, including self-employed, or business owners may be eligible for DUA if:

• You lived, worked or were scheduled to work in an area declared a disaster area by the President of the United States.
• You lost employment or had your employment interrupted as a direct result of the disaster; and
• You have exhausted or are not eligible for state unemployment benefits.

Eligibility for DUA is determined weekly. You must continue to be out of work as a direct result of the Hurricane Helene each week to get benefits.

What do I need to apply?

Name and address of all employers you worked with within the last 24 months.

• County of residence.
• County of employment.
• Mailing address and zip code.
• Valid telephone number.
• Your Social Security number or your Alien Registration number.
• Have proof of employment and income if you’re self-employed, a farmer, or a commercial fisher.

How do I apply?

The Division of Employment Security announces the counties in which DUA benefits are available and deadlines for applying when there is a federal disaster in North Carolina.

The fastest way to file a claim is to file online at des.nc.gov. If you need help or don’t have access to a computer, you may file over the phone by calling the DUA hotline 919-629-3857.

1. Go to des.nc.gov.
2. Create a MyNCUIBenefits account. View more details:  https://www.des.nc.gov/create-and-online-account-english/open.
3. Sign in to file your claim.
4. Click File a New Unemployment Insurance Claim. File for state unemployment benefits and DUA during the same claim process.
   1. If you are eligible for state benefits, you must exhaust those benefits before you can receive DUA.
   2. If you are not eligible for state benefits, DES will determine if you are eligible for DUA benefits.
5. When filing for DUA, select A federally-declared disaster when asked to give a reason for unemployment.
6. If you are self-employed, a farmer or a commercial fisher, you must provide proof of employment and income within 21 days of filing your claim.
7. DES notifies you once your eligibility is determined.

Visit the Disaster Unemployment Assistance FAQ page for more information.