Identity verification is the process of making sure a person is who they claim to be applying for unemployment insurance benefits. It is an important security measure to help protect your identity and prevent fraud.
Importance
Your identity is valuable information for people who want to commit fraud. If your name or personal information are taken, then they can be used to apply for benefits, which creates longer-term issues to your account.
Identity verification is an important tool to prevent the theft of personal identifiable information. It ensures that you are who you say you are and protect your personal information from getting into the hands of fraudsters.
Identity Verification Options
The N.C. Division of Employment Security has three ways to verify a person’s identity when they apply for unemployment insurance benefits: self-service facial recognition, video call and in-person at a United States Postal Office retail location. Two of these are done through digital identify verification, meaning that they are performed through a digital device.
The division partnered with ID.me to perform digital identity verification. When an applicant has to verify their identity, they will be directed to ID.me, which offers two options: self-service facial recognition or a video call. Learn more about ID.me.
A third and new option to verify an applicant’s identity is to request an in-person verification at a United States Post Office retail location. If you choose this option, you have seven days to present your required paperwork in person at a nearby post office. Learn more about in-person verification.
Get a better understanding of how DES uses identity verification to help protect your identity and prevent fraud by viewing this chart that describes the three options available to you.
Delay in Benefits
Identity verification is necessary to prevent fraud. Any delay in the process will delay you getting your money.
If you are asked to verify your identity and do not complete the verification process, payment of your unemployment insurance benefits will be delayed.
It’s important to quickly and accurately complete the identity verification process, whether you choose to do so through the self-service, video call or in-person options.
Reporting Fraud
If you receive a notice to complete your identity verification and did not file an unemployment claim, a fraudulent claim may have been filed in your name. Do not complete the verification. Instead, contact the DES Fraud Hotline at 919-701-3543 or submit a fraud report.