Following a federal disaster declaration due to the effects of Tropical Storm Fred, the Division of Employment Security (DES) has announced that three North Carolina counties have been approved for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).
DUA benefits are available in Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties. Additional counties may be added to the list of those eligible for DUA at a later date.
Workers in these counties who became unemployed as a direct result of Tropical Storm Fred may be eligible for unemployment benefits under the DUA program. Business owners affected by the storm may also qualify for benefits.
Individuals in Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties have 30 days from September 10, 2021 to file an application for Disaster Unemployment Assistance at des.nc.gov. The deadline to apply is October 10, 2021.
DUA is available in these counties for weeks of unemployment beginning Aug. 22, 2021, and may last for up to 29 weeks. Eligibility for DUA is determined weekly, and you must continue to be out of work as a direct result of the disaster each week to receive benefits.
DUA is a federal unemployment program that provides temporary payments for people who, as a direct result of Tropical Storm Fred:
- 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.
Applying for DUA
- First, all claimants are required to apply for state unemployment insurance benefits at https://des.nc.gov. If you are found ineligible for, or you have exhausted, state unemployment insurance benefits, you may file for DUA.
- To apply, you will need your Social Security number, copies of your 2020 federal income tax forms and check stubs, or documentation to support you were working or self-employed when the storm occurred.
- To receive DUA benefits, all required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the day the DUA application is filed.
Apply for state unemployment insurance benefits and DUA by creating an online account at des.nc.gov. For additional assistance, contact the Division of Employment Security DUA hotline at 866-795-8877.
Find FAQs and an up-to-date list of counties that have been approved for DUA in North Carolina on the DES website.