Unemployment and Job Assistance for Victims of Hurricane Helene

Unemployment 

• For questions regarding unemployment benefits, or to file a claim, visit www.des.nc.gov. The online unemployment claims system is known as “MyNCUIBenefits.” 

• There is a hotline set up for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA): in English – 919-629-3857, and in Spanish – 919-276-5698. 

• You do not need to visit a Career Center to file an unemployment claim or a weekly certification, but you are welcome to use the public computers and other resources in a Career Center in order to do so. 

• To receive unemployment benefits, including Disaster Unemployment Assistance, in the 39 counties (plus the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) declared a major disaster by the federal government, you are not currently required to register as an individual jobseeker on www.NCWORKS.gov or search for work. 

• In all other counties, as usual, to receive unemployment benefits, you must also register as an individual jobseeker on www.ncworks.gov, North Carolina’s online portal for employment and training services, and follow all other applicable rules. Remember that NCWorks is a separate system from MyNCUIBenefits. 

Employer Services 

• Employers in need of workforce services, whether they are hiring workers to assist with recovery, or downsizing/closing due to the effects of the storm, may contact NCWorks Business Services at BusinessServices@ncworks.gov. 

• Examples of services include strategies to help retain employees, posting open jobs, finding candidates, guidance on the requirements of the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, agricultural services, and referrals to other business disaster recovery resources.

Anyone needing help is welcome to come by the Rutherford NCWORKS Career Center 223 Charlotte Road, Rutherfordton, NC