North Carolina Unemployment Questions

How do I file a claim for unemployment?

DES provides three methods for individuals to file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits. Please review the following options for the method which best suits your needs. All three options are available for those individuals who are totally separated from their employment, and wish to apply for benefits.

File Online: this option allows claimants to apply for benefits online. You can file for benefits and register for work in as little as 20 minutes.

File by Telephone: DES provides a toll-free number which allows individuals to file for benefits. Customers can call 1-877-841-9617 (toll-free, 24-hours a day, seven days a week) to file an initial claim.

File in Person:an individual may file a claim for benefits at the nearest DES office.

Employers are responsible for filing attached claims for workers on temporary layoff.

I received separation pay (or pay, wages in lieu of notice, vacation pay, etc.). When should I file a claim?
You are not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits for any full week covered by separation pay, vacation pay, etc. (nor may such a week count as your “waiting period week”). Generally, you should file your claim the first week after the period covered by the payment (if the last week of the payment is not a full week’s pay, you may file that same week, although you possibly will still be ineligible due to excessive earnings).

Can I review the information I have submitted?
Currently our system does not allow you to review your work registration and claim once it has been submitted. If you entered information incorrectly or omitted pertinent information online, contact DES to provide additional information.

Why can I not update my information online?
If you have filed an unemployment insurance claim in the last 4 weeks, information may not be updated online to avoid erroneous claims processing. Contact DES if information needs to be changed.

How much money can I receive from unemployment?
Your weekly benefit amount and the number of weeks of entitlement to benefits are based on the wages you were paid and amount of time you worked during your base period. The exact amount of benefits and the duration of those benefits cannot be determined until you actually file your claim for benefits.

It says something about a “waiting week” in the claims filing information. What am I waiting on?
The “waiting period week” is the first week you file for and are otherwise eligible. You will never receive payment for this first week. It must be claimed to be counted. It does not mean you should wait a week before you file the claim.

How do I find an Appeals Decision pre-notification for a hearing that I attended recently?
Log into the Individual Services secure area. Select Appeals Decision Pre-notification under Inquiries & Information section. A listing of pre-notification(s) will display.

Will I still be able to use the JOBS Line?
Absolutely. The same User ID (your Social Security account number) and PIN gives you access to both the JOBS Line and online filing. You can even file your claim online one week, then file using the JOBS Line the next, and vice versa. Regardless of your filing method, you may still use the JOBS Line to hear job openings.

Will I get my payment sooner if I file online?
The processing of payments is exactly the same whether you file online or by telephone, so if you file by telephone the same day as some one else files online, you both should receive your payments at about the same time. However, online filing does not require staggered Monday/Tuesday filing. So if Monday is your telephone filing day, you can file online one day earlier, or two days earlier if your telephone filing day is Tuesday, by submitting your weekly certification online.

How do I file an appeal?
You can file an appeal to the first and second level decision in person at your local DES office, via mail to DES, attn.:Appeals Department, PO Box 25903, Raleigh, NC27611 or by email to [email protected] Appeals to Commission decisions must be filed via a petition for judicial review the Clerk of the Superior Court. The Commission must be served with copy of such petition.

What should I do if my unemployment payment is late?

View Your Benefit Payment History online or call the DES JOBS Line. Use the DES Office Locator to find the JOBS Line phone number for your location. You should allow 48 hours if you file your continued claims by telephone or 5 days if your employer files your claim(s) for you or you file by mail before checking the status of your claim.

Note: If you are eligible to receive a payment and it does not arrive within 14 days from the date you filed the claim, notify DES.