Extended Deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance in North Carolina
Residents of 39 counties in North Carolina, along with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, have been granted an extension for applying to the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program. The new deadline for applications is now set for January 7, 2025.
The Division of Employment Security sought approval from the U.S. Department of Labor to extend this deadline, which was granted on December 9. This extension ensures that financial aid continues for those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Eligible counties for DUA include: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Nash, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey. Additionally, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina is included.
Individuals and business owners in these areas who are unemployed because of the hurricane are encouraged to apply for unemployment benefits through the DUA program. Assistance is available for unemployment weeks beginning September 29, 2024, and can continue for up to 26 weeks, ending March 29, 2025, provided the unemployment is directly linked to Hurricane Helene.
The DUA program offers support to those who have lost their primary income due to the disaster, cannot reach their workplace, are injured from the storm, were unable to start a new job, or have become the primary income source due to a death caused by the hurricane.
How to Apply for DUA
To begin the application process, individuals must first apply for state unemployment benefits. If these are not available, they may then qualify for DUA. Applicants need to provide the following information:
- Name and address of all employers from the past 24 months.
- County of residence and employment.
- Mailing address and ZIP code.
- Valid telephone number.
- Social Security number or Alien Registration number.
- Proof of employment and income for self-employed individuals, farmers, or commercial fishers.
All required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from filing the DUA application. Applicants unable to access their documents due to the hurricane can authorize the N.C. Department of Revenue to provide their 2023 tax return to the Division of Employment Security.
For assistance, applicants can call the DUA Hotline at 919-629-3857, available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information can be found on the official DUA website.
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