Mission
The N.C. Division of Employment Security (DES) is responsible for the administration of the unemployment insurance program in the state of North Carolina. This program is a federal-state partnership and is funded by federal and state unemployment taxes employers pay on employee wages. Benefits are paid to eligible workers who lose their job through no fault of their own and are able, available and actively seeking work.
2022-2024 DES Biennial Report
What does DES do?
DES is responsible for:
- Taking claims for unemployment benefits.
- Determining if someone qualifies for benefits.
- Offering a way to appeal decisions for employees and employers.
- Collecting quarterly unemployment taxes and wage records from employers.
The federal government funds DES’s administrative costs, which depend on how many claims the state handles.
Program Units
This team determines if someone is eligible for unemployment benefits. They review claims and use the State’s Employment Security Law to determine if someone is eligible based on their job situation.
The Appeals team holds hearings to review disputed unemployment benefit claims. They look into issues like overpayments, denied claims, and more.
This team works to find and recover improperly paid unemployment payments. They have investigators and specialists who help make sure the unemployment program is fair and runs smoothly.
The Board of Review decides on Higher Authority Appeals. Members represent employees, employers, and the public. They make decisions on disputes between DES and employers about taxes, as well as during labor disputes
The Communications Office educates the public, N.C. legislators and DES employees about DES and the unemployment insurance program.
Laura Leonard
Communications Director
laura.leonard@commerce.nc.gov
For media requests or public record requests, please email the Communications Office at des.pio@nccommerce.gov or call 984-236-5992.
Human Resources helps DES hire qualified people and maintain a healthy work environment. They focus on attracting, developing, and keeping a diverse and talented workforce. They also ensure that the workplace is fair, ethical, and follows the law.
This team provides legal advice to DES and represents DES in state and federal courts. Their work includes writing laws and policies, reviewing contracts, handling legal matters like fraud and subpoenas, and more.
The Tax team collects tax and wage information from employers and audits employers' records. They also check employers’ records to make sure everything is correct and adjust as needed.
The UI Support Center is the first point of contact for people and employers as they answer calls and emails. They also assist individuals with their claims and provide them with information on unemployment benefits.