Individuals
Individuals applying for unemployment benefits and employers managing tax and unemployment information must have an online account.
More information about applying for unemployment benefits can be found below.
Account Quick Links
Am I Eligible for Unemployment
Unemployment benefits provide temporary payments to eligible workers who lose their job through no fault of their own. These payments can help you with expenses while you look for employment. You must be able and available for work, and actively seeking work, to receive benefits. In North Carolina, the most you can currently be paid in state unemployment benefits is $350 a week for up to 12 weeks.
Documents Needed to File
Not everyone who applies for unemployment benefits will qualify. Certain conditions must be met in order to meet initial eligibility requirements and to remain eligible to receive benefits. Filing your claim will go faster if you have the following important information before you begin.
Filing your Unemployment Application
You must create an online account to file an application for unemployment insurance online. Your account also provides access to the Claimant Self-Service Portal, where you can get information about your claim at any time.
Filing Your Weekly Certification
You must submit a Weekly Certification after each week for which you would like to receive benefits. The Weekly Certification is a series of questions that helps verify that you were able, available and looking for work that week.
Frequently Asked Questions about Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance benefits are complex. You may have questions that have already been answered. Check the Frequently Asked Questions page to get answers to the most common questions about UI benefits.
Report Work and Earnings
You can work and earn 20% of your weekly unemployment benefit amount without penalty. Earnings over this amount are deducted from your weekly benefits.
Your Work Search Responsibilities
To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you must seek work with at least three potential employers each week and maintain a detailed and verifiable record of your work search. If you cannot prove you looked for work, you may be considered overpaid and required to repay benefits.
Search for a Job
As you begin your search for new employment, the Division of Workforce Solutions has many resources available to help you.
Appeals
Once an appeal is filed, DES will schedule a hearing on your appeal. A notice of hearing containing the date, time and contact information for the designated appeals referee will be sent to you.
Overpayments
An overpayment occurs when you are paid unemployment insurance benefits you are not entitled to receive. Learn more about unemployment benefits overpayments, paying back overpayments and fraud.