The deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) applications in 39 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is fast approaching, set for March 10. This assistance is available for individuals and business owners who became unemployed due to Hurricane Helene. The North Carolina Division of Employment Security (DES) has stated that late applications will be reviewed case-by-case. Applicants can submit their claims online at the DES website.
Residents of eligible counties who lost their jobs directly because of Hurricane Helene can qualify for DUA benefits. These benefits are accessible for unemployment starting September 29, 2024, lasting up to 26 weeks, until March 29, 2025. Applicants need to apply for state unemployment benefits first and, if found ineligible or after exhausting regular benefits, may then file a DUA claim. The application process requires various documentation, including employer details from the past 24 months and proof of employment at the disaster’s time. Those seeking to include self-employment income in their benefits must provide income proof from 2023. Assistance is available via a dedicated hotline and further information can be found on the DES website.
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