To receive unemployment benefits after losing your job through no fault of your own, you must first file a claim with our Employment Security Division. Remember, the fastest and most efficient way to file an unemployment claim is online. You do not need to visit an NCWorks Career Center for that purpose.
Due to the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation in our state, many more people than normal are applying for unemployment insurance through our system.
- We've posted a chart and several documents you may find helpful at this time, including tip sheets that walk you through the steps of how to apply and manage the process.
- Also, please find answers to common questions you may have by visiting this page at our Employment Security website, which is the actual website where you will apply for unemployment insurance benefits (money) online.
- This page on the Employment Security website tells you what information you should have on hand, as you begin the application process.
- We'll thank you now for your patience, if you end up having to wait to for an answer from our telephone call center or find the application website slow. Due to the unusually high number of people trying to apply right now, the application process may take a little longer than normal times. We are increasing the number of people working in our call centers to answer your questions more quickly, and we are adding more technical upgrades to the website that will help us handle the increased traffic.
North Carolina requires that you participate in reemployment programs in order to continue receiving financial assistance from the unemployment insurance program. To help you find work, our Division of Workforce Solutions offers both the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment and the Employability Assessment Interview through our NCWorks Career Centers.
Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment
The Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program delivers regularly scheduled case management services when you're looking for work. In this program, local staff provide the following services:
- Information on careers and the labor market
- An assessment and an eligibility review
- Help with developing a reemployment plan
- Referrals to at least two reemployment-related services, such as workshops or training opportunities
- An orientation to reemployment services
Enrollment in the program can last up to 10 weeks.
During the initial visit, you may be required to report in-person to an NCWorks Career Center (as centers have modified operations in response to COVID-19, this appointment can be conducted over the phone); subsequent appointments may be conducted by telephone or e-mail. If you do not report for your scheduled appointment, your benefits may be affected.
How to Participate
Claimants are selected to participate in the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment. For more information, contact your local NCWorks Career Center, or call (919) 814-0450.
Employability Assessment Interview
The Employability Assessment Interview provides you with concentrated reemployment services, with the exception of individuals who are exempt—longshoremen, interstate claimants, and individuals who have found employment—or who were already selected for the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (see above for details).
You will be selected for the interview after receiving your first payment of unemployment insurance benefits. In this program, local staff provide you the following services:
- Assistance with developing an individualized employability plan
- Referrals to job-training services, such as workshops and training opportunities
- Help with registering for NCWorks Online
- A review of your efforts to find work
- Orientation of reemployment services
If you do not report for your scheduled appointment, then your benefits may be affected.
How to Participate
For more information, contact your NCWorks Career Center, or call (919) 814-0450. You can also refer to the FAQ sheet provided by the N.C. Division of Employment Security.