We know that many individuals in our communities have been impacted by COVID-19. Some are now working reduced hours, some working remotely, and some are not able to work at all. Please know that your local Workforce Development Board and your local NCWorks Career Center staff are here to assist you as best we can. Below is a list of resources that may help you as you make decisions during this time.
Unemployment Insurance
Please know that while we can answer general questions, your local NCWorks Career Center staff cannot process nor file claims for you – the NC Division of Employment Security (DES) processes and handles all unemployment. Unfortunately, due to the shear volume of individuals applying, the current system is experience long wait times and issues with the website. DES is adding additional staff, servers, and other processes to try and process claims as quickly as possible. Your fastest and easiest way to file remains the website: https://des.nc.gov/
Phone: 1-888-737-0259 (Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm)
General information regarding unemployment under COVID-19: https://des.nc.gov/need-help/covid-19-nc-unemployment-insurance-information
UI Fact Sheet for Individuals: UI Fact Sheet Individual
Guide to filing for UI: filing-for-unemployment-due-to-covid-19-tip-sheet_mar26
Video to help you create your account: https://youtu.be/3QFY1WYAOgc
Video to help you file your claim: https://youtu.be/Ae2fycW2cLM
DES YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/DESofNC/videos
FAQ: https://des.nc.gov/need-help/covid-19-information/covid-19-information-individuals
Additional FAQ: Additional UI FAQ
If you need assistance with password reset, please email: ncdespasswordhelp@nccommer
Information for self-employed individuals to file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA): https://des.nc.gov/need-help/covid-19-information/federal-unemployment-assistance/pandemic-unemployment-assistance
Link to “Tip Sheet”: https://files.nc.gov/des/press-release/files/pua_tipsheet_apr24_m.pdf
Unemployment Insurance for Independent Contractors and Self-Employed
Independent contractors and self-employed workers are not typically eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. However, these individuals may qualify for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance available as a result of COVID-19. The Division of Employment Security is awaiting guidance from the federal government to implement the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. We will post information just as soon as it becomes available.
Additional resources
Association of Mexicans in North Carolina, Inc. (AMEXCAN): United Souls for Social Wellbeing: Individuals can contact Elizabeth Medina at 252-686-1597, Maritza Mata at 252-367-9708, or Missel De Leon at 919-453-3376 to complete an application.
** Information flyer: United Souls Social Wellbeing
NCWorks.gov COVID-19 Jobs Information Hub: Job Information Hub
NC 211: https://www.nc211.org/
Aunt Bertha: https://www.auntbertha.com/
NC DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/covid19
Childcare Assistance: Childcare Assistance
Broadband Opportunities: Broadband_Opportunities_2020_03_16
NC Commerce Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/NCCommerce
NC Commerce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thrivenc/
Financial Aid tips: Financial Aid Tips in Spanish
FinancialAidTips-COVID19-English
Completing FAFSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8nfk5ApcQ4
Jobs with the State of NC: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/northcarolina
IRS information: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments
Social Security Admin: https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/
Resources from Legal Aid of NC
Complete this Form to request assistance from Legal Aid of NC: e-commit card.
Contact information for your local Workforce Development Board staff
Workforce Development Director, Jennie Bowen: jbowen@mideastcom.org or 252-974-1815
Business Services Manager, Wayne Rollins: wrollins@mideastcom.org or 252-974-1821
Lou Stout, Business Engagement Coordinator: lstout@mideastcom.org or 252-974-2446
NCWorks Career Center Contact Information
All Centers in our region are closed to the general public. However, staff are working remotely and providing services over the phone or virtually. As of Monday, April 6, residents of Beaufort County have have a text option.
Beaufort County: 252-940-0900 or ncworks.0520@nccommerce.com
** Beaufort County job seekers seeking employment opportunities can text the word JOBS to
252-320-9924; if you have additional unemployment insurance questions, text the letters UI to 919-418-3829 **
Bertie County: 252-794-0799 or ncworks.0521@nccommerce.com
Hertford County: 252-862-1257 or ncworks.1400@nccommerce.com
Martin County: 252-792-7816 or ncworks.9400@nccommerce.com
Pitt County: 252-355-9067 or ncworks.4100@nccommerce.com
Individuals can also utilize ncworks.gov
APR
2020