Resources available to Individuals

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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@nccommerce.com

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

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