North Carolina Unemployment Insurance

Am I Eligible?

You must

• be unemployed due to no fault of your own.
• have earned enough wages in a job for which your employer paid unemployment insurance tax.
• be physically able and available for work.
• be actively seeking work.

What do I need to file my claim?

• Your Social Security number.
• Information about separation, vacation or severance pay you received, will receive or are entitled to receive from your most recent employer.
• Information about retirement pay you receive, including the gross monthly amount and proof of payment.
• Your bank routing number and account number to set up direct deposit of benefits into your bank account. If you do not select direct deposit, your benefits will be paid on a DES debit card.
• Your work history for the past two years. For each employer, you will need:
  • The employer name as it appears on your check stub.
  • The employer's payroll address, physical address and telephone number
  • Your employment dates, rate of pay and reason for separation from employment.

How to apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

File online

• Go to the official website to create an online account to file your claim

File by phone

• Call the Customer Call Center at 888-737-0259
• Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For more information, read the FAQs to know more about how to file for a claim in North Carolina.