North Carolina Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide

By Sabrina E.
Last update:

Looking for tips to access the North Carolina Unemployment Insurance Benefits? 

In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with North Carolina Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.

We understand.

The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming. 

Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help. 

You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Why did we create the North Carolina Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?

Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling. 

Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.

Who’s in charge of North Carolina Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

The North Carolina Division of Employment Security (DES) is in charge of administering the state’s unemployment insurance program. 

Employers pay federal and state unemployment taxes on employee wages to fund this program, which is a federal-state collaboration. 

Benefits are paid to qualifying individuals who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own who are willing, able, and looking for work.

Image: Official North Carolina Unemployment Website

North Carolina Unemployment Contact 

For Claimants

  • Customer Call Center:  888-737-0259
  • Fax: 919-857-1296
  • Fraud Hotline: 910-557-9926
  • Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Employer Call Center

  • Phone (Toll Free): 866-278-3822
  • Phone (Local): 919-707-1150 
  • Fax: 919-715-0780
  • Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

DES Mailing Address

DES Mailing Address:

  • P.O. Box 25903
  • Raleigh, NC 27611-5903

 DES Central Office Location:

  • 700 Wade Avenue
  • Raleigh, NC 27605

How To Qualify for North Carolina Unemployment Benefits

North Carolina utilizes four key criteria to decide who is eligible for unemployment benefits, as listed below:

  • According to the facts submitted by both the claimant and the employer, the claimant must be jobless due to no fault of his or her own.
  • During the base period of review, the claimant must have earned sufficient wages, which are utilized to assist calculate compensation levels.
  • The claimant must be physically capable of accepting work when it is provided.
  • The claimant must be actively looking for work, which includes signing up for NCWorks Online.

How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in North Carolina? 

  • Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
  • Alt Base Period: Last 4 completed quarters
  • Duration of Benefits: 14-26 weeks
  • Weekly Payment: Min $15 to Max $350
  • Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $7,000

How Do I Apply for North Carolina Unemployment Benefits?

Filing your first claim for UI benefits Onlineis the quickest and most efficient way to collect compensation. You can also file by phone through North Carolina’s Customer Call Center at 888-737-0259 if you choose.

If you opt to file online, go to the DES homepage and click Create an Online Account, then follow the instructions for creating an account, including selecting a PIN, which you will use to monitor the status of your claim and submit for your weekly benefits.

How do I Manage My North Carolina Unemployment Benefits

After your initial unemployment claim is approved, you must submit a weekly certification for each week that you want to receive benefits. This requires you to answer a series of questions to prove that you were able, available, and looking for new work during that week.

Weekly benefit claims must be made online using the same account you used to file your original claim. If you are unable to submit your application online, call the state’s customer service department at 888-737-0259.

How Do I Appeal a North Carolina Unemployment Decision?

You may challenge a decision regarding your initial claim if you are unhappy with it. 

The letter of determination you get will include all of the details you’ll need to file an appeal, as well as the deadline for doing so. The quickest and most convenient method to file an appeal is to use the same account you’ve been using for your UI weekly benefits claims.

You may be requested to attend a hearing once your appeal is submitted, and your unemployment claim may be examined by the North Carolina Board of Review. Higher Authority Appeals regarding North Carolina unemployment benefits are decided by the board, which is an independent, quasi-judicial body.

How Do I Report a North Carolina Unemployment Fraud?

The Division of Employment Security in North Carolina works tirelessly to prevent fraud in the state’s unemployment system. You can report illegal conduct using the DES Fraud Reporting Form if you suspect someone of using false information to claim for unemployment benefits.

You can also call the DES Fraud Hotline at 984-465-9224 to report it to the state. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., state agents are ready to accept your call.

What if I quit?

In most cases, you are not eligible if you voluntarily leave your work.

If you quit for “good cause,” though, you may be able to collect. The state unemployment office determines what constitutes a good cause, and you can make your case for receiving benefits.

You should be entitled to a hearing if your claim is denied so that you can explain your claim. You should contact your local office because policies and terms differ from state to state.

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North Carolina Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

North Carolina Unemployment  OfficeNorth Carolina Unemployment Office LocationsNorth Carolina Unemployment Phone Number
NC Unemployment Office – Moore County245 Shepherd TrailAberdeen, NC 28315910-944-7697
NC Unemployment Office – Hertford County109 Community College RoadJernigan Bldg. B Room 135Ahoskie, NC 27910252-862-1257
NC Unemployment Office – Stanly County944 North First StreetAlbemarle, NC 28001704-982-2183
NC Unemployment Office – Randolph County600 South Fayetteville StreetAsheboro, NC 27203336-625-5128
NC Unemployment Office – Buncombe County48 Grove StreetAsheville, NC 28801828-251-6200
NC Unemployment Office – Watauga County130 Poplar Grove ConnectorAppalachian Enterprise CenterBoone, NC 28607828-265-5385
NC Unemployment Office Transylvania County45 Oak Park DriveBrevard, NC 28712828-883-2550
NC Unemployment Office – Swain County101 Mitchell St.Bryson City, NC 28713828-488-2149
NC Unemployment Office – Pender County904-A S Walker StreetBurgaw, NC 28425910-259-0240
NC Unemployment Office – Alamance County2640 S Columbine LaneBurlington, NC 27215336-570-6800
NC Unemployment Office – Yancey County1040 East US Hwy 19 ESuite LBurnsville, NC 28714828-682-6618
Southern Human Services Center2501 Homestead RoadChapel Hill, NC 27516919-245-4335
NC Unemployment Office – Charlotte8601 McAlpine Park DriveSuite 110Charlotte, NC 28211704-566-2870
NC Unemployment Office – Charlotte South7140 Forest Point BlvdSuite ACharlotte, NC 28217704-565-6865
NC Unemployment Office – Johnston County8998 U.S. 70 Business Hwy WestSuite 100Clayton, NC 27520919-553-0953
NC Unemployment Office – Sampson County115 North BoulevardClinton, NC 28328910-592-5756
NC Unemployment Office – Cabarrus County845 North Church StreetSuite 201Concord, NC 28025704-786-3183
NC Unemployment Office – Catawba County403 Conover Station SESuite CConover, NC 28613828-466-5535
Harnett County Career Center Affiliate – Dunn214 W. Edgerton St.Dunn, NC 28334910-891-2915
NC Unemployment Office Durham County1105 South Briggs AvenueDurham, NC 27703919-560-6880
NC Unemployment Office – Chowan County118 Blades StreetBldg 3Edenton, NC 27932252-482-2195
NC Unemployment Office – Pasquotank County422 McArthur DriveElizabeth City, NC 27909252-621-6350
NC Unemployment Office – Bladen County401 Mercer Mill RoadElizabethtown, NC 28337910-862-3255
NC Unemployment Office – Cumberland County410 Ray AvenueFayetteville, NC 28301910-486-1010
NC Unemployment Office – Henderson County130 Eagles Reach Dr.Blue Ridge Community CollegeFlat Rock, NC 28731828-694-1755
NC Unemployment Office – Macon County5 West Main StreetFranklin, NC 28734828-369-9534
NC Unemployment Office – Fuquay-Varina130 N Judd Parkway NEFuquay Varina, NC 27526919-557-1121
NC Unemployment Office – Gaston County1391 Bessemer City RoadGastonia, NC 28052704-853-5328
NC Unemployment Office – Wayne County2006 Wayne Memorial DriveGoldsboro, NC 27534919-731-7950
Pamlico County Unemployment Office5049 Highway 306 S.Grantsboro, Nc, NC 28529252-249-1851
NC Unemployment Office – Greensboro2301 W. Meadowview RoadGreensboro, NC 27407336-297-9444
NC Unemployment Office – Pitt County3101 Bismarck StreetGreenville, NC 27834252-355-9067
NC Unemployment Office – Vance County857 South Beckford DriveSuite GHenderson, NC 27536252-438-6129
NC Unemployment Office – High Point607 Idol StreetHigh Point, NC 27262336-882-4141
NC Unemployment Office – Onslow County461 Western BlvdSuite 106Jacksonville, NC 28546910-347-2121
NC Unemployment Office – Ashe County626 Ashe Central School RdUnit 5Jefferson, NC 28640336-982-5627
NC Unemployment Office – Duplin County192 Magnolia ExtensionPO Box 459Kenansville, NC 28349910-296-1478
Lenoir County NC Unemployment Office231 Highway 58 SouthPO Box 822Kinston, NC 28502252-775-6021
NC Unemployment Office – Scotland County16800-A, US-401Laurinburg, NC 28352910-276-4260
NC Unemployment Office – Caldwell County1909 Hickory BlvdLenoir, NC 28645828-759-4680
NC Unemployment Office – Lexington220 East 1st Ave. ExtensionSuite 10Lexington, NC 27292336-242-2065
NC Unemployment Office -Lillington1137 East Cornelius Harnett BlvdLillington, NC 27546910-814-4042
NC Unemployment Office – Lincoln County529 North Aspen StreetLincolnton, NC 28092704-735-8035
NC Unemployment Office – Robeson County289 Corporate DrSuite BLumberton, NC 28358910-618-5500
NC Unemployment Office – McDowell County.316 Baldwin AveSuite 1Marion, NC 28752828-659-6001
NC Unemployment Office Madison County4646 US Highway 25-70AB Tech – Madison CampusMarshall, NC 28753828-782-2632
Davie County Unemployment Office1205 South Salisbury StreetRm. 115Mocksville, NC 27028336-934-3286
NC Unemployment Office – Union County1125 Skyway DriveMonroe, NC 28110704-283-7541
NC Unemployment Office – Mooresville532 Patterson AvenueSuite 170Mooresville, NC 28115704-360-8067
NC Unemployment Office – Carteret County309 Commerce AveMorehead City, NC 28557252-726-7151
NC Unemployment Office – Burke County720 East Union StreetMorganton, NC 28655828-438-6161
NC Unemployment Office – Surry County541 West Pine StreetSuite 300Mount Airy, NC 27030336-786-4169
NC Unemployment Office – Tri-County800 West US Highway 64Murphy, NC 28906828-837-7407
NC Unemployment Office – Dare County2522 South Croatan HighwayPO Box 757, Milepost 10.5Nags Head, NC 27959252-480-3500
NC Unemployment Office – Craven2836 Neuse BlvdNew Bern, NC 28562252-514-4828
Avery County Unemployment Office – Newland785 Cranberry StreetMayland Community CollegeNewland, NC 28657828-766-1385
NC Unemployment Office – Wilkes County1320 West D StreetSuite 2North Wilkesboro, NC 28659336-838-5164
NC Unemployment Office – Granville County111 Hilltop VillageOxford, NC 27565919-693-2686
NC Unemployment Office – Chatham County764 West StreetPittsboro, NC 27312919-545-8054
NC Unemployment Office – Hoke County304 Birch StreetRaeford, NC 28376910-875-5059
NC Unemployment Office – Capital Area1830-B Tillery PlaceRaleigh, NC 27604919-715-0111
NC Unemployment Office – Swinburne Street220 Swinburne StreetPO Box 46833Raleigh, NC 27610919-250-3770
NC Unemployment Office – Halifax County406 Premier BoulevardRoanoke Rapids, NC 27870252-537-4188
NC Unemployment Office – Richmond County115 West Franklin StreetRockingham, NC 28379910-997-9180
NC Unemployment Office – Nash County793 Country Club RoadRocky Mount, NC 27804252-467-9300
NC Unemployment Office – Rutherford County223 Charlotte RdRutherfordton, NC 28139828-286-3042
NC Unemployment Office – Rowan County1904 South Main StreetSalisbury, NC 28144-6714704-639-7529
Lee County NC Unemployment Office1909 Lee AvenueSanford, NC 27330919-775-2241
NC Unemployment Office – Brunswick County5300-7 Main StreetShallotte, NC 28470910-754-6120
NC Unemployment Office – Cleveland County404 East Marion StreetShelby, NC 28150704-480-5414
Greene County Unemployment Office818 Hwy 91 NorthSnow Hill, NC 28580252-747-3434
NC Unemployment Office – Alleghany County115 D Atwood StreetSparta, NC 28675336-372-9675
NC Unemployment Office – Mitchell County200 Mayland DrivePO Box 827Spruce Pine, NC 28777828-766-1195
NC Unemployment Office – Statesville133 Island Ford RoadStatesville, NC 28625704-878-4241
NC Unemployment Office – Jackson County26 Ridgeway StreetSuite 2  P.O. Box 1014Sylva, NC 28779828-586-4063
Alexander County Unemployment Office604 7th Street, SWTaylorsville, NC 28681828-632-4631
NC Unemployment Office – Thomasville211 West Colonial DriveSuite 119Thomasville, NC 27360336-474-2655
Jones County Affiliate Unemployment Office509 Highway 58 NorthTrenton, NC 28585252-448-4791
NC Unemployment Office – Troy1011 Page StreetTroy, NC 27371910-898-9669
NC Unemployment Office – Anson County514 N Washington StreetLockhart-Taylor CenterWadesboro, NC 28170-2137704-272-5479
NC Unemployment Office – Capital Area350 E. Holding AvenueNorthern RegionalWake Forest, NC 27587919-562-6379
NC Unemployment Office – Warren County210 W. Ridgeway St.Bldg 1 Rm. 1106Warrenton, NC 27589252-257-3230
NC Unemployment Office – Beaufort County1502 N. Market StreetWashington, NC 27889252-940-0900
NC Unemployment Office – Haywood County1170 North Main StreetWaynesville, NC 28786828-456-6061
NC Unemployment Office – Columbus County4564 Chadbourn HighwayBuilding AWhiteville, NC 28472910-642-7141
NC Unemployment Office – Martin County407 East BlvdWilliamston, NC 27892252-792-7816
NC Unemployment Office – Wilmington1994 S. 17th StreetWilmington, NC 28401910-251-5777
NC Unemployment Office – Wilson County302 Tarboro St WestWilson, NC 27893252-234-1129
NC Unemployment Office – Forsyth County2701 University ParkwayWinston-Salem, NC 27105336-464-0520
Yadkin County Unemployment Office1001 College DriveYadkinville, NC 27055336-386-3580
Caswell County Unemployment Office331 Piedmont DrivePO Box 1150Yanceyville, NC 27379336-634-5600
NC Unemployment Office – Zebulon1002 Dogwood DriveZebulon, NC 27597919-404-3900

Final Thoughts

We hope the above info has been helpful to you. 

We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.

  • Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled. 
  • Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
  • Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself. 
    • 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay, 
    • 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits, 
    • 3) Ask about outplacement resources, 
    • 4) Request a reference letter from your employer 
  • Review your financial positions, obligations. 
  • Make a weekly or monthly budget. Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
  • Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
  • Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.

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Editor
Sabrina E.
Sabrina is a former campaign manager who has decided to focus her effort to help people contact senators and get help. She leads our Editorial Team with Ronald and Lawrence to curate content and resources that help us navigate the system.

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