How to file for unemployment in North Carolina

The online claim is usually the fastest way. Here is what to have ready, when your claim starts and what comes after you file.

All about unemployment in North Carolina

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Filing, step by step

Apply online through your MyNCUIBenefits account (the fastest way) or by phone at 888-737-0259. You must also register as a job seeker with NCWorks. Weekly certifications are filed online; if you do not have a computer, call 888-737-0259.

When to file and when your claim starts

Your benefit year starts once you both file a claim with DES and register with NCWorks.gov. If you are still on your employer's payroll, it starts on the Sunday before your payroll week ends. Requests to backdate a claim are decided by DES and cannot be appealed.

What to have ready

Your Social Security number, or your Alien Number and its expiration date if you are not a U.S. citizen
Your work history for the past two years: employer information (W-2s or pay stubs), total wages, employment dates and pay rate
Why your job ended
Information about any separation pay or retirement income you get
Your bank routing and account number for direct deposit (otherwise you get a DES debit card)
Former federal employees: SF-50, SF-8, pay stubs or W-2 (you can send these later)
Former military: DD-214 Member 4 copy (you can send it later)

Certify (claim your weeks)

How often: Weekly. File a weekly certification every week in your MyNCUIBenefits account, starting the week you file your claim, even while waiting for a decision. Enter your work search contacts for the week first, and report all wages earned that week before taxes, even if you have not been paid yet.

Your first payment

The first week you are eligible is an unpaid waiting week. Payments go by direct deposit or to a DES debit card.

Register for work

You must register as a job seeker at NCWorks.gov and keep the account active. If more than 90 days pass since you last logged in, you must log in again to reactivate it. If you do not register or keep it active, your benefits may be delayed or denied.

NCWorks Online

Law: N.C. Gen. Stat. 96-14.1(b), 96-15(a)

Official source: Source page

What applies in every state

File with the unemployment program of the state where you worked. If you worked in another state or in several states, the agency in the state where you live now can tell you how to file with other states.
It generally takes two to three weeks after you file to get your first payment. Some states require a one-week waiting period, so the second week you claim is the first week paid.

Free help

Call 1-888-737-0259. Legal aid and other free help in North Carolina → Official sources →