Emergency Unemployment Benefits Update From NC Representative Donna White

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, North Carolina Representative White released an update Wednesday on emergency unemployment reforms that allow residents to access benefits more quickly during the crisis.

The General Assembly changed state law in 2017 to ensure benefits paid during federal disaster declarations may be provided without waiting a week or without showing the usually required job search.  State and federal executive orders also allow beneficiaries to apply online and waive penalties for employers, among other emergency changes.

“Any person who has become unemployed as a direct result by this crisis should contact the Employment Security Division to apply for unemployment benefits as soon as possible and contact my office if they need assistance,” said Representative White.

“North Carolina’s unemployment system has disaster readiness policy and financial flexibility to support families and businesses through this emergency.”

Constituents can create an account and apply for unemployment benefits with the Employment Security Division at https://des.nc.gov/apply-unemployment.

Other state and federal resources for reliable information:
Representative Donna M. White
OFFICE PHONE : 919-733-5605
OFFICE EMAIL : donna.white@ncleg.net

NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS):
www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

NC COVID-19 Call Center:
If you have specific questions or concerns, call 866-462-3821

Contact Your Local Health Department:
www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/county-health-departments

Get the Facts: FAQs:
www.ncdhhs.gov/frequently-asked-questions-about-covid-19

Latest Updates for NC:
www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina/nc-updates

Governor’s Executive Order on School Closings and Public Gatherings:
https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO117-COVID-19-Prohibiting-Mass-Gathering-and-K12-School-Closure.pdf

How to Protect Yourself:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention

Preparing:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare

Testing:
www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina/testing-covid-19

Travel:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers