Disaster unemployment assistance available in North Carolina

Residents in designated areas of North Carolina who lost income due to Tropical Storm Helene may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), according to a press release from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

DUA Availability and Eligibility Requirements

DUA is available to individuals in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, according to the press release.

People, including self-employed, or business owners may be eligible for DUA if:

* You lived, worked or were scheduled to work in an area designated under the major disaster declaration.

* You lost employment or had your employment interrupted as a direct result of the disaster; and

* You have exhausted or are not eligible for state unemployment benefits.

To qualify for DUA benefits, you must be out of work as a direct result of Tropical Storm Helene, according to the press release.

How to File a ClaimThe fastest way to file a claim is online at the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Division of Employment Security webpage: des.nc.gov . You may also file over the phone by calling 888-737-0259, according to the press release.

Apply for Disaster AssistanceHomeowners and renters in the designated counties can apply for FEMA assistance online at disasterassistance.gov , by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.