Pandemic Unemployment Application for Self Employed Now Available

North Carolina independent contractors and self-employed workers who are out of work because of COVID-19 can apply for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance as of Friday, April 24 at des.nc.gov.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, or PUA, is a federal program for people who are unable to work as a result of COVID-19 and not eligible for regular state unemployment benefits, such as self-employed workers and independent contractors. More information is available here.

Note: The DES office is now open to take calls on Saturdays and Sundays also. Weekend hours are Saturdays 8a-5p, and Sundays 12p-5p.