• Governor Cooper announced that the first coronavirus-related unemployment checks started going out last week. You can read more about that here. 
  
  
• You can file an unemployment claim two ways: online, or by phone.
  
  
• The fastest and most efficient way to file a new claim is to create an online account at des.nc.gov.  
  
  
• If you’re temporarily out of work or your working hours have been reduced due to COVID-19, choose 'coronavirus’ as your reason for separation when filing your claim.
  
  
• This is important: you must complete a Weekly Certification each week to receive benefits for that week. Sign into your online account to complete your Weekly Certification.
  
  
• If you're unable to apply online, you can also call 888-737-0259 (Do not call if you are an employer. This is for claimants only.)  We know that folks have had problems getting through on this line, and we have been assured by the State that efforts are underway to open additional call centers.  The number of individuals who are applying for unemployment through this crisis is unprecedented, and officials are working around the clock to ensure claims are received. 
  
  
• For those of you that are self-employed, individual contractors or gig workers: this is important too: yesterday morning the Department of Labor issued guidance for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program that would make you eligible to receive unemployment payments. This guidance will be implemented by the State in the coming days. 
  
  
• North Carolina has received nearly 450,000 applications for claims since March 16 – almost 400,000 of them COVID-related claims.  By comparison, the state’s previous monthly high was in February 2009, when 158,000 claims were filed.
  
  
• Reminder: Complete your Weekly Certification.  If you do not complete a Weekly Certification, you will not be considered for payment. 

This is a useful page from the CDC that includes tips on how to go about safely performing daily errands like buying groceries.