Resources For Businesses and Individuals During COVID-19

General Information

If you are looking to file unemployment as a direct result of COVID-19 (separated from employment, have had work hours reduced, or are prevented from working due to a medical condition caused by COVID-19 or due to communicable disease control measures), the fastest and most efficient way to file a new claim is to file online at des.nc.gov. If you don’t have access to a computer, you may file over the phone by calling 888-737-0259.

Learn more about Applying for Unemployment.

North Carolina Updates

NC Dept. of Health and Human Services

National Updates

Center for Disease Control

World Health Organization COVID-19 Resource Page

John Hopkins University COVID-19 Map

County-Specific Resource Pages

Each county has specific resources for their citizens. The links below will take you to each county’s Health Department page.

Alleghany, Ashe, and Watauga Counties

Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties

Wilkes County

Resources for Businesses

Visit our page for Business information.

Resources for Individuals

Visit our page for Individual information

NCWorks Career Center Information

While the NCWorks Career Centers throughout the High Country are currently closed to the public due to COVID-19, customers may still call the office to speak to a staff person regarding services/unemployment information. Center contact information can be found here. You may also continue to access NCWorks Online at www.ncworks.gov.

Also, remember that NCWorks Career Centers are not actually “unemployment offices,” and we do not process Unemployment Insurance claims. We do help unemployed jobseekers to find new jobs. Currently, you do not need to visit NCWorks to file an unemployment insurance claim. To apply for unemployment benefits, visit www.des.nc.gov or call: 888-737-0259.