You can apply for benefits online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you need help, contact our Customer Call Center at 888-737-0259.
Create an Online Account to:
- Apply for unemployment benefits.
- Complete your weekly certifications.
- Check your claim status.
Individual Online Account Help
Protecting Your Information
To help prevent fraud and protect claimant and employer information, DES is increasing security measures for accessing its online benefits system.
- ID.me: DES is partnering with ID.me to provide a secure identity verification process for unemployment claimants. Claimants may receive an email from DES notifying them that they must verify their identity through ID.me to access their account and be eligible for benefits. Claimants should click on the link in the email to start the verification process, which can be completed online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: When signing into their DES account, individuals may be asked to verify their identity using Multi-Factor Authentication. DES will send a one-time passcode to the email address on file for the account. The user must enter the one-time passcode and their password to access their account.
Steps to Create an Online Account
IMPORTANT: USE A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS WHEN YOU CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT.
- Click on ‘Create an Online Account’ on the DES homepage, des.nc.gov.
- Enter your Social Security Number twice.
- Select ‘Next.’ On the ‘User Account Creation’ page. (Create a User Name and remember it; then enter a valid email address twice. Enter your contact phone number and create a Password).
- Select ‘Create Account.’
- You can now Sign In at des.nc.gov. Use the User Name and Password you entered when creating your Online Account in Step 3.
After you apply:
- Watch for mail or email notifications from DES. After your application is reviewed, we will let you know your benefit amount and eligibility details.
- Check the status of your claim anytime on the Dashboard of your online account.
- Learn about your Weekly Requirements to receive benefits.
The Social Security Administration assigns Social Security numbers, and administers the Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance programs. They also administer the Supplemental Security Income program for the aged, blind, and disabled.
Agency Details
Acronym:
SSA
Website:
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Contact:
Contact the Social Security Administration
Local Offices:
Find a Social Security Office Near You
Main Address:
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235
Toll Free:
1-800-772-1213
TTY:
1-800-325-0778
Forms:
Social Security Administration Forms
Government branch:
Independent Agency
Popular Services from Social Security Administration
Retirement Benefits
Disability Benefits
Get, Replace, or Correct a Social Security Card
MySocialSecurity Online Account
Social Security's Popular Baby Names
Related Agency
- Office of Public Inquiries and Communications Support
The following checklist is designed to help you file for your Social Security benefits correctly so that prompt payments may be made.
Eligibility
The deceased worker must have credit for work covered by Social Security, ranging from 1 1/2 to 10 years depending on his or her age at death. Those who may receive monthly benefits are:
- A widow or widower age 60 (50 if disabled) or older or at any age if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled
- A divorced widow or widower age 60 (50 if disabled) or older if the marriage lasted 10 years or if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled
- Unmarried children up to 18 (19 if they are attending a primary or secondary school full-time)
- Children who were disabled before reaching 22, as long as they remained disabled
- Dependent parent or parents 62 or older
Lump-Sum Death Payment
A one-time payment of $255 is paid in addition to the monthly cash benefits described above. The lump-sum death payment (LSDP) is paid in the following priority order:
- A surviving spouse who lived in the same household as the deceased person at the time of death
- A surviving spouse eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month of death
- A child or children eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month of death
Applying for Benefits
You must apply in order to receive benefits. You may apply at any Social Security office or, if you wish, you may apply by telephone. Just dial the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213, and the operator will schedule an appointment for you or arrange for the local Social Security office to take your claim by telephone.
Social Security Teleservices – DOING BUSINESS BY TELEPHONE
You may call Social Security toll-free, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The number to use is 1-800-772-1213. To speak with a representative, call between the hours of 7:00am and 7:00pm on regular business days. At other times and on weekends and holidays, you may leave a message, and they will call you back, in most cases, the next business day.
You may use the toll-free number to make an appointment either in a Social Security office or telephone to apply for benefits, transact other Social Security business, or just ask questions.