In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastation across western North Carolina, the state is grappling with an overwhelming influx of unemployment insurance (UI) claims. Within just two weeks, over 25,000 claims have been filed, with 16,000 of those directly linked to the disaster. This surge represents a dramatic increase for a state that had been processing about 3,200 new claims per week in 2024, according to Antwon Keith, Assistant Secretary for the Division of Employment Security at the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
“This is more than we handle in a month,” Keith noted in a recent interview. Of the 16,000 disaster-related claims, nearly 5,000 have already been identified for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). DUA provides support to workers whose jobs were disrupted by the storm but who don’t qualify for regular unemployment benefits, such as self-employed individuals or those without sufficient work history to meet state UI requirements. As claimants begin to exhaust North Carolina’s state UI benefits, capped at $350 per week for up to 12 weeks, the number of those turning to DUA is expected to grow.
A Surge Unlike Any Since COVID-19
The sudden spike in claims resembles the challenges seen during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as Keith emphasized, hurricanes introduce additional logistical complications. Power outages and widespread destruction made it difficult for affected residents to access necessary services, including the state’s unemployment system. “You can’t send debit cards loaded with a person’s UI benefits if someone’s mailbox has been washed away,” Keith explained. Despite the unique hurdles, he assured workers that the state is committed to processing claims effectively, regardless of when residents can submit their applications.
Collaboration and Guidance from Other States
North Carolina is not navigating these waters alone. Officials from states like Mississippi and Maine, which have faced similar challenges following recent natural disasters, have provided guidance on best practices. This collaboration highlights the critical importance of shared knowledge and experience in responding to large-scale disruptions in the workforce.
Who Is Eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance?
Workers and business owners impacted by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for disaster-related unemployment assistance if they meet the following criteria:
- Individuals unemployed due to the disaster who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits.
- Self-employed individuals and small business owners who lost income due to the disaster.
- Individuals prevented from working due to an injury caused by the disaster.
- Individuals who became the primary provider of household income following the disaster-related death or injury of the previous major income earner.
- Individuals unable to reach their place of employment due to disaster-related travel restrictions.
- Individuals scheduled to begin employment or self-employment but were prevented by the disaster.
As workforce professionals, this unfolding situation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the unique role our services play in supporting communities through recovery. While the road to economic recovery is long, North Carolina’s experience will likely inform future efforts to streamline and improve disaster unemployment assistance for those most in need.
For those of us in workforce development, this event also underscores the need to continually adapt to the evolving challenges our clients face, especially in times of crisis. Now more than ever, professionals must be prepared to guide individuals through complex systems, ensuring they access the support they need to rebuild their lives.