Filing for NC unemployment benefits faces challenges amid pandemic has been facing challenges amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The number of people losing their jobs in North Carolina continues to increase and unemployed individuals have been having problems with filing.
Laid-off workers in Durham went to the NC Works Career Center in Durham on Monday to ask for assistance with filing for unemployment and looking for new jobs. However, the building is closed to the public.
A representative of the North Carolina Department of Commerce told CBS 17 that NC Works Career Centers in North Carolina are not operating to protect the safety and health of their employees.
Meanwhile, unemployed workers are advised to file a claim for unemployment online.
However, this is a challenge for jobless individuals who do not have access to the internet.
“I don’t have a computer and the libraries are also closed,” said Russell Dozier of Durham, who was laid off from his job at Alsco. “Is this the best you can do for your people?”
Dozier has no access to the internet and said he does not know where else to file a claim for unemployment.
A spokesperson for the N.C. Department of Commerce explained that those without internet access can call the customer call center for help.
However, Dozier told CBS 17 that an answering service that hung up on him.
“They need to give the people the money that’s owed to them so that they can take care of their families,” Dozier said. “How are you supposed to pay your rent? How are you supposed to eat? How are you supposed to live?”
To file for unemployment, the NC Department of Commerce says workers can call the customer call center at 1-888-737-0259. One can also file for unemployment at www.des.nc.gov. In terms of job and opportunities, they can go to www.ncworks.gov.
Officials with the North Carolina Department of Commerce said they are hiring more staff and technology to manage the increased level of calls coming in.
