Applications for benefits from the Fund shall be made to the Secretary-Treasurer under the following conditions and procedure: Within 180 days after the contracting of a disease or the occurrence of accident for which benefits are sought, the chief or chief officer of the local department shall notify the Secretary-Treasurer in writing that the person applying for benefits is a member of the Fund and request the necessary forms from the Secretary-Treasurer's office to be submitted for the benefits.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-88-25