Recovery | For Individuals

Unemployment Resources

• Accessing Unemployment Benefits Quick Guide

• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
  • PUA is effective January 27, 2020 through December 31, 2020.
  • Individuals who are typically ineligible for regular UI (i.e. independent contractors, gig workers, those with insufficient work history) that cannot work due to COVID-19 are eligible for a maximum of 39 weeks of benefits, which includes $600 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).
  • Our system is currently updated to enable processing of PUA related applicants, as they were formerly considered ineligible. If you have already attempted to submit an application, it will initially be denied. PLEASE BE PATIENT; you will have an opportunity to resubmit an application soon.
  • If you have not submitted an application and are self-employed, an independent contractor, gig worker, have an insufficient work history, and/or you believe you may now be eligible. We encourage you to submit an application upon completion of our system modifications. To receive a notification once the new application is available, please send an email to [email protected] and we will contact you accordingly.
• Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)
  • Effective March 29, 2020 through July 25, 2020.
  • $600 per week on top of current regular UI benefits.
  • Benefit will be automatically updated if you qualify, are currently receiving benefits, and once our technical systems are modified.
• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
  • Effective March 29, 2020 through December 31, 2020.
  • 13 additional weeks of UI benefits, plus $600 FPUC, although FPUC expires at the end of July 2020.
  • Benefit will be automatically updated if you qualify, are currently receiving benefits, and once our technical systems are modified.

Summary of Scenarios and Benefits Available

• Scenarios and Benefits Guide

Getting Started

• Qualification Scenarios for Unemployment Compensation During coronavirus (COVID-19) Event

To begin the process of filing for your unemployment benefits, you will need to have the following information readily available:

• Your social security number
• Your most recent 30-day employer’s name, address, phone number and dates of employment
• Your Alien Registration Number, if you are not a US Citizen
• Your DD214, if you are ex-military
• Your Standard Form 8 or Standard Form 50, if you are a former federal employee
• Severance pay information (only applicable if you did or will receive severance pay)
• Pension

Please note that confidential unemployment compensation information may be requested and utilized for other governmental purposes, including, but not limited to, verification of eligibility under other government programs. This notice is required by 20 C.F.R. § 603.11 

• Start Your Unemployment Compensation Process 
• Claimant's Rights and Responsibilities Handbook (English, Spanish, Amharic, French, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese)
• Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ's) for Employers
• Unemployment Information for Creative Professionals Impacted by COVID-19

For more information, visit the Department of Employment Services Unemployment Compensation website.

Family Medical Leave

The one-year employment requirement and 1,000-hour work requirement shall not apply to an employee who has been ordered or recommended to quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19. To learn more, please contact the Office of Human Rights at [email protected] or (202) 727-4559.

Tax Filing Deadline Extension

• DC Pushes Tax Filing Deadlines to July 15, Matches Federal Extension

Mortgage Payment Options for Homeowners

• What Banks are Doing to Support Homeowners

Health Insurance

DC Health Link Expands Opportunities to Get Covered During Public Health Emergency. Learn more on how to get covered today.

Additional Benefits

We know many District residents are experiencing economic instability as a result of COVID-19. You may be eligible for cash or food assistance, and medical coverage for you and your family during this time. To submit a new application for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or sometimes called Food Stamps), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, Alliance, or other public benefits, please go to https://dhs.dc.gov/service/apply-benefits.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The District’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) helps pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five buy the food they need for good health and receive nutrition and breastfeeding counseling. If you think you may be eligible for WIC:

• Please contact your local WIC site to schedule an appointment. You can find site locations and contact information at dcwic.org/wic-locations.
• For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit: dcwic.org/how-to-apply-for-wic