Recovery | For Individuals

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Unemployment Resources

• Accessing Unemployment Benefits Quick Guide
• Accessing Unemployment Benefits Quick Guide (Español)

With Mayor Bowser adjusting the District of Columbia’s operating status in response to coronavirus (COVID-19), District residents may file for unemployment compensation at dcnetworks.org. 

Federal CARES Act Unemployment Compensation

On March 27, 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, creating three new Unemployment Insurance (UI) programs that cover individuals: (1) who are not eligible for traditional UI benefits including the self-employed, those seeking part-time employment, individuals lacking sufficient work history, independent contractors, and gig economy workers; (2) who are currently receiving regular UI; and, (3) who have recently exhausted their regular UI benefits.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for CARES Act UI Benefits

CARES Act (PUA) Application

A summary of the expanded unemployment insurance programs offered through the provisions of the CARES Act:

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

• 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)
• PUA Frequently Asked Questions
• DC PUA Stimulus Frequently Asked Questions

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 and are currently receiving benefits
• FPUC Frequently Asked Questions

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 and are currently receiving benefits
• PEUC Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

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)
• Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Employees
• 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

FAQs and Guidance: Residential Mortgage and Commercial Mortgage Deferment Program

Health Insurance

DC Health Link Expands Opportunities to Get Covered During Public Health Emergency. Learn more about 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

Financial Navigators Program

The District’s free Financial Navigators Program helps District residents who are facing critical financial struggles during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. The program is administered by the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking and connects District residents with trained Navigators by phone. Navigators help individuals and families access programs and services to manage income disruptions and other financial concerns.

Residents can access virtual services by calling (202) 231-7908, emailing [email protected] or by completing the web form at finnav.org/interest-dc. A staff member with the Financial Navigators Program will send a short service agreement and follow up with a phone call to begin the personal session.