Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
You can now apply for the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which provides federal benefits to individuals who have traditionally been ineligible for regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.
If you have lost income due to COVID-19, and you are self-employed, an independent contractor (1099), a gig worker, or an individual with an insufficient work history, you may apply.
*Before you file for PUA, you must first file for regular UI benefits and be denied.*
Please follow steps 1-5 below if you have not already filed a regular UI benefits claim.
Step 1:
Go to https://does.dcnetworks.org/InitialClaims/
Step 2:
Click on “File Your Claim Online” at the bottom of the page.
Step 3:
File an Initial Claim for unemployment insurance benefits.
(REMINDER: To qualify for PUA, you must be ineligible to receive regular unemployment insurance benefits. When you file the regular Initial Claim for unemployment insurance benefits, you will be held ineligible and required to complete the subsequent PUA application)
Step 4:
Near the end of the Initial Claim application, select “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)” as the Reason for Separation.
Step 5:
At the end of the Initial Claim for unemployment benefits, you will be presented with a link directing you to the PUA application.
You can also access the PUA application by clicking here.
If you have questions about the PUA application, please email [email protected] or call us at 202-724-7000.
If you have lost income due to COVID-19, and you are self-employed, an independent contractor (1099), a gig worker, or an individual with an insufficient work history, you may apply.
*Before you file for PUA, you must first file for regular UI benefits and be denied.*
Please follow steps 1-5 below if you have not already filed a regular UI benefits claim.
Step 1:
Go to https://does.dcnetworks.org/InitialClaims/
Step 2:
Click on “File Your Claim Online” at the bottom of the page.
Step 3:
File an Initial Claim for unemployment insurance benefits.
(REMINDER: To qualify for PUA, you must be ineligible to receive regular unemployment insurance benefits. When you file the regular Initial Claim for unemployment insurance benefits, you will be held ineligible and required to complete the subsequent PUA application)
Step 4:
Near the end of the Initial Claim application, select “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)” as the Reason for Separation.
Step 5:
At the end of the Initial Claim for unemployment benefits, you will be presented with a link directing you to the PUA application.
You can also access the PUA application by clicking here.
If you have questions about the PUA application, please email [email protected] or call us at 202-724-7000.
Sick Leave - Understand Your Civil Rights
- District businesses should treat consumers and employees fairly despite the ongoing public health crisis.
- District law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to workers with disabilities.
- For example, employees that request to work from home because of a medical condition that weakens their immune system should be accommodated to the extent possible.
- District law prohibits businesses from discriminating against consumers and employees.
- For example, District businesses cannot discriminate against people of specific racial groups or people from specific foreign countries based on stereotypes about their race or national origin.
- Every District resident is legally entitled to paid sick days annually. This is a really good time to use them if you aren't feeling well. Here's info on your rights.
- The COVID-19 Emergency Bill creates a new type of leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, called “declaration-of-emergency leave” (or DOE). It allows all employees whom DOH recommends to self-quarantine or who test positive for COVID-19, to take DOE leave. DOE leave is available to all employees—regardless of their employer’s size. It does mean the employee gets up to 16 weeks of medical leave (every 2 years) without fear of losing their job.
- Report discrimination: If you experience discrimination of any kind, report it to OAG by calling 202-727-3400, emailing [email protected], or filling out our online form. You can also file a complaint with D.C. Office of Human Rights through their online civil rights complaint form.