DC UNEMPLOYMENT | About Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

You MUST file for regular UI benefits before completing the PUA application. Please carefully review How to File a PUA Claim.
PUA is effective February 2, 2020 through September 4, 2021. No new applications will be allowed after September 6, 2021.
The additional 29-week extension of PUA implemented by the American Rescue Plan Act is effective March 14, 2021 through September 4, 2021.
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 potentially eligible for a maximum of 79 weeks of benefits, which includes $300 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).
If you are eligible for PUA, then you MUST file your weekly continued claim forms through Claimant Services for all weeks you are requesting benefits.
For more information about PUA, please read our Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) FAQs.

Including the first page of the two-page FAQ below (click the link above for the full document.