How independent contractors and gig workers apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance application is open.
Apply today at https://dcdoes.force.com/PUAForm/s/
Expansion of Unemployment Insurance Benefits under the New CARES Act (Updated April 30, 2020)
The federal government recently passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which includes an expansion of unemployment
insurance benefits for District of Columbia workers.Please read our CARES Act Frequently Asked Questions for more information about benefit eligibility, duration, and amounts.
A summary of the expanded unemployment insurance programs offered through the provisions of the CARES Act is provided below:
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)The PUA Application is now live: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Application
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 December 26, 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 potentially eligible
for a maximum of 39 weeks of benefits, which includes $600 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.
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)
As of April 21, 2020, FPUC payments are being issued to all eligible claimants.
Effective March 29, 2020 through July 25, 2020.
$600 per week on top of current regular UI benefits, PEUC and PUA benefits.
Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
Eligible claimants can now file for PEUC
PEUC is available to claimants who established a claim with a benefit year ending after July 1, 2019 and who have either exhausted their entitlement or whose benefit year has expired.
Effective March 29, 2020 through December 26, 2020.
13 additional weeks of UI benefits, plus $600 FPUC, although FPUC expires at the end of July 2020.