Including a video of Wednesday’s Public Oversight Hearing Chaired by Councilmember Elissa Silverman regarding issues getting unemployment during the pandemic. DC Workers and Advocacy Groups testified about a wide range of challenges in attempting to receive traditional and extended unemployment benefits. Witnesses testified about an unresponsive DOES, contrary or incomplete directions in applying for aid, and delays of weeks or months in getting unemployment benefits.

PUA recipients recount how after nine months they still await financial determinations for their weekly benefit amounts and backpay. PEUC participants share stories of roadblocks encountered when trying to enroll.

A 3-STEP CHECKLIST FROM DC LEGAL AID

If you believe you are still owed unemployment funds:

1) Have you applied for PUA if you were denied or ineligible for traditional UI? If not, apply before the end of the year! Ask for more in your weekly benefit if you earned more than $19K.

2) If you are missing back-benefits because you were unable to file weekly claim forms, you can still file your claims before the end of the year, you can also contest your wage amount with the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH).

3) If you've been denied benefits because you were told you failed to respond to a message from DOES, please call or email DC Legal Aid. These cases have a high likelihood of success and Legal Aid is here to help.

Legal Aid provides free legal assistance to individuals and families who have little or no income. Legal Aid can help you regardless of your immigration status. We also can help you regardless of any disability you may have. We also can help people who speak a language other than English.

You do not have to live in the District of Columbia to get help from Legal Aid. But, we can only help with cases or legal problems that take place in the District. If your case or legal problem is outside of the District, or if we cannot assist you for any other reason, we may be able to refer you to another organization that may be able to help you.

More Info: https://www.legalaiddc.org/covid.../unemployment-insurance/