Resources for Recently Unemployed Residents
New Public Service Career Hub Site
The DC government website, Fedsupport.dc.gov, includes information on unemployment insurance and how to apply, resources for job seekers federal employment guidance, and DC government opportunities.
Unemployment Insurance and Career Support
The District’s Unemployment Insurance program provides temporary financial assistance to qualified individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the District of Columbia. To receive unemployment insurance, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be unemployed through no fault of your own
- Be able, available, and actively looking for work
- Have earned enough wages to file a claim
- Apply for unemployment benefits from the Office of Unemployment Compensation
- Ten things you should know about the Unemployment Insurance System
If you have any questions or need further assistance applying for unemployment insurance, contact DOES by phone at 202-724-7000.
These career support programs, offered by the Department of Employment Services and non-profit partners, provide job seekers support on their career journey:
Apply For Health Insurance
If you are a DC resident and lost your federal job and health care coverage, you can enroll in a DC Health Link health insurance plan. Residents seeking more information about health insurance options can visit DC Health Link for more information.
Help for Homeowners
DC homeowners can access free foreclosure prevention counseling to get help if you are worried about paying your mortgage, are behind on your mortgage payments, or are in the process of foreclosure. Learn more at housingetc.org, or call 202-442-7765, or email DISB.mediation@dc.gov.
Resources for Students
All students in kindergarten through twelfth grade are guaranteed a spot in your neighborhood DCPS school. Enroll at enrolldcps.dc.gov. Washington, DC has free pre-K3 and 4. While pre-K is universal, and there are seats for every pre-K student, enrollment is managed via lottery application. Families that want to enter the lottery for a pre-K seat or an out-of-boundary/citywide K-12 seat for either the current or next school year should submit a post-lottery application at myschooldc.org.
Families can access free and low-cost spring and summer programming for kids. Parents can learn more about summer and out-of-school time programming available to DC youth ages 5-21 by visiting learn24.dc.gov.
DCTAG is a federally funded program that pays the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at schools attended by District students. Students are eligible to receive up to $10,000 toward tuition annually at public colleges nationwide and up to $2,500 toward tuition at private colleges in DC and private Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Interested students can apply for the DC Tuition Assistance Grant through the DC OneApp at dconeapp.dc.gov.
If you cannot make your student loan payments, the Student Loan Ombudsman can help you explore forbearance and deferment options. Make an appointment to talk to someone about forbearances and deferments, call 202-727-8000 or email DCLoanHelp@dc.gov.
Survey
The District Government is conducting a survey to gather insights from businesses on job openings and workforce needs across DC to help better understand employment trends, support local businesses, and connect job seekers with opportunities. Find the survey at fedsupport.dc.gov.