Resources for Federal Employees Experiencing Unemployment

Unemployment Compensation

The primary goal of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program is to provide temporary wage replacement to eligible unemployed individuals. District residents may file for unemployment compensation at does.dcnetworks.org. Read the Ten Things You Should Know fact sheet to learn more about filing an unemployment insurance claim.

Employment Rights and Job Security

If you believe you're being targeted for dismissal from federal employment based on political reasons rather than job performance, it's important to take proactive steps to protect your rights and career. Civil Service Strong provides information designed to provide practical guidance and empower federal employees to understand their rights, navigate emerging policies, and take action to protect their careers.

Hiring Initiatives & Opportunities

Impacted workers can find various resources and opportunities for those seeking employment or career services at the events below:

Food

DC Federal Nutrition Programs Toolkit is a toolkit designed to help people find information and resources on food assistance programs in the District, including how to qualify and apply. It also lists resources by the demographic those resources are dedicated to.
Capital Area Foodbank, Mobile Markets offers an interactive map that lists their partners information including: their address, hours, contact information, and directions based on if you’re walking, driving, or taking public transportation.
The District’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income individuals and families by providing monthly benefits to purchase food. Applications are accepted online, via mobile app, in person, fax (202-671-4400), or through the mail.
ReDelicious, D.C.’s food lab co-op. redistributes prepared food, produce, and baked goods from farmers markets and bakeries each Sunday, from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. You can learn more about their kitchen lab and culture library from their instagram. If you’re interested in volunteering or aiding their initiative you can find more information, here.
ReDelicious also offers a list of resources for free food and/or mutual aid servicing the District and beyond.

Residents may find an additional list of resources, here, and access LinkU, the District's online database for DC Health information and resources. You can use LinkU to search for free and reduced cost services, food, housing, and more in the DC Metropolitan area.

Utility Assistance

LIHEAP assists income-eligible District households with heating and cooling energy costs. Eligible households may receive energy bill assistance between $250 and $1,800 as a one-time regular energy assistance benefit.
The Greater Washington Urban League has partnered with Pepco, Washington Gas, and the DC Water and Sewer Authority to provide emergency utility assistance to residents. Through their emergency program residents can receive one time assistance up to $350 on their DC Water utility bill.
The Washington Gas Budget Plan: This plan allows those eligible to spread the cost of winter heating over the entire year. (This is designed to be a 12 month program.)
The DC Water SPLASH Program provides up to $350 in assistance to ensure that everyone has access to essential water and sewer services during tough times.

Other Resources

The Greater Washington Urban League assistance with housing stability and comprehensive wrap around services that include emergency services, the Recertification Benefits Initiative, utility programs, Project Re-connect, the Eviction Diversion Program, and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
DC Community Resource Inventory, established by DC Health, connects residents with health, food, housing, and more through its Community Needs Assessment Survey.