Mayor Bowser held a town hall yesterday to address the new challenges facing D.C.’s economy and to outline city resources for laid off federal employees. Here’s how to make the most of the resources D.C. has to offer.
Unemployment Insurance
Impacted federal workers can apply for unemployment benefits here. The process takes about an hour and you should hear back within seven days with next steps. However, be warned there have been some hiccups with verifying federal IDs that can drag out the process.
Health Insurance
D.C. offers health insurance through DC Healthlink for anyone who has lost their job within the last 60 days. There are also annual enrollment periods beyond the 60-day mark. You can choose between 27 different plans with premiums as low as $13.
Public Service Career Hub
The city has a site for public service workers seeking new jobs. It includes both D.C. government positions and private sector employers. There will also be a job fair specifically for federal employees on March 14 at the Kellogg Conference Center at Gallaudet University.
Foreclosure Prevention
The Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking offers weekly foreclosure prevention clinics as well as one-on-one sessions for homeowners at risk of defaulting on their mortgage. They will help create a plan, engage with lenders, and connect you with services.
Childcare Resources
My Child Care DC helps connect families with child care options as well as search for child care subsidies and financial resources. For older kids, city leaders at the town hall stressed the vitality of D.C.’s free public schools. Enroll here.
Summer Programing For Kids
The city offers a lot of free summer camps and activities for kids. For more info and resources, check out the Summer in the City event on March 29 at MLK Library.
- DC Public Schools Summer Classes (Free)
- Parks and Recreation Camps (Free, lottery)
- Summer Youth Employment Program (Participants paid)
- Fairfax County Summer Camp (sliding scale)
College Tuition Assistance
For those sending kids to college, first-time college students can get up to $10,000 in tuition assistance through the DCTAG tuition assistance program. Applications close in August.
We’re always on the lookout for more federal worker resources. Hit us up if we missed anything. And like the rest of the city, we’re on tenterhooks, waiting to see what the Trump administration will hit D.C. with next.
