COVID-19 Update
First Shift remains open and operational during the COVID-19 outbreak. For more information on COVID-19 and pregnancy, please see the CDC’s guidelines here. Additional information from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists can be found here.
EXPANDED RIGHTS FOR WORKERS IN D.C.
On March 17, 2020, D.C. Council passed the D.C. COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020, which extends unemployment benefits and unpaid, job-protected leave to D.C. workers affected by COVID-19.
Unemployment Compensation Benefits Extended
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You can apply for unemployment compensation benefits if:
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You have been directed to quarantine or isolate by the government (DC or federal) or a medical provider; or
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Your employer has reduced or ceased operations because of COVID-19; or
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You quit your job for “good cause” because your employer has failed to implement public safety measures.
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You must have monetary eligibility to receive benefits.
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It does not matter if your employer has given you a specific date to return to work or whether you expect to continue to be employed by your current employer.
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You do not have to search for work as a condition of receiving benefits.
Job-Protected Leave Extended
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You can take unpaid, job-protected leave if:
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You have been directed to quarantine or isolate by the government (DC or federal) or a medical provider.
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You can take leave for the duration of the public health emergency.
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A note from your medical provider or a recommendation from a D.C. or federal government agency can serve as medical certification to take this leave.
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All D.C. employers are covered, regardless of size. You do not have to be employed for a year or have worked 1,000 hours in order to be eligible for this leave.
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LEGAL RESOURCES
UNPAID WAGES/WORKER'S COMPENSATION ISSUES
For issues related to unpaid wages or workers’ compensation, contact Workers’ Rights Clinic via phone (202) 319-1000 or email clinic@washlaw.org to schedule a telephonic intake appointment.
PUBLIC BENEFITS
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Customers who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, Alliance, and other public benefits provided by DHS, do not need to take any action at this time to continue receiving existing benefits that would otherwise expire on March 31 or April 30. Those benefits will be automatically extended.
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For new applications for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Alliance or other public benefits, please go to dhs.dc.gov or visit our Service Centers to pick up a blank application. Applicants can drop off completed applications for benefits at DHS Service Centers. If you have additional questions, call (202) 727-5355.
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If you are experiencing issues in receiving your public benefits, contact The Legal Aid Society of DC at (202) 628-1161 or submit an online request for legal assistance here.
HOUSING
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Landlords are prohibited from carrying out evictions or collecting late fees during the public health emergency.
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The D.C. Superior Court has suspended all non-emergency matters through April 30th
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Utility providers are prohibited from disconnecting electric, gas, and water service during the public health emergency
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For legal assistance with housing issues, please contact:
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The Legal Aid Society of DC at (202) 628-1161 or submit an online request for legal assistance here.
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Bread for the City at (202)386-7616
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OTHER
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For other legal questions and updates about the status of courts and legal services organizations in DC during COVID-19 please visit; https://www.lawhelp.org/DC/
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NON-LEGAL RESOURCES
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
EMERGENCY CHILDCARE FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS
Washington D.C.
– All childcare facilities will be closed except for 6 emergency locations for the children of healthcare professionals at Ballou High, Marie Reed Elementary, Noyes Elementary, School Without Walls at Francis Stevens, Simon Elementary, and the United Planning Organization (UPO) Edgewood Child Development Center.
– If you need assistance with My Child Care DC or with locating child care, please contact DC Child Care Connections, DC’s Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency, at (202) 829-2500 or OSSE.DCchildcareconnections@dc.gov
Maryland
– Childcare providers will remain open only to children of essential employees. If you are unsure if you qualify as an essential employee, please contact First Shift and we will help you figure it out.
– Visit the Maryland Public Schools website for list of locations, or call LOCATE: Child Care Referral Specialists to help you select the best child care option for your family at (Toll-Free) 877-261-0060.
Virginia
– Childcare is available to first responders and essential personnel. Search for child care near you at vachildcare.com or call 1-866-KIDS TLC.
RESOURCES FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
FOOD RESOURCES
RESOURCES FOR THE UNDOCUMENTED COMMUNITY
RESOURCES FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS