Unemployment Insurance Information

Guidance, State Links, and Resources for Transitions

Navigating unemployment can be complex, especially for federal employees, contractors, and implementing partners transitioning from government service. This section includes key resources and guidance on how to apply for unemployment benefits, what documents are required, and how eligibility is determined—particularly for those in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area or returning from overseas assignments. You’ll also find links to official unemployment portals, FAQs from recent webinars, and additional support for former USAID staff and partners.

Resources in your State

Applying for unemployment outside of the DMV?

Check out our resource documents from individual state groups for specific application procedures and contacts.

General Guidance

DMV Resources

District of Columbia Dept. of Employment Services – Information on job fairs, unemployment insurance, health insurance, foreclosure resources, student loan help, mental health support, and more…
Virginia Employment Commission – Information on unemployment insurance and job search support.
Maryland Department of Labor – Information on unemployment insurance, job search support, and job fairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applying for Unemployment in the DMV

Below is a summary of key questions and answers shared as part of a webinar on June 26, 2025, Applying for Unemployment in the DMV Area, organized by the AID Transition Alliance (AidTA) and supported by OneAID.

Please check with the state/jurisdiction in which you plan to apply for unemployment for any updates or clarifications.

Where should I apply for unemployment benefits?

If you are a former USAID employee posted in the United States, you should apply in the state/jurisdiction listed as your last duty station on the SF-50.
Even if you are currently living in another state/jurisdiction, you should apply for unemployment in the state/jurisdiction listed as your duty station on the SF-50.
If you worked remotely, you should apply in the state/jurisdiction listed as your duty station in the SF-50, even if you never physically worked there.
If your last duty station listed on your final SF-50 or Personal Service Contract is outside of the United States, you should apply in the state/jurisdiction where you reside at the time of your unemployment application. (This applies to both Foreign Service and Foreign Service Limited staff posted overseas.)
If you were an eligible family member (EFM) working for USAID or another USG entity in a post outside the U.S., you should apply in the state/jurisdiction listed as your duty station in your SF-50.
If you return to the U.S. from an overseas post and are briefly reassigned to a U.S. duty station (even if on administrative leave), you should apply for unemployment in the duty station location listed in your final SF-50.
If you are unsure about where to apply, do NOT apply to multiple states/jurisdictions, as you could be deemed ineligible for unemployment in any jurisdiction. If you have questions, contact an unemployment office before applying. (See contacts below.)

What are other important aspects of the unemployment application process?

Federal civilian applicants must complete an ES-935 affidavit and must provide proof of their employment and income with USAID, USAID institutional contractors, or USAID implementing partners. (Double check with VA if they require the ES-935.) This includes SF-50s, personal service contracts, SF-30s, SF-8s, 2024 W-2s, and 2025 pay stubs from mid-March onward.
Applicants for unemployment must file a claim certification each week to receive benefits. If no certification is received, no payment will be issued even if the applicant is otherwise eligible.
All applicants for unemployment must be physically located in the United States before applying for unemployment in any state or jurisdiction.
You cannot collect unemployment from any state or jurisdiction if you are living outside of the United States even if you are a resident of a state or jurisdiction.