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Unemployment Insurance Information

  • oneaidcommunity
  • May 24
  • 3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

General Guidance


DMV Resources


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.  


Where can I find additional information on unemployment?

Overview of the unemployment system in the U.S.: https://oui.doleta.gov/unemploy/docs/factsheet/UI_Program_FactSheet.pdf


Maryland

Division of Unemployment Insurance

Maryland Department of Labor

https://labor.maryland.gov/employment/unemployment.shtml

Link to a video of a recent Maryland webinar for federal workers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-d9tEygWMQ


District of Columbia

Office of Unemployment Compensation

Department of Employment Services

https://unemployment.dc.gov/


Viginia

Virginia Employment Commission

https://www.vec.virginia.gov/apply-unemployment-benefits


Where can I find webinar resources, additional information, and support?

Webinar Resources:

For additional information and resources for USAID staff and partners see. 


Webinar Presentations

DC Unemployment Office Slide Presentation

Maryland Unemployment Office Slide Presentation

Maryland Unemployment Office YouTube Presentation

This general recording provides a more detailed breakdown of filing a federal claim in MD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-d9tEygWMQ

Virginia Unemployment Office Slide Presentation


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