• For-Hire drivers are considered independent contractors and thus are eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
• If you are a DC licensed taxi driver and live in DC, Maryland or Virginia, you are eligible to apply for unemployment assistance with the District.
• To apply, you must:
  • Step 1: First apply for standard unemployment insurance benefits with the Department of Employment Services (DOES).
  • Step 2: Apply for PUA.
• Independent contractors such as for-hire drivers should not apply for unemployment as an employee of a taxi or for-hire company but as a self-employed individual.
• TNC and limo drivers should apply for PUA via the jurisdiction where they made the most earnings.
  • Maryland
  • Virginia
• More information on resources for individuals is available here.

   

As an independent contractor, you may be eligible for the following programs:

• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) The US Small Business Administration (SBA) announced in late- February 2021 that independent contractors are eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and guidance was released on March 3, 2021. This program provides forgivable loans to small businesses and nonprofit organizations to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. Self-employed individuals can apply for salary (wages, commissions, tips). Qualified borrowers can apply for 2.5 times their average payroll cost for 12 months. The deadline will likely be extended to May 31, 2021 but please confirm.
• US Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance for Small Businesses
• Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
• Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance
• The DC Capital Connector can help with getting small business loans. This online portal was created by The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) and the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) to connect small businesses with lenders and surety bonding companies. More information on resources for individuals is available here.

DFHV has authorized taxicabs to engage in prepared food delivery service. For more information, please review the Administrative Issuance (PDF).

• The DC Bar Pro Bono Center Small Business Legal Assistance Program
• Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
• Virginia Legal Aid

   

• COVID-19 Emergency Legislation: Key tenant rights and rental housing requirements are in emergency legislation passed by the DC Council and signed by Mayor Bowser in March and April 2020.
• The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): Helps income-eligible Washington, DC residents facing housing emergencies.
• The Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA) offers:
  • Tenant Legal Services
  • Emergency Housing Assistance

• District of Columbia Resources, including bagged groceries and free meals
• District’s COVID-19 needs hotline (1-888-349-8323) and web portal for residents who need food or other essential items
• Montgomery County Food System Resources
• Prince George’s County Food Assistance

Please take good care of yourself during the pandemic. If you are sick, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, have been told to quarantine by a medical provider, or have come in close contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, please do not work and only return to work once you have been cleared by a medical provider.

COVID-19 Phase Two Health Guidance

• Phase Two Guidance COVID-19: Guidance for For-Hire Vehicle, Taxi, and Rideshare Vehicles
• COVID-19 Testing
• Phase Two Health Information
• Mental health hotline at 1-888-793-4357
• DC domestic violence victim hotline at 1-844-443-5732; victims also can discreetly text 911

Health Insurance

• DC Health Link: It has expanded opportunities to get covered during the public health emergency.
• Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) benefits
• Medicaid, Alliance, or Other Public Benefits
• The Following Locally Funded Health Coverage:
  • DC Healthcare Alliance Program for adults age 21 and older
  • DC Immigrant Children's Program for children age 0-20

For updates on the District’s response to coronavirus (COVID-19), visit coronavirus.dc.gov.

View more information on Maryland’s COVID-19 response and vaccination schedule.

View more information on Virginia’s COVID-19 response and vaccination schedule.