The DC Dept of Employment Services (DOES) has released the unemployment application process for independent contractors like taxi drivers. DOES has informed DFHV that DC-licensed taxi drivers living in MD or VA (as well as DC) can apply for unemployment with DC-info and links below. 

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

The PUA application is now available: https://dcdoes.force.com/PUAForm/s/  but note that individuals need to file a standard unemployment insurance application first at https://does.dcnetworks.org/InitialClaims/  before filing the PUA application.

See more information on PUA at coronavirus.dc.gov/recovery-individuals<https://coronavirus.dc.gov/recovery-individuals>

DC Microgrants:

Over 7,600 applications from 13 different industries were received; Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) reviewing and has said they expect awards to be announced towards the end of the month; email to use to ask questions about status: dmped.grants@dc.gov<dmped.grants@dc.gov>

UNOFFICIAL update on DC Microgrants ($25 Million) : Note that this article says that independent contractors were removed because they will be able to apply for Unemployment: https://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/food/article/21129373/a-predicted-2000-applicants-will-receive-money-from-dcs-25-million-microgrant-program

The Mayor has signed an order that require passengers to wear "face coverings" when riding in a taxi or other for-hire vehicles.  "Face covweerings" do not not necessarily have to be a mask, and a bandana worn properly suffices.

Note there is also a requirement for drivers to wear gloves  in Section X (4), below.

A new subsection II.5.e of Mayor's Order 2020-054, dated March 30, 2020, is added to read, "Individuals using taxis, ride-sharing vehicles, or other private transportation providers shall wear a mask or mouth covering."

A new subsection III.4 of Mayor's Order 2020-053, dated March 24, 2020, is added to read, "Food Sellers, Hotels, Taxis, Ride-sharing companies, and other private transportation providers must require employees and independent contractors to wear gloves and cloth or surgical masks and instruct employees and independent contractors on safe use. All gloves and masks shall be procured by businesses."

Read the Mayor's Order MayorsOrder2020.063

 DMV Services Suspended:  The DMV remains operational with most necessary services provided online. All in-person services at DC DMV locations are currently closed through the duration of the public health emergency. Although most employees are working remotely, DC DMV online services remain available, and customers are encouraged to use online options by visiting dmv.dc.gov.

DMV has extended the expiration date for all documents expiring March 1 through the duration of the public health emergency, including driver licenses, identification cards, vehicle registrations, inspections, ticket payments and ticket adjudication responses, until June 29.

All driver licenses, vehicle registrations, and vehicle inspections scheduled to expire have been granted a waiver without penalty until DC DMV reopens at full operating capacity.

All tickets will remain in their current status for the duration of the public health emergency, and no additional penalties will be added during this period. In the interim, the public is encouraged to request adjudication and pay tickets online. 

Additionally, all driver license suspensions and revocations will be paused until DC DMV returns to full operating capacity.

DFHV is expanding the program parameters for T2R as part of evolving needs in the COVID-19 public emergency. The parameters are outlined below with the new requirements in italics and noted. Please keep in mind that many of the requirements – such as grocery, pharmacies, medical appointment trips – will continue as before.

Allowable trip purposes include:

1. Allowable trip purposes include: To and from grocery stores, to and from pharmacies, to and from Metro stations citywide, trips for essential workers to and from their workplaces (Keep in mind this includes Home Aides who may be traveling to and from a residential address).
2. Service is available citywide.
3.  trips are within DC only. Trips to Virginia and Maryland are not allowed.
4. Trip reimbursement rate has increased from $15 to $20 per trip (all trips will be paid at $20, regardless of meter fare).
5. Passenger is responsible for fare beyond $20.
6. Program hours are extended until 10 pm (Hours of Operation: Mon – Fri, 5:30am – 10:00pm; Sat, 7:00am – 10:00pm; Sun, 8:00am – 10:00pm)
7. At time of booking, passengers must state the purpose of their trip (e.g. grocery, pharmacy, Metro, or essential healthcare worker), and providers must record and submit each trip’s purpose with trip records in the trip log each month