NBC4 spoke to an economist at Indeed, one of the largest job search websites, to take a closer look at the local job market.
As the Trump administration fires federal employees, lays them off and urges them to resign, officials in the D.C. area are offering resources for workers.
Elected leaders and other officials are highlighting online job listings, hosting webinars and offering “know your rights” info.
Here’s a running list of the help that D.C., Maryland and Virginia officials say is available.
Statewide resources for federal workers in Virginia:
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Launched by Gov. Glenn Youngkin's office, VirginiaHasJobs.com says it links to 250,000 open jobs, including 100,000 in Northern Virginia. It navigates to the websites of some of Virginia’s major companies and to popular job search engines such as LinkedIn and Indeed. You can also find job search and resume tips.
Officials in Arlington also shared additional resources for job seekers in the commonwealth, including:
- Virginia Workforce Connection
- Virginia Career Works
- Work in Northern Virginia: Resources and Webinars
Applying for unemployment benefits in Virginia:
The Virginia Employment Commission is available to help bridge the gap for fired federal workers, Youngkin said. The maximum weekly unemployment benefit is $387, which would amount to about $20,000 a year.
Are you a former federal worker wondering whether you should apply for unemployment in Virginia, even if you live in D.C., Maryland or somewhere else? According to the VEC's website, The answer is yes if:
- your last official duty station was in Virginia
- or you're a Virginia resident whose last official duty station was outside of the United States
- or you're a Virginia resident who was separated from federal employment and afterward worked in non-federal employment in Virginia
If none of those apply to you, you should apply for unemployment in the location where your last duty station was located or in the state/district where you live. You can find Maryland's unemployment site here and D.C.'s here.
Local resources for federal workers in Virginia:
Arlington County:
Arlington has set up a website, Assistance for Federal Employees and Contractors, which includes details about the Arlington Employment Center (AEC), how to file for unemployment, links to job listings, help with starting a business and more. It also includes resources on public benefits programs such as: food assistance, health clinics, reduced park and recreation fees, a pet pantry, eviction/foreclosure protection and info on tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities.
The AEC has info on assistance for residents affected by federal workforce reductions, resume tips for workers transitioning out of the federal government and more. It also offers interview help and hosts resume-writing webinars. The AEC's front desk is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., plus virtual sessions and appointments with career counselors.
In addition, the Arlington County government is hiring. "If you are looking to continue a meaningful career in public service you are welcome to explore options available in local government, where working directly with the community can create a lasting impact," their website says. "Arlington County offers well-rounded total compensation packages with fair and competitive pay in a collaborative and service-oriented environment. A wide range of opportunities are available – from careers in public safety and behavioral health, to architecture and human resources." Arlington County's job listings are viewable here..
The Arlington Public Library system also has resume and job search resources.
Fairfax County:
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority is hosting free weekly webinars for people impacted by the federal cuts. Their website also has other resources available, including job listings and appointments at career centers.
Virginia's 8th Congressional District:
Rep. Don Beyer — whose district includes Alexandria, Falls Church, Arlington County and part of Fairfax County — offered “know your rights as a federal employee” info. Beyer has an online request form for anyone who needs help with a federal agency.
Prince William County:
Prince William County has launched an online resource page with job opportunities, career support and workforce training. It also includes information on financial counseling, food assistance, housing support resources and mental health services.
County officials said the Northern Virginia Food Rescue can help connect residents with food resources. In addition, Prince William Health District’s Women, Infants & Children (WIC) provides supplemental food, health care referrals and nutrition education for low-income pregnant or postpartum women and for babies and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk; call 703-792-7319 or email PWHDWIC@vdh.virginia.gov.
In addition, the county library system has a digital library with thousands of online and digital resources, including ebooks, audiobooks, newspapers, premium websites and more, plus access to:
- LinkedIn Learning, which offers hundreds of personal and professional development videos
- JobNow, which provides help with resumes and cover letters, job searches and interview practice (available weekdays from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.)
- VetNow, which provides support for veterans navigating VA benefits, paperwork and programs (available weekdays from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.)
"With the ongoing changes at the federal level, the county remains committed to supporting its residents by providing easy access to essential resources," county officials said in a release.
Statewide resources for federal workers in Maryland:
Earlier this month, Gov. Wes Moore's office launched the Maryland Public Servants Resource website, which "serves as a centralized hub for programs and resources to support Maryland’s federal employees and contractors impacted by federal workforce layoffs, firings, and changes to federal funding," Moore's office said.
Maryland's site also can connect job seekers with resources including resume workshops, career guidance, mock interviews and job search strategies, plus a list of key rules and regulations governing the federal employment process, Moore's office said.
The Maryland Department of Labor is offering free virtual workshops for former federal employees and contractors every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon. To sign up, email FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov.
The State of Maryland itself is also hiring. You can see open positions online here.
Applying for unemployment benefits in Maryland:
Affected workers can apply for unemployment through Maryland's Division of Unemployment Insurance. The maximum weekly benefit is $430 pre-tax. You can see Maryland's FAQs on unemployment benefits for affected federal employees online here.
Workers should apply for benefits in the jurisdiction of their "duty station," Maryland officials said. For example, if you live in Maryland but you were laid off from a job based in Virginia, you should apply for benefits in Virginia.
Local resources for federal workers in Maryland:
Montgomery County:
Montgomery County launched its own site on resources for federal workers, and officials say residents can turn to the MC311 Customer Service Center for help. The site lists info on unemployment benefits, available jobs, employment rights, food assistance, child care help and crisis intervention.
The Montgomery County Office of Procurement will host a Montgomery County is Open for Business event from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, March 31 at the Silver Spring Civic Building. The networking event aims to help federal contractors explore new opportunities by engaging with local government.
Charles County:
Charles County's Department of Economic Development has launched a new website to help affected federal workers who live in the county. The site offers information on job search tools and research, career and entrepreneurship support, medical assistance programs and more. Charles County officials are asking affected workers to take their impact survey to help the department learn more about affected residents.
Resources for federal workers in Washington, DC:
To receive unemployment benefits from the D.C. Office for Unemployment Compensation, you must have lost your job through no fault of your own; be able, available and actively seeking work, and have made enough money in the past year to show how much you could receive.
The maximum weekly unemployment benefit is $444 for up to 26 weeks.
The District's new Resources for Impacted Federal Workers website includes info on how to file for unemployment payments, job search resources and job training and career counseling. The District also has a foreclosure prevention program and emergency rental assistance.
If you're a D.C. resident who lost their federal job and health coverage, you can enroll in a D.C. Health Link health insurance plan online here. D.C. Health Link offers 27 private health insurance plans from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Kaiser Permanente, officials say.
If you can't make your student loan payments, a student loan ombudsman is available to help you explore your options; email DCLoanHelp@dc.gov or call 202-727-8000.
In addition, numerous D.C. government agencies are hiring.
NBC Washington will continue to compile info on resources offered in the D.C. area for former federal employees. Check this page for updates.
