District of Columbia Unemployment Insurance

District’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary unemployment benefits to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own, and who are ready, willing, and able to work.

Each state sets its own guidelines for eligibility for UI benefits, but you usually qualify if you:

1. have lost a job through no fault of your own;
2. are unemployed or partially unemployed for reasons permissible under federal law;
3. are “able to work, available to work, and actively seeking work;” and
4. have earned at least a certain amount of money during a “base period” prior to becoming unemployed. In most states, this is usually the first 4 out of the last 5 completed calendar quarters prior to the time that your claim is filed.

According to the DC Department of Employment Services, in order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must meet the following wage requirements:¹

1. Have wages in at least two quarters of the base period;
2. Have at least $1,300 in wages in one quarter of the base period or
3. Have earned at least $1,950 in wages for the entire base period and earned total base period earnings of at least 1.5 times the high quarter earnings.

How much unemployment will I get in DC?

According to the DC Department of Employment Services, the maximum weekly unemployment benefit amount in the District of Columbia is $444, and the maximum number of weeks you can receive benefits is 26.

How long can I receive unemployment in DC?

Eligible workers in DC can receive up to 26 weeks of unemployment insurance. The limit is set by state law and may change, so the current figure should be confirmed with the state agency when you file.

How do I file for unemployment in DC online?

UI benefits can be filed online  or if you do not have access to the internet, you may call the UI call center at (202) 724-7000 to file your claim by phone.

As of September 5, 2021, under District law, there is a one-week waiting period before benefits are paid. No payment is made during the waiting period.

DC Department of Employment Services (DOES)
Office of Unemployment Compensation
(202) 724-7000