How to File for Unemployment in Washington, DC

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  • Are you unemployed but willing and able to work? If you work in the District of Columbia, you may want to apply for unemployment benefits. Read on to learn about filing for unemployment in the District of Columbia.

  • Are you unemployed but willing and able to work? If you work in the District of Columbia, you may want to apply for unemployment benefits. Read on to learn about filing for unemployment in the District of Columbia.

  • Introduction

    • If you have lost your job in the District of Columbia, you may be eligible to file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits. The Department of Employment Services' Unemployment Compensation Program pays unemployed workers partial wages while they actively search for a job. Read on to find out if you qualify and how to file for unemployment via the Internet, phone, mail or in person.

  • Step 1: Determine If You Qualify

    • The District of Columbia's Department of Employment Services (DOES) will review your claim and decide if you are eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Eligibility requirements include:
    1. Unemployment through no fault of your own.
      • You must also be willing and able to work.
    2. Earned at least $1,300 in one quarter of your base period.
      • The base period is a 12-month period of earnings, divided into three-month quarters.
    3. Earned at least $1,950 in wages for the entire base period.
    4. You make at least two job contacts each week.
    • If you are not sure if you qualify, don't be afraid to submit an application. The DOES will let you know their decision.

  • Step 2: Gather the Necessary Information

    • When applying for unemployment benefits you will need the following:
    1. Your Social Security card.
    2. Your driver's license or ID card.
    3. Wage information:
      1. Recent W-2 Forms.
      2. Recent earnings statement.
    4. Previous employer's information, including:
      1. Name.
      2. Address.
      3. Phone number.
    5. Reason for unemployment.
    6. Last day of work.

  • Step 3: File a Claim

    • Unemployed workers have several options for filing an unemployment benefits claim.
    1. Apply in person at the One-Stop Career Center.
      1. Choose the Franklin Street One-Stop Career Center or the Naylor Road One-Stop Career Center.
      2. Unemployment compensation insurance services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
      3. Call the center first to make an appointment.
    2. Apply online using the DOES online unemployment compensation insurance application.
      • This is the easiest way to file your claim.
    3. Call the DOES at their local number (202) 724-7000 or at their toll-free number (877) 319-7346. Hours available:
        • Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
        • Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
        • Saturday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    4. Mail your application to:
        • Workforce Development Bureau
        • 609 H Street, NE, 5th Floor
        • Washington, DC 20002
    • You will need to file a claim bi-weekly to get your benefits. File the Sunday or Monday following the week ending date of the second week you are claiming.

  • Conclusion

    • In these hard economic times, unemployment benefits are a great advantage for D.C.'s unemployed workers. If you live in the District of Columbia and have lost a job through no fault of your own, file a claim with DOES as soon as possible.


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