District of Columbia Unemployment
What you need to know to claim unemployment benefits in District of Columbia, read on the agency's own website. The agency is Department of Employment Services (DOES).
the most a week, for up to 26 weeks
verifiable work search contacts a week
UI Benefits Division: claims information and general information
How to file for unemployment in District of Columbia
File online at does.dcnetworks.org: choose "Claim Unemployment Benefits", then "File for Benefits", then "File Your Claim Online". DOES no longer takes new claims by phone. Login is through ID.me.
From the agency's own page, read October 14, 2026.
After you apply: claiming each week
Certify every week, starting the Sunday after you file, by filing a weekly continued claim online at does.dcnetworks.org or by calling (202) 724-7000; mail or an American Job Center if you cannot. File no later than seven (7) calendar days after the week-ending date. If your last claimed week ended more than 14 days earlier, you must reopen your claim.
From the agency's own page, read October 14, 2026.
How much unemployment pays in District of Columbia, and for how long
The most you can get is $444 a week. Benefits last up to 26 weeks.
The weekly amount is based on your highest-earning quarter in the base period. Claimants can receive a standard 26 weeks of benefits within the 52-week benefit year.
From the agency's own page, read October 14, 2026.
How many jobs you must apply for each week
District of Columbia asks for 2 verifiable work search contacts a week. Union members in good standing whose union seeks work for them may be exempt. Since January 31, 2026 the requirement is waived for furloughed federal employees (not contractors or separated employees).
Keep a record of each contact (date, employer name, contact information, method); DOES may ask to see it at any time during or after the benefit year.
From the agency's own page, read October 14, 2026.
Our free job application tracker keeps the list: where you applied, when, and what came of it.
District of Columbia unemployment phone number
Call 202-724-7000 (uI Benefits Division: claims information and general information). Every line and what it is for.
Where this comes from
Everything on this page was read on the agency's own website, and each part links the page it came from and the day we read it. Rules and amounts change, so check that page before you rely on a figure. Jobareer is not part of any state agency and cannot see or change your claim.
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