How to file for unemployment in the District of Columbia

The online claim is usually the fastest way. Here is what to have ready, when your claim starts and what comes after you file.

All about unemployment in the District of Columbia

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Filing, step by step

Apply online at does.dcnetworks.org: choose "Claim Unemployment Benefits," then "File for Benefits," then "File Your Claim Online." You log in with ID.me. DOES no longer takes new claims by phone. You can use a computer at an American Job Center.

When to file and when your claim starts

Apply as soon as you are out of work. Your benefit year begins on the Sunday of the week you first file.

What to have ready

Your Social Security number
Your most recent employer's name, address, phone number and your dates of employment
Your Alien Registration Number, if you are not a U.S. citizen
Your DD-214, if you were in the military
Standard Form 8 or Standard Form 50, if you were a federal employee
Information about any severance pay or pension you get or will get
Original, unexpired identity documents to verify your identity with ID.me or in person at an American Job Center

Certify (claim your weeks)

How often: Weekly. Starting the Sunday after you file, certify every week online or by phone at 202-724-7000 (you can also mail the claim form or file at an American Job Center). File no later than 7 calendar days after the week-ending date on the form. If more than 14 days pass since the last week you claimed, you must reopen your claim. Report all earnings, including self-employment.

Your first payment

If you were laid off and worked only in DC, it generally takes about two weeks to process your claim. If you were fired or quit, or your employer disputes the layoff, it can take up to 21 days. No payment is made for the first week (the waiting week).

Law: D.C. Code 51-109, 51-111(a)

Official source: Source page

What applies in every state

File with the unemployment program of the state where you worked. If you worked in another state or in several states, the agency in the state where you live now can tell you how to file with other states.
It generally takes two to three weeks after you file to get your first payment. Some states require a one-week waiting period, so the second week you claim is the first week paid.

Free help

Call 202-724-7000. Legal aid and other free help in the District of Columbia → Official sources →