How to File for Unemployment in Washington DC

If you live in Washington, D.C., and you have recently lost your job, you may want to file for unemployment benefits. Even if you are laid off or, in some cases fired, you still might have the right to file an unemployment claim. However, if you were fired for misconduct at work or you quit for a work or medical reason, you might not be eligible.

Things You'll Need

• Social Security number
• Complete mailing address, zip code and telephone number
• Complete name, address and zip code of all employers you have worked for in the last 18 months
• Employment authorization number and expiration date (if you are not a citizen or national of the U.S.)

Instructions

1. Go online to the Department of Employment Services and click on “Unemployment Services” under "Services" under the left side (see Resources below).

2. Click on “File for Unemployment Benefits” on the Unemployment Compensation Services page.

3. Click on “Claim UI Benefits.”

4. Click on “Application for Regular Benefits” on the Unemployment Insurance Service Center for Claimants page.

5. File your claim by clicking on the button at the bottom of the page that reads “File Your Claim Online.”

6. Complete several pages titled "Initial Claim" and keep following and hitting the next prompts, finally creating a password, thus enabling you to finish completing your claim by answering the necessary questions.

7. Wait at least 2 weeks before contacting anyone if you do not receive your unemployment check; sometimes it takes that long for processing. You can call [phone]--office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.--with any questions regarding your claim.

Tips & Warnings

• Print any necessary numbers or information you will need in the future regarding your claim.

• Remember, the first week that you are eligible for benefits is an unpaid waiting week.

Resources

• Department of Employment Services