DOES: DOES Unemployment Compensation Program
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Unemployment Compensation CenterDOES Unemployment Compensation Program

Welcome to the DC Department of Employment Services Unemployment Compensation Program.  The District offers two ways to file for unemployment compensation – internet and telephone. We strongly encourage that customers seeking unemployment benefits do so online for quicker service. To begin the process to file for your unemployment, you will need to have the following information readily available:

  • Your social security number
  • Your most recent 30 day employer’s name (s), address(es), telephone number(s) and dates of employment
  • Your Alien Registration Number if you are not a US Citizen
  • Your DD214 if you are Ex-Military
  • Your Standard Form 8 or Standard Form 50 if you are a former federal employee
  • Severance Pay Information, if you did or will receive severance pay
By Phone: Local (202) 724-7000 or Toll Free 1 (877) 319-7346
           Effective immediately, the DC unemployment telephone lines will be open:
 
           Monday-Thursday from 8 am to 7:30 pm
           Friday from 8 am – 4:30 pm
           Saturday from 8 am – 1 pm
 
You may be disqualified from receiving benefits in the District of Columbia for any of the following reasons:
  • Voluntary departure from your last employer without good cause connected with the work
  • Discharge by your last employer for gross misconduct
  • Discharge by your last employer for misconduct other than gross misconduct
  • Refusal to apply for, or accept, suitable work without good cause
  • Participation in a labor dispute other than a lockout
  • Inability to work or unavailability for work
  • Failure to register as directed with the Job Service
  • Failure to report as directed
  • Failure to participate as directed in reemployment services
  • Failure to attend a training course recommended by the Department of Employment Services
  • Not being authorized to work, if you are not a US Citizen 
  • A reasonable assurance of continuing employment
Links to Start Your Unemployment Compensation Process

Manage Your Account

Other Related Unemployment Compensation Links