How to File for Unemployment in District of Columbia
Updated July 2026
Quick Answer
In District of Columbia, unemployment claims are filed through Department of Employment Services. Most initial claims are processed within two to three weeks, though it can take longer if there's an issue with your claim.
The District's Department of Employment Services (DOES) handles unemployment claims through the DCNetworks portal, and DOES has stopped taking new claims over the phone entirely — filing an initial claim online is now the only option, a security measure meant to cut down on fraudulent phone-based filings. Login now goes through ID.me single sign-on shared with the DCNetworks job-search system.
What You'll Need
- Social Security number
- Most recent employer's name, address, phone number, and employment dates
- Alien Registration Number, if not a U.S. citizen
- DD214 if you're a former service member, or SF8/SF50 if a former federal employee
- ID.me-verifiable identification
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1
Create or log in to your DCNetworks/ID.me account
Since September 2025, DC uses ID.me single sign-on for both DCNetworks and the Unemployment Insurance Benefits System, so you'll log in with one set of ID.me credentials with multi-factor authentication.
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2
Start your claim at DCNetworks
Go to does.dcnetworks.org, click the 'Claim Unemployment Benefits' tab, then 'File for Benefits,' and scroll down to 'File Your Claim Online' to begin; phone filing for new claims is no longer accepted.
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3
Answer the application questions accurately
Complete the online questions about your work history and separation to finish filing your initial claim.
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4
Verify your identity
DOES requires identity verification through ID.me, or in person at one of three American Job Center locations (no appointment needed) with original, unexpired ID documents.
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5
File weekly continued claims
Starting the Sunday after your initial claim, certify weekly online at does.dcnetworks.org or by phone at (202) 724-7000; file within 7 calendar days of the week-ending date or you risk losing that week's benefit.
File Your Claim
Compare Other States
Unemployment rules, benefit amounts, and filing steps are set state by state. These share District of Columbia's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the program.
Helpful Guides
Unemployment Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies
The three tests every state uses to decide unemployment eligibility, and the separation reasons that typically help or hurt your claim.
Learn more →How Unemployment Benefits Work
A plain-English overview of how the joint federal-state unemployment insurance system works, from filing your first claim to your last payment.
Learn more →Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed and Gig Workers
Regular unemployment insurance is built around W-2 payroll taxes, which is why freelancers and gig workers usually do not qualify — here is what does apply.
Learn more →Partial Unemployment Benefits: Working Part-Time While on Unemployment
Taking part-time work does not automatically end your unemployment claim — most states let you keep a reduced payment if you report your earnings correctly.
Learn more →