How to File for Unemployment in District of Columbia

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.

Updated July 2026

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 3

   Answer the application questions accurately

   Complete the online questions about your work history and separation to finish filing your initial claim.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Verified against the official District of Columbia unemployment agency site. View source