Unemployment Insurance (DC DOES)

If you lost work through no fault of your own, the DC Department of Employment Services, DOES, offers temporary weekly payments. DOES has launched a modernized single portal at unemployment.dc.gov. It is a one-stop site for filing claims, checking claim status, filing appeals, and submitting weekly certifications. For help by phone, call (202) 724-7000, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm.

The first step is identity verification. To use the new system, all claimants must verify their identity through the ID.me and DOES portal, which is a fraud-prevention tool. Set this up before you try to file so the rest of the process goes smoothly.

Keeping benefits going takes a weekly routine. You must file a weekly continued claim and stay able, available, and actively looking for work while you claim. File on time each week through the portal.

Payment is straightforward. DOES offers the U.S. Bank ReliaCard for payments, and it can take up to 72 hours for funds to appear in an account after they are issued. When tax time comes, you can print, download, or request your 1099-G tax form directly from the portal.

Be careful about scams. DOES warns that if you get a suspicious email that looks like it is from the DC Department of Employment Services or DC Networks, you should not click the link or share any requested information.

DOES also helps you get back to work. It runs the American Job Center, the DC Infrastructure Academy, DC Career Connections, and Project Empowerment, which offers education, training, and subsidized job placements. While you wait, stack SNAP and Medicaid to protect your household, and dial 2-1-1 for local funds.