does

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Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm

Contact Phone:

(202) 724-7000

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(202) 673-6993

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CLICK HERE to begin your claim.

Federal Government Shutdown Frequently Asked Questions

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 18:20:08 +0000

1. Can I file a new claim while the Federal government is shutdown?
Yes. While the federal government is shut down due to a lapse in federal appropriations for federal government employees, the District government will remain open until further notice. Federal government employees who are furloughed can go online to www.dcnetworks.org to file for their unemployment compensation benefits. All new initial claims for unemployment compensation are encouraged to file online to avoid the anticipated long wait times over the phone.

2. Should I continue to certify my weekly claim?

Yes. Individuals who are currently receiving unemployment compensation benefits should continue to certify for their weekly claims. Claimants will only be able to file their continued weekly claims online at www.dcnetworks.org or telephonically using the automated interactive voice response (IVR) system at (202) 724-7000.

3. If I make a mistake while filing for my weekly benefits, will I still receive my unemployment compensation benefits?

We strongly encourage claimants to answer all questions carefully and to thoroughly review all answers before submitting weekly claim forms online. If filing weekly certifications telephonically, we encourage claimants to listen carefully when responding to the automatic prompts. Mistakes will delay your payments until the assigned claims examiner is able to address individual issues. During this period of the federal government shutdown, we anticipate an increased call volume, which will also impact the delayed wait for assistance with processing claims.

4. If I certify on Sunday, when will I receive my payment?
All banks will be open during the Federal government shutdown. During this time, DOES will make every effort to process claims in an expedited manner. However, the anticipated exponential increase in the number of new claims filed could cause a slight delay in the processing of claims. While your benefits normally will be deposited in your bank account during the week following your certification, given the circumstances, we cannot guarantee any specific day of your deposit or that you will not experience some delay in payment.

5. What is the one-week waiting period?

Under District law, there is a one-week waiting period before benefits are paid. The waiting period is the first week for which you would otherwise be eligible. Generally, this is the first week of your claim. No payment is made for the waiting period. For the purposes of unemployment insurance, a week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday.

6. As a Federal government employee, does the one-week waiting period apply to me?

Yes. The one-week waiting period applies to all claimants filing for unemployment compensation benefits.

7. When can I realistically expect to receive my first unemployment compensation check?

The first suggested day you can file an unemployment compensation claim is October 1, 2023. The week ending Saturday, October 7, 2023 would be the one-week waiting period week and the week ending Saturday, October 14, 2023 would be the first payable week.

Please note: If you choose to file your claim on September 30, 2023 or September 29, 2023, all wages earned during the week of September 24, 2023 through September 30, 2023 must be reported and may prevent this week from serving as your waiting period week. Absent any wages from the previous week, the week ending Saturday, October 14, 2023 would be the first payable week

8. How long does it take to approve my unemployment compensation application?

DOES expects to receive at least 12 times the normal volume of unemployment claims after October 1, 2023 when the federal government shutdown begins. The number of unemployment claims filed is expected to increase even further the longer the shutdown continues. DOES has planned for the increase in demand through technological and program enhancements and by increasing resources.

Processing these claims as quickly and effectively as possible depends primarily on two things*:

Ensuring the claimant is filing in the jurisdiction where he/she physically worked (your physical duty station), AND
How quickly DOES receives accurate wage information from the employee’s Standard Form 50 (SF-50), Standard Form 8 (SF-8), pay stubs, W-2s, or other wage documentation.

Please be aware that you must submit a copy of your SF-50 and SF-8 with your application, if available. In addition to your SF-50 or SF-8, you will be required to provide additional wage documentation (such as your last two pay stubs and your W-2s), accompanied by a Wage Affidavit or Form 193-Monetary Redetermination, in order to determine monetary eligibility.

The District is required to process unemployment claims within 21 days. Receiving the required information outlined above may allow for DOES to process claims more expeditiously than this prescribed timeline. However, the extreme and unusually high demand may cause delays during these uncertain times.

*Assuming all other eligibility requirements are met. See Claimant’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for more details on eligibility requirements.

9. How do I provide my Standard Form-50 and Standard Form-8 if I do not have them at the time I submit my application?

You can submit your SF-50 and SF-8 via email to [email protected]">[email protected] or via fax to (202) 724-7479.

10. Why do I have to provide my Standard Form-50 and Standard Form-8?

The SF-50 and SF-8 is required to determine the employing federal agency, as well as your duty station.

11. How do I determine my duty station?

When reviewing your SF-50, please refer to line 39. If you worked in the United States and line 39 does not state Washington, District of Columbia, please file a claim with the state referenced on line 39.

12. If I work internationally for the federal government, where should I file a claim for unemployment benefits?

If you worked internationally, you should file an unemployment claim with your state of residency within the United States. Links to all State Workforce Agencies can be found using the following link: www.servicelocator.org/OWSLinks.asp

13. How do I determine what employing agency to list on the initial claim application?

On your SF-50, please refer to line 49, which will state the employing department or agency.

14. As a furloughed Federal employee, will I be required to look for work if I file for UI benefits?

While on furlough, an individual remains an employee of the Federal Government. Therefore, executive branch-wide standards of ethical conduct and rules regarding outside employment continue to apply when an individual is furloughed (specifically, the executive branch-wide standards of ethical conduct at 5 CFR part 2635). Furloughed federal employees will not be required to obtain job search contacts if they file for unemployment benefits in the District of Columbia.

15. What number should I call for general questions?

Updates will be posted on our website at www.does.dc.gov and www.dcnetworks.org, or you may call the Customer Navigation Center at (202) 724-7000. Please be aware that due to the anticipated high call volume and long wait times related to questions regarding the impact of the federal government shutdown on current UI claimants, federal employees who are furloughed during this time, as well as all other unemployment insurance benefits customers, in general, may be unable to speak directly with customer service representatives by phone.

16. Will furloughed workers who receive unemployment benefits be required to pay them back if they receive retroactive pay?

Yes. If workers receive retroactive pay from an employer, they will be required to pay back unemployment benefits. This would occur when the retroactive pay is awarded.

17. If I worked for the Pentagon, will I qualify for unemployment benefits in the District?

No. For unemployment insurance purposes, the Pentagon is located in Arlington, VA. If you worked at the Pentagon, please contact the State of Virginia to file an unemployment claim using the following link: www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed.

18. If I worked for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will I qualify for unemployment benefits in the District?

No. For unemployment insurance purposes, there are no airports within Washington, D.C. to employ TSA workers. If you performed work for Ronald Reagan National Airport, please contact the State of Virginia to file an unemployment claim. Links to the Virginia Employment Commission can be found at www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed.

19. If I worked for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), can I file a claim for unemployment benefits?

Yes. In regards to the CIA, workers of the Agency must file a claim with the District of Columbia rather than the State of Virginia to qualify for unemployment benefits.

Other Importaint Information:

Directory/Mobile Title:

Federal Government Shutdown Frequently Asked Questions

Topic(s):

Children and youth services

Education and schools

Jobs and employment

Audience(s):

District Employees

Mayor Name Change:

Yes

Service Type:

FOIA Category:

Important Notice for Federal Employees Who Were Furloughed Due to the Federal Government Shutdown 2024

Attachment(s):

Preguntas Frecuentes sobre el Cierre Federal del Seguro de Desempleo UI Federal Shutdown FAQ

Aviso importante para empleados del gobierno federal que fueron afectados por el cierre del gobierno 24

Declaración Jurada de Salarios Federales del Reclamante del Seguro de Desempleo 2024

Contact TTY:

711

Customer Service 311:

Customer Service 311

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District of Columbia Labor Force, Employment and Unemployment

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District of Columbia Unemployment Rate Improves to 6.1 Percent in February

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 14:25:55 +0000

Friday, March 25, 2022

(Washington, DC) – The District of Columbia’s Department of Employment Services reported today that the seasonally adjusted preliminary unemployment rate was 6.1 percent in February 2022; this was a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from the revised January 2022 rate of 6.3 percent. The rate has decreased by 1.3 percentage points from 7.4 percent in January 2015, when Mayor Muriel Bowser took office.

“The February job numbers are encouraging and reflect the workforce advancements made by the Bowser Administration, across all eight wards,” said DOES Director Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes. “DC is open, businesses are hiring, and the District’s economy continues to strengthen.” Since January 2015, the unemployment rates in Wards 7 and 8 have improved by 3.4 percentage points and 4.2 percentage points, respectively – and there are 8,700 more DC residents employed across the District.

The DC preliminary February job estimates show an increase of 2,800 jobs, for a total of 756,800 jobs in the District. The private sector increased by 3,100 jobs. The public sector decreased by 300 jobs. The number of employed District residents increased by 400, from 361,000 in January 2022 to 361,400 in February 2022. The civilian labor force for the District decreased by 500 from 385,300 in January 2022 to 384,800 in February 2022. The labor force participation rate increased by 0.1 percentage point from 71.7 percent in January 2022 to 71.8 percent in February 2022. The numbers are drawn from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) through its monthly survey of the District of Columbia’s employers.

Employment Overview

Manufacturing sector remained the same, after decreasing by 100 jobs the prior month. With employment at 1,100 jobs, jobs increased by 100 jobs or 10% from a year ago.
Mining, Logging and Construction sector decreased by 200 jobs, after decreasing by 300 jobs the prior month. With employment at 14,800 jobs, jobs decreased by 100 or .67 percent from a year ago.
Trade, Transportation, and Utilities sector increased by 700 jobs, after decreasing by 1,000 jobs in the prior month. With employment at 30,700 jobs, jobs increased by 2,400 or 8.48 percent from a year ago
Information sector increased by 100 jobs, after decreasing by 200 jobs in the prior month. With employment at 19,600 jobs, jobs increased by 300 or 1.55 percent from a year ago.
Financial Activities sector remained the same, after decreasing of 300 jobs in the prior month. With employment at 27,200 jobs, jobs decreased by 900 jobs or 3.2 percent from a year ago.
Professional and Business Services sector increased by 900 jobs, after a decrease of 1,900 jobs in the prior month. With employment at 172,200 jobs, jobs increased by 9,400 or 5.77 percent from a year ago.
Educational and Health Services sector increased by 2,400 jobs, after a decrease of 2,300 jobs in the prior month. With employment at 121,900 jobs, jobs decreased by 1,300 or 1.06 percent from a year ago.
Leisure and Hospitality sector decreased by 1,100 jobs, after a decrease of 2,200 jobs in the prior month. With employment at 58,700 jobs, jobs increased by 23,000 or 64.43 percent from a year ago.
Other Services sector increased by 300 jobs, after a decrease of 100 jobs in the prior month. With employment at 71,500 jobs, jobs increased by 800 or 1.13 percent from a year ago.

Labor Force Overview

The number of employed District residents increased by 400 over the month to 361,400. The civilian labor force decreased by 500 to 384,800.
One year ago, total employment was 351,100 and the civilian labor force was 376,100.

The number of unemployed was 25,000, and the unemployment rate was 6.7 percent.

NOTES: The February 2022 final and March 2022 preliminary unemployment rates, will be released on Monday April 18, 2022. Historica1 jobs and labor force estimates for the District of Columbia and detailed labor market information is available here.

Technical Notes: Estimates of industry employment and unemployment levels are determined through the use of two different monthly surveys.

Industry employment data is derived from the Current Employment Statistics (CES) survey, a monthly survey of business establishments conducted by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the US Department of Labor, which provides estimates of employment, hours, and earnings data broken down by industry for the nation as a whole, all states, and most major metropolitan areas (often referred to as the “establishment” survey).

Resident employment and unemployment data are mainly derived from the District’s portion of the national Current Population Survey (CPS), a household survey conducted each month by the US Census Bureau under contract with BLS, which provides input to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program (often referred to as the “household” survey).

Both industry and household estimates are revised each month based on additional information from updated survey reports compiled by BLS. In addition, these estimates are benchmarked (revised) annually based on actual counts from the District’s Unemployment Compensation Law administrative records and other data.

Data reflects 2021 annual benchmark revisions.
Industry employment data is not seasonally adjusted.

Attachment(s):

District of Columbia Industry Employment

DC Ward Data

1800 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 18:05:14 +0000

GIS Address:

1800 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE

City:

Washington

State:

Zip:

20020

American Job Center Reopens to Aid District Recovery

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 20:41:10 +0000

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Services will be available by appointment only

(WASHINGTON, DC) – As part of Washington DC’s reopening, the Department of Employment Services (DOES) will begin providing in-person services at the American Job Center at 4058 Minnesota Avenue NE, Washington DC 20019. Washingtonians will be able to register for appointments to receive help with unemployment insurance, paid family leave, and workforce services.

“As Washington reopens, so will our services,” said Director Unique Morris-Hughes. “We have tirelessly provided services throughout the pandemic, but we are excited to once again welcome people into our office. As public health guidance allows, we will continue to increase our in-person capacity.”

Starting today, individuals who would like to utilize in-person services may register for appointments at does.dc.gov beginning June 28, 2021. Appointments will be available Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. New appointments will be made available for registration every Friday at 10:00 a.m.

The following services are available for appointments:

Workforce case management, applications, and taxes
Unemployment Insurance Assistance
Paid Family Leave case management, applications, and taxes
CASAS Testing (scheduled by case managers)
Resource Room for computers, resume writing, and other services
Benefit Control Unit for individuals who face issues with overpayment

Residents are still encouraged to call to call (202) 724-7000, which can handle most inquiries.

Office of First Source Compliance

Mon, 24 May 2021 14:33:44 +0000

First Source Law

Workforce Intermediary Establishment and Reform of the First Source Amendment Act of 2011, effective February 24, 2012 (D.C. Law 19-84).

The First Source Law requires all beneficiaries of contractual agreements totaling $300,000 or more to enter into a First Source Employment Agreement with the Department of Employment Services.

For more than 30 years, First Source has been one of the driving forces in the District’s strategy to reduce unemployment by ensuring that D.C. residents receive priority consideration for new jobs created by local government-assisted projects or contracts.

First Source Registration and Reporting Systems

First Source Online Registration and Reporting System (FORRS) is the sole registration and reporting system for companies responsible for managing and reporting the First Source contract compliance of the 51% Hiring requirements.

FORRS Upgrades

The Office of First Source Compliance has made upgrades to FORRS to enhance monitoring features and support first source reporting. Some new features include additional data fields that capture and track direct and indirect labor costs, as well as workforce statistics such as job titles, employee attrition and referral sources of new hires.

The LCPtracker is the sole reporting system for companies responsible for managing and reporting the First Source Hours Worked Percentages requirements.

First Source Compliance Fact Sheets

First Source Compliance Semi Annual Reports

For more information about First Source Reporting and Compliance, click links below:

OFFICE OF FIRST SOURCE COMPLIANCE

4058 Minnesota Avenue, NE Suite 3802
Washington, DC 20019
Mainline (202) 698-6284
Fax Number (202) 698-5717

[email protected]" title="firstsource email">[email protected]

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Office of First Source Compliance

Topic(s):

Government

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Data, demographics and maps

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DOES Header

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 05:19:31 +0000

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Performance Reports

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 19:54:20 +0000

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1015 Half Street, SE, 9th Floor

Thu, 24 May 2018 14:21:03 +0000

GIS Address:

1015 Half Street, SE, 9th Floor

City:

Washington

State:

District of Columbia

Zip:

20003

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Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:03:26 +0000

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Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:02:27 +0000

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DOES Data & Performance

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 14:47:23 +0000

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DC Infrastructure Academy

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 16:06:16 +0000

The District of Columbia Infrastructure Academy (DCIA) is a key initiative of Mayor Muriel Bowser's administration, led by the Department of Employment Services.

Infrastructure is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. DOES has opened the DC Infrastructure Academy to meet the need for skilled infrastructure professionals in Washington, DC.

DCIA coordinates, trains, screens and recruits residents to fulfill the needs of the infrastructure industry and infrastructure jobs with leading companies in this high-demand field. DCIA is located in the Anacostia neighborhood in Ward 8.

Programs and services include:

PEPCO Utility Training Program
Solar Works DC
OSHA-10
OSHA-30
IT Helpdesk Training
Level Up Remediation Services
Energy, Construction and Utility Program
CDL Training
Automotive
Flagger
Job Fairs
Job Referrals and more!

For additional information, DCIA calendar of events, and resources, please visit the new DCIA website.

For more information about opportunities to partner or register for training, call 202-899-6040 or email [email protected]">[email protected].

More Information:

DC Infrastructure Academy 18 Month Report

DC Infrastructure Academy Address:
2330 Pomeroy Road SE, Washington, DC 20020

Closest Metro Station: Anacostia Metro Station
Closest Bus Lines: A33, W2, W3, W6, W8, and Circulator

Directory/Mobile Title:

DC Infrastructure Academy

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Audience(s):

Mayor Name Change:

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FOIA Category:

Contact Email:

[email protected]

Contact Phone:

(202) 899-6040

Contact TTY:

711

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