On $450 a week in District of Columbia, about $225 in weekly benefits.

What shapes the award.

Weekly range

$50 to $444. Wage requirements still apply.

Duration

Up to 26 weeks under this program. The modeled benefit balance is $5,850.

Dependents

No dependents allowance in this modeled regular benefit.

Base period

First four of the last five completed calendar quarters. An alternate or extended period may be available under the state’s conditions. Understand the quarters.

Alternate-period detail

If standard-period wages are insufficient, use the last four completed calendar quarters before the benefit year starts. Wages used to establish a claim cannot be reused for another benefit year; DOES selects and verifies the period.

Reporting work

Report gross earnings, including self-employment, tips and commissions, for the week the work was done before payday. If the amount is not yet known, use hours times hourly pay and contact DOES to correct an inaccurate estimate. Report other income as instructed; do not subtract taxes or costs here.

Partial-week conditions

Work must be less than full time. Exactly 66% of gross earnings must be less than the weekly rate plus $50. Add $50 to the established rate, deduct 66% of gross earnings, limit the payment to the regular rate, then round down to a whole dollar. Full-time work stops ordinary benefits regardless of earnings; the employer determines full-time status.

Duration conditions

Ordinary regular benefits provide a balance of 26 established weekly rates, rounded down if necessary. The balance uses a wage-shortfall adjusted rate when applicable. Ongoing weekly eligibility is required; extensions and special programs are not included.

Work registration

Register and inquire for work with the employment office designated by DOES, following its notices. DCNetworks and the Unemployment Insurance Benefits System use ID.me single sign-on from September 4, 2025. Keep account access current and follow the agency’s registration and appointment instructions.

Repeat benefit years

For back-to-back claims, covered employment after the prior claim began must pay at least ten times the prior claim’s weekly rate. The base-period wage requirements still apply. Previously used and overlapping wages require DOES review; the estimator does not establish intervening work.

Before you count on it.

• Covered wages and employment are required.
• This checks only the modeled monetary rules. The agency also checks your employment history and other eligibility conditions.
• Separation, availability, work search and certification can affect payment.
• Tax withholding, offsets and agency adjustments can change the amount received.

This is a wage calculation and an informational screen. Your agency or insurer decides your claim.

Keeping the claim eligible.

Complete at least two verifiable contacts for new work each claimed week and keep dates, employer details, job titles, methods and results. Supply the log when requested and attend assigned reemployment services. Exceptions require agency confirmation. The January 31, 2026 furloughed federal-employee waiver does not cover federal contractors or separated workers; check the current waiver instructions with DOES.

Taxes and the amount received.

Benefits are generally subject to federal and District income tax. Optional withholding is 10% for federal tax; District residents may request 5% District withholding. This estimate is before withholding and other offsets. Retain Form 1099-G and use the claimant portal and tax-agency instructions.