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Unemployment calculator  →  District of Columbia

District of Columbia Unemployment Calculator (2026)

In 2026, unemployment benefits in Washington DC range from $50 to $444 a week, based on your highest-earning quarter. Everyone who qualifies gets the same duration: a flat 26 weeks.

Data verified 2026-07-04Source: US DOL + state statuteEffective 2026-01-01
Weekly benefit range
$50 – $444
Duration
26 weeks
Formula
highest quarter ÷ 26
Apply with
District of Columbia's unemployment agency official
The actual rule

How District of Columbia calculates it

The District of Columbia takes your highest-earning quarter and divides it by 26. For example, if your best quarter was $10,400, your weekly benefit is $10,400 divided by 26, which is $400.

The weekly benefit is at least $50 and at most $444 in 2026. DC does not pay a dependents allowance, so your amount is based only on your own wages.

Benefits last a uniform 26 weeks for everyone who qualifies, no matter how much you earned. To qualify money-wise, your total base-period wages must generally be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter (or within $70 of that), with at least $1,950 across two quarters and at least $1,300 in one quarter.

highest quarter ÷ 26, clamped to $50 – $444
Source: US DOL “Significant Provisions of State UI Laws” (Jan 2026) + state statute · verified 2026-07-04
Qualifying

Do you qualify in District of Columbia?

To qualify in the District of Columbia, your total base-period wages must be at least 1.5 times your highest-earning quarter, or come within $70 of that amount. You also need at least $1,950 in wages across two quarters and at least $1,300 in a single quarter. Beyond the wage tests, you generally must have lost your job through no fault of your own, be able and available for work, and actively look for work each week you claim. The DC unemployment agency makes the final decision on every claim.

Maximum total benefit: N/A (uniform duration).

Common questions

District of Columbia unemployment, in plain language

How much unemployment will I get in Washington DC? +
In 2026, Washington DC pays between $50 and $444 a week. Your amount is your highest-earning quarter divided by 26, capped at those limits.
How long does unemployment last in Washington DC? +
The District of Columbia pays a flat 26 weeks to everyone who qualifies. The duration does not shrink if you earned less. Extensions may exist during periods of high unemployment, but the standard program is 26 weeks.
How is the weekly benefit calculated in Washington DC? +
DC divides your highest-earning quarter by 26. For example, a best quarter of $10,400 gives you a $400 weekly benefit. The result is capped between $50 and $444 in 2026. There is no dependents allowance.
Can I work part-time and still get unemployment in Washington DC? +
Yes. The District disregards one-third of your gross wages plus $50 each week; earnings above that reduce your weekly benefit. If you earn too much, you get no benefit for that week. Report all work and gross earnings on your weekly claim.
Who qualifies for unemployment in the District of Columbia? +
Your base-period wages must total at least 1.5 times your highest quarter (or fall within $70 of that), with at least $1,950 across two quarters and $1,300 in one quarter. You also generally must be out of work through no fault of your own, able and available to work, and actively job searching. The DC unemployment agency decides each claim.
Is unemployment taxable in Washington DC? +
Yes, unemployment benefits count as taxable income on your federal return. You can ask to have federal income tax withheld from your payments by filing Form W-4V. Local and state tax treatment varies, so check with a tax professional or your tax agency. This is general information, not tax advice.
What if my unemployment claim in Washington DC is denied? +
You have the right to appeal a denial. Appeal deadlines are usually short, so act quickly once you receive the decision. Check with the District's unemployment agency for the exact steps and time limits, and keep filing weekly claims while the appeal is pending.
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