What is Unemployment Compensation?
Unemployment compensation, also called unemployment insurance or UI, is a program that pays benefits to people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. These benefits are managed by the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) and funded by the taxes paid by DC employers.
Unemployment Insurance provides temporary financial assistance to qualified individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the District of Columbia. Each person who collects Unemployment Insurance benefits is legally responsible for making sure he or she follows the rules set by the District. The program is not a right to all who have lost their job.
Keep these top ten key facts in mind when you are filing for UI benefits to ensure accurate and quick payment of benefits.
What is UCFE?
The UCFE program provides unemployment compensation for former Federal employees who lost their employment through no fault of their own.
Who qualifies for UCFE?
You may get unemployment benefits under UCFE if you were a former federal civilian employee and:
- Your last official duty station was in the District of Columbia;
- You are a resident of District of Columbia and your last official duty station was outside of the US; or
- To learn more about our eligibility, visit Information for Claimants
Workers should apply for UI benefits in the jurisdiction of their "duty station." This means, for example, that if you are a Marylander who is laid off from a federal job based in Virginia, you should apply for benefits in Virginia. Here are direct links to apply for UI benefits in Maryland and Virginia.
Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees FAQs (pdf)
How to apply for Unemployment Insurance in DC:
Career Support for Job Seekers
DOES provides job seekers with a number of employment opportunities through its American Job Centers. Each center provides career counseling, career planning, resume assistance, direct job placement, classroom and on-the-job training, access to America's Job Bank (both online and via the phone), information about local and national labor markets, unemployment compensation and much more. Browse our DCNetworks.org employment site to learn how DOES can help you further your career goals. At this website, you can post a resume, apply for a specific job or do a self-directed job search. Head over to DCNetworks.org to get started.
- American Job Center
- Click HERE to schedule AJC Partner Services (Virtual Appointments)
- You may also reach the American Job Center by phone at (202) 724-7000.
- American Job Center - Activity Calendar and Locations
- Job Seeker Resources
- Career Ready DC is a free service that provides residents access to AI-Technology for Career Searching
- DC is Hiring! Public Service Career Hub
- DC Infrastructure Academy recruits, screens, and trains District residents to take on infrastructure careers with leading companies in this high-demand field
- DC Alliance for Healthcare Careers has a significant need for skilled healthcare workers in critical healthcare roles
- Upcoming Job Fairs
Federal Employment Guidance
- Here are some resources that support your rights as a Federal employee. These links are provided for informational purposes only, and not as legal advice.
- US Office of Personnel Management, Employee Rights and Appeals
- US Office of Special Counsel, Your Rights as a Federal Employee (pdf)
- Employment Rights Under Federal Law
- Accommodation to Qualified Employees with Disabilities
- Whistleblower Protections and Accompanying Resources
- Prohibited Personnel Practices Including the Right to Appeal
- Information on Civil Service Law
DC Government Employment Opportunities
The DC Department of Human Resources is excited to announce the creation of the Public Service Career Hub that provides robust support and employment resources in District government for public service professionals. The hub serves as a crucial tool for job seekers with specialized skills and experience, guiding them to relevant employment opportunities within the DC government.
The Public Service Career Hub emphasizes mid-level and senior-level job opportunities in DC Government that are essential for the community. This strategy ensures that these important positions are filled by highly qualified individuals promptly.
This initiative aims to benefit job seekers who have a passion for public service and desire to contribute to the continued efficiency and effectiveness of serving the residents and visitors of the District of Columbia. For more details, please visit the District of Columbia's Public Service Career Hub DCHR.