What are the work search requirements to remain eligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits in the District of Columbia?
To remain eligible for UI benefits, claimants must actively look for work each week. Claimants are required by Federal and District law to complete at least two (2) verifiable work search contacts each week and keep a record of efforts.
A work search contact may include:
- Applying for jobs in person, by mail, phone, online, or email
- Attending a job fair
- Contacting prospective employers
- Using an employment agency or placement service
- Participating in a workforce program or activity offered through the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES)
Failure to complete the work search requirements or refusal to accept suitable work omay affect eligibility and may result in a denial of benefits.
Are there any exemptions from the work search requirements?
Claimants who are members of a union in good standing, and whose union actively seeks work on the claimant’s behalf, may be exempt from the weekly work search requirement. To qualify, claimants must remain in good standing with the union and be available for suitable work referred by the union. All union-related exemptions are subject to verification by the Department of Employment Services.
NOTE: Effective October 10, 2025, per the administrative policy issuance, the Department of Employment Services (DOES) has waived work search requirements for furloughed federal government employees. However, this does not apply to federal contractors, separated employees, or other claimants.
Do I have to keep a record of my weekly work search contacts?
Claimants are required to maintain a record of the weekly work search contacts, which includes the following:
- Date of application
- Employer name
- Job title or position to which claimant applied
- Employer contact information (such as phone number, address, email, or website link)
- Method of contact (online, email, in person, etc.)
The Office of Unemployment Compensation may request to review the work search record at any time during or after the benefit year.
Claimants may use the work search log form available through DOES to help track weekly activities. Failure to provide the work search contacts upon request may result in ineligibility for benefits.
What happens if I’m denied benefits for not meeting the work search requirements?
A denial for failing to meet the work search requirements applies only to the specific week in which the claimant did not report the required contacts. Once the claimant resumes performing at least two valid work search contacts each week, eligibility can continue.
The claimant can prevent disqualification by completing the required work search requirements on time and keeping accurate records of the claimants' efforts. If benefits are denied, the claimant will receive a written determination explaining the reason for the denial and appeal rights.
What if I disagree with the decision that is made about my benefits?
If the claimant disagrees with the decision, the claimant has the right to appeal. Appeals can be filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). For additional details click here.
What should I do if I’m returning to work part-time or with reduced hours?
Claimants should continue filing the weekly certifications and report any wages earned. Any wages earned may affect the weekly benefit amount.
What happens if I cannot provide evidence of my work search contacts?
If the claimant cannot provide evidence of the work search contacts, or if the information submitted cannot be verified, the claimant may be denied benefits for the week(s) in question. Failure to provide work search contacts upon request may also result in a disqualification.