District of Columbia unemployment calculator
Estimate your District of Columbia unemployment benefit: 1/26 of your highest quarter of wages, from $50 to $444 a week for up to 26 weeks. July 2026 rules.
- ๐บ๐ธ US federal & state rules
- DOL state law summary, July 2026
- See sources
Estimated District of Columbia weekly benefit
$444.00
your highest quarter ร 1/26, capped at the $444 maximum
- Maximum weeks
- 26
- Total over the claim
- $11,544
- Per month
- $1,923
This is an example. Enter your numbers above and press the button to see your own result.
District of Columbia rules
| Minimum weekly benefit | $50 |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $444 |
| Weeks | 26 |
| Waiting week | yes, one unpaid week |
| Dependents allowance | no |
- Based on the U.S. Department of Labor summary of state laws, July 2026. Benefits are taxable income, and eligibility depends on why you left the job and whether you are looking for work.
Show the math
| Highest quarter | $12,000 |
|---|---|
| Second highest quarter | $11,000 |
| Base period total | $43,000 |
| Formula | your highest quarter ร 1/26 |
| Before limits | $461.54 |
| Weekly benefit | $444.00 |
What to do next
How it works
District of Columbia sets the weekly benefit as 1/26 of your highest quarter of wages. The result is limited to a minimum of $50 and a maximum of $444 and paid for up to 26 weeks. Enter the wages from your base period quarters and the calculator applies that formula.
Things to keep in mind
The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. Your highest quarter drives most formulas, so check your pay stubs for the quarter where you earned the most.
Figures come from the U.S. Department of Labor's summary of state laws, July 2026. The District of Columbia agency makes the actual determination, and benefits are taxable income.
Sources
Rules applied as of 2026-07-01. See the sources below for details.
- Significant Provisions of State UI Laws, Effective July 2026Checked 2026-10-19
Frequently asked questions
How much is unemployment in District of Columbia?
The weekly benefit is 1/26 of your highest quarter of wages, with a minimum of $50 and a maximum of $444. Benefits last up to 26 weeks.
How long does unemployment last in District of Columbia?
26 weeks for a regular claim. Extended benefits can apply when the state unemployment rate is high.
Can I work part time and still collect in District of Columbia?
Yes. District of Columbia adds $50 to your weekly benefit, subtracts 66% of what you earn that week, and rounds down to the dollar. The payment never goes above your regular weekly benefit.
Is there a waiting week in District of Columbia?
Yes. The first eligible week is unpaid in District of Columbia, so the first payment arrives after the second week of the claim.