Unemployment Compensation Services The District of Columbia's Unemployment Compensation Program pays benefits to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own, and who are ready, willing, and able to work. The program is administered by the Department of Employment Services (DOES) and financed by taxes paid by employers doing business in the District. No deductions are taken from workers' paychecks. Any worker who is unemployed or working less than full-time may file a claim. Claim applications may be filed at selected One-Stop Career Centers in the District of Columbia. Please call the One-Stop Career Center first to make an appointment. When you report for your appointment, please bring your social security card or an official form of identification along with your most recent W-2 Form(s) and your last earnings statement, if they are available. The following pages describe elements of the Unemployment Compensation Program and explain basic rights and responsibilities: Claimant Eligibility Dislocated Workers Unit File for Unemployment Benefits Information for Employers The statements on these pages do not have the effect of law or regulation. If you have specific questions regarding a claim, please contact an unemployment compensation representative at your nearest One-Stop Career Center.