The American Job Center Headquarters is now open for in-person services by appointment only. New appointments will be made available every Friday at 10 a.m. The use of face masks is required within the AJC.

Beginning July 1, 2021, the minimum wage in the District of Columbia will increase from $15.00 per hour to $15.20 per hour for all workers, regardless of the size of the employer.

The base minimum wage for tipped employees will increase from $5.00 per hour to $5.05. However, if an employee’s hourly tip earnings (averaged weekly) added to the base minimum wage do not equal the District’s full minimum wage, the employer must pay the difference.

The DC Department of Employment Services has successfully implemented the extension of benefits under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).  This includes claimants that qualify under all current programs under the CARES Act (PUA, PEUC, FPUC, MEUC and EB).

DOES has updated our systems to accommodate the new extensions under the American Rescue Plan Act.

In March 2021, the Biden Administration implemented additional provisions and extensions in the American Rescue Plan Act and the Continued Assistance Act.  With these improvements, all unemployment offices are federally required to extend these benefits to those who qualify.

The DOES Office of Unemployment Compensation (OUC) Shared Work Unemployment Insurance Program (Shared Work) is a voluntary program that provides an alternative to layoffs for employers confronted with a temporary decline in business. 

The District of Columbia’s Paid Family Leave program provides employees with benefits when they are out on leave from work to bond with a new child, take care of a family member, or take care of their own serious health condition. 
 
To learn if you qualify and how to apply for benefits, visit dcpaidfamilyleave.dc.gov.