Federal Government Shutdown Frequently Asked Questions

1.  Can I file a new claim while the Federal government is shut down?
Yes. While the federal government is shut down due to a lapse in federal appropriations for federal government employees, the District government will remain open. Federal government employees who are furloughed can file online at www.dcnetworks.org for unemployment compensation benefits.
 
2.  Should I continue to certify my weekly claim?
Yes. Individuals who are currently receiving unemployment compensation benefits should continue to certify for their weekly claims. Claimants will only be able to file their weekly continued claim forms online at www.dcnetworks.org or telephonically using the automated interactive voice response (IVR) system at 202-724-7000. Furloughed federal government employees would not need to complete the job-search section of the certification.
 
3.  If I make a mistake while filing for my weekly benefits, will I still receive my unemployment compensation benefits?
We strongly encourage claimants to answer all questions carefully and to thoroughly review all answers before submitting weekly claim forms online. If filing weekly certifications telephonically, we encourage claimants to listen carefully when responding to the automatic prompts. Mistakes will delay your payments until the assigned claims examiner is able to address individual issues. During the federal government shutdown, we anticipate an increased call volume, which may delay the wait time for assistance.
 
4.  If I complete my weekly certification on a Sunday, when will I receive my payment?
Once you complete the weekly certification, and if no issues arise, you will receive payment within seventy-two (72) hours.
  
5.  What is the one-week waiting period?
Under District law, there is a one-week waiting period before benefits are paid. The waiting period is the first week for which you would otherwise be eligible. Generally, this is the first week of your claim. No payment is made for the waiting period, which starts on Sunday and ends the following Saturday (e.g. If you file for benefits on Sunday, September 28, 2025, the waiting week will end on Saturday, October 4, 2025).

6.  As a Federal government employee, does the one-week waiting period apply to me?
Yes.  The one-week waiting period applies to all claimants filing for unemployment compensation benefits.
 
7.  How long does it take to approve my unemployment compensation application?
The District of Columbia is federally required to process Unemployment Insurance benefit claims within 21 days. Receiving the required information outlined above may allow DOES to process claims more quickly, assuming all other eligibility requirements are met.

Processing these claims depends on the following:

• Ensuring the claimant is filing in the jurisdiction where s/he physically worked (your physical duty station), AND
• How quickly DOES receives accurate wage information from the employee’s Standard Form 50 (SF-50), Standard Form 8 (SF-8), Claimant Affidavit of Federal Civilian Service (ES 935), pay stubs, W-2s, or other wage documentation.

Note that you must submit a copy of your Claimant Affidavit of Federal Civilian Service (ES 935), SF-50 and SF-8 with your application, if available. You should also provide wage documentation (such as your last two pay stubs and your W-2s).
See Claimant’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for more details on eligibility requirements.

8.  How do I provide my Claimant Affidavit of Federal Civilian Service (ES 935), Standard Form-50 and Standard Form-8 if I do not have them at the time I submit my application?
You can submit your Claimant Affidavit of Federal Civilian Service (ES 935), SF-50 and SF-8 by logging into your unemployment insurance portal at www.dcnetworks.org.
 
9.  Why do I have to provide my Standard Form-50 and Standard Form-8?
The SF-50 and SF-8 is required to determine the employing federal agency, as well as your duty station.

10.  How do I determine my duty station?
When reviewing your SF-50, refer to line 39. If you worked in the United States and line 39 does not state Washington, District of Columbia, file a claim with the state referenced on line 39.

11. If I work internationally for the federal government, where should I file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits?
If you worked internationally, you should file an unemployment claim with your state of residency within the United States. Links to all State Workforce Agencies can be found using the following link: www.servicelocator.org/OWSLinks.asp

12.  If I worked for a federal agency, but I’m a “trust” employee, what kind of claim do I file?
If you are a trust employee of a federal agency, you are not considered a federal employee for unemployment purposes. Therefore, you must file a traditional unemployment claim.
 
13.  How do I determine what employing agency to list on the initial claim application?
On your SF-50, refer to line 46, which will be the state employing department or agency.

14.  What if I don’t know my 3-digit agency code?
You may find your 3-digit agency code on your SF-8 form, marked “Code No.”

15.  As a furloughed Federal employee, will I be required to look for work if I file for UI benefits?
Furloughed federal employees will not be required to obtain job search contacts if they file for unemployment benefits in the District of Columbia. While on furlough, an individual remains an employee of the Federal Government. Therefore, executive branch-wide standards of ethical conduct and rules regarding outside employment continue to apply when an individual is furloughed (specifically, the executive branch-wide standards of ethical conduct at 5 CFR part 2635). Furloughed contractors for the Federal Government will be required to obtain job search contacts.

16.  What number should I call for general questions?
Call our Customer Navigation Center at (202) 724-7000 (M-F, 8:30am to 4:30pm). Updates will also be posted on our website at www.does.dc.gov and www.dcnetworks.org.
 
17.  If I worked for the Pentagon, will I qualify for unemployment benefits in the District?
No. For unemployment insurance purposes, the Pentagon is in Arlington, Virginia. Contact the State of Virginia to file an unemployment claim.

18.  If I worked for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will I qualify for unemployment benefits in the District?
No. For unemployment insurance purposes, there are no airports within Washington, D.C. to employ TSA workers. If you performed work for Ronald Reagan National Airport. Contact the State of Virginia to file an unemployment claim.

19.  If I worked for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), can I file a claim for unemployment benefits?
Yes. CIA employees must file a claim with the District of Columbia rather than the State of Virginia to qualify for unemployment insurance benefits.

20.  Will furloughed employees who receive unemployment benefits be required to pay them back if they receive retroactive pay? 
Yes. If workers receive retroactive pay from an employer, they will be required to repay unemployment benefits. This would occur when the retroactive pay is awarded.
 

CLICK HERE to begin your claim.