2026 · Washington DC
Washington DC unemployment benefits
Washington DC pays up to $444 a week for up to 26 weeks, a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#36 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Washington DC's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $50 - $444 |
| Maximum duration | 26 weeks (uniform 26) |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | high quarter |
| Taxed by Washington DC? | No, state-tax-free |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Washington DC
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $444 a week that hits Washington DC's maximum. Over 26 weeks that's up to $11,544 in total. Washington DC has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
Washington DC against its neighbors
Across the border in Virginia, the weekly cap is $478, $34 a week more than Washington DC's $444. That gap doesn't mean you can shop for a better rate: benefits come from the state where your wages were reported, not where you live now.
Worked in a bordering state? Its rules apply instead: Maryland , Virginia .
Questions about Washington DC unemployment
How much does Washington DC pay in unemployment?
Between $50 and $444 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (high quarter). The $444 maximum is a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#36 of 51).
How long does Washington DC unemployment last?
Up to 26 weeksuniform 26. At the $444 weekly maximum that caps total potential benefits at $11,544. The duration and the weekly amount are set separately, Washington DC sizes the check off high quarter but counts weeks on its own rules, so low earners may qualify for fewer weeks, and two people with the same weekly benefit can exhaust at different times.
Is Washington DC unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Washington DC does not tax it, it's state-tax-free.
Does severance affect my Washington DC unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Washington DC's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) before you file, since it is a real-money decision. Confirm the timing with DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) before you file rather than after, a difference of one week in when the claim starts can change whether a severance payment offsets the benefit. The tax side of the severance itself is on the Washington DC severance page.
File with DC Department of Employment Services (DOES). This is an estimate, DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) determines your actual benefit.
Your Washington DC layoff toolkit
- Washington DC severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Washington DC paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Washington DC 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Washington DC's agency determines your actual benefit. Figures from the verified 2026 dataset, last verified 2026-07-24. Nothing you enter is stored. Not tax or legal advice.