Unemployment After Being Fired in District of Columbia
Whether you can collect unemployment in District of Columbia after being fired, what counts as misconduct, and how to appeal a denial.
Short answer: If you were fired for gross misconduct, you are ineligible until you have worked in 10 later weeks (not necessarily in a row) and earned at least 10 times your weekly benefit amount. D.C. Code § 51-110(b)
| If you were fired | If you were fired for gross misconduct, you are ineligible until you have worked in 10 later weeks (not necessarily in a row) and earned at least 10 times your weekly benefit amount. If you were fired for other (less serious) misconduct, you are ineligible for the first 8 weeks otherwise payable, or until you have worked 8 later weeks and earned at least 8 times your weekly benefit amount, and your total benefits are reduced by 8 times your weekly benefit amount. Misconduct is defined by DOES regulations. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 51-110(b) |
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| Appealing a denial | File your appeal with the D.C. Office of Administrative Hearings (not DOES) within 15 calendar days of the date DOES mailed the Claims Examiner's Determination (or from actual delivery if it was not mailed or went to the wrong address); a deadline on a weekend or holiday moves to the next business day. File in person or by mail at One Judiciary Square, 441 Fourth Street NW, Suite 450 North, Washington, DC 20001-2714, by fax to (202) 442-4789, or by email. Source: DOES, Information on Appeals |
Where to get help in District of Columbia
More District of Columbia unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your District of Columbia Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in District of Columbia
- Unemployment After Quitting in District of Columbia
- How Much Unemployment Pays in District of Columbia
- How to File for Unemployment in District of Columbia
- All District of Columbia unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
Can you get unemployment if you were fired in District of Columbia?
If you were fired for gross misconduct, you are ineligible until you have worked in 10 later weeks (not necessarily in a row) and earned at least 10 times your weekly benefit amount. If you were fired for other (less serious) misconduct, you are ineligible for the first 8 weeks otherwise payable, or until you have worked 8 later weeks and earned at least 8 times your weekly benefit amount, and your total benefits are reduced by 8 times your weekly benefit amount. Misconduct is defined by DOES regulations.
How do I appeal an unemployment denial in District of Columbia?
File your appeal with the D.C. Office of Administrative Hearings (not DOES) within 15 calendar days of the date DOES mailed the Claims Examiner's Determination (or from actual delivery if it was not mailed or went to the wrong address); a deadline on a weekend or holiday moves to the next business day. File in person or by mail at One Judiciary Square, 441 Fourth Street NW, Suite 450 North, Washington, DC 20001-2714, by fax to (202) 442-4789, or by email.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.