Unemployment After Quitting in District of Columbia
When quitting a job in District of Columbia still qualifies for unemployment, and what counts as good cause.
Short answer: If you quit your most recent job without good cause connected with the work, you are ineligible until you have worked in 10 later weeks and earned at least 10 times your weekly benefit amount. D.C. Code § 51-110(a), (d)
| If you quit | If you quit your most recent job without good cause connected with the work, you are ineligible until you have worked in 10 later weeks and earned at least 10 times your weekly benefit amount. Good cause includes unsafe work locations or conditions that would cause a reasonable person to leave. Benefits cannot be denied for leaving to go with a spouse or domestic partner to a place where commuting is impractical, or to care for an ill or disabled family member. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 51-110(a), (d) |
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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 Being Fired 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 quit in District of Columbia?
If you quit your most recent job without good cause connected with the work, you are ineligible until you have worked in 10 later weeks and earned at least 10 times your weekly benefit amount. Good cause includes unsafe work locations or conditions that would cause a reasonable person to leave. Benefits cannot be denied for leaving to go with a spouse or domestic partner to a place where commuting is impractical, or to care for an ill or disabled family member.
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.