Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in District of Columbia
Whether 1099 contractors, gig workers and the self-employed can collect unemployment in District of Columbia, and what misclassified workers can do.
Short answer: D.C. unemployment law covers any individual who is an employee under the usual common-law rules for deciding the employer-employee relationship, plus certain listed workers such as some agent or commission drivers and full-time traveling salespeople. D.C. Code § 51-101
| Self-employed, 1099 and gig workers | D.C. unemployment law covers any individual who is an employee under the usual common-law rules for deciding the employer-employee relationship, plus certain listed workers such as some agent or commission drivers and full-time traveling salespeople. Earnings from self-employment count as earnings under the law. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 51-101 |
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Where to get help in District of Columbia
More District of Columbia unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your District of Columbia Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment After Being Fired 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 self-employed or gig workers get unemployment in District of Columbia?
D.C. unemployment law covers any individual who is an employee under the usual common-law rules for deciding the employer-employee relationship, plus certain listed workers such as some agent or commission drivers and full-time traveling salespeople. Earnings from self-employment count as earnings under the law.
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.