The weekly work search rule in DC
At least 2 verifiable work search contacts each week, and keep a record of them.
Answer the work search question on your weekly continued claim (online at DCNetworks or by phone). Keep your own record of your 2 contacts each week; send it to DOES only when asked.
File and certify on the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services site. The rules can change, so check DOES's work search page if a letter from them says something different.
| DC rule | |
|---|---|
| Each week | At least 2 verifiable work search contacts each week, and keep a record of them. |
| How you report it | Answer the work search question on your weekly continued claim (online at DCNetworks or by phone). Keep your own record of your 2 contacts each week; send it to DOES only when asked. |
| Enter each activity online | No, you keep your own record |
| Keep records | Keep a record of each contact: date, employer name, job title, employer contact information and how you applied. DOES may ask to see it at any time during or after the benefit year. |
| Agency | District of Columbia Department of Employment Services |
Source: District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (unemployment.dc.gov), checked 2026-10-20.
What counts as a work search activity in DC
District of Columbia Department of Employment Services lists these:
- Applying for jobs in person, by mail, phone, online or email
- Going to a job fair
- Contacting possible employers
- Using an employment agency or placement service
- A workforce program or activity offered through DOES
Who does not have to search for work in DC
Union members in good standing whose union actively seeks work for them may be exempt (DOES verifies).
Keep your work search log free
Write down each activity the day you do it: the date, the employer, how you contacted them, the job, and what happened. If the state asks to see your search, the log is your proof.
The free work search log in Capstone Careers keeps it for you: each application you send through Capstone Careers goes on it by itself, you add the ones you do elsewhere, and you can save the week as a PDF.
Need more applications to reach your number? See openings near you and get a resume written for each one.
Training while you are on unemployment in DC
If you want to train for a new job, WIOA can pay for approved training if you qualify. See how WIOA works in DC.