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Unemployment During Federal Shutdown

To qualify for unemployment insurance benefits, you must file an initial claim. It is important to submit your claim promptly if you are unemployed or working part-time, as your eligibility begins the week you file. Remember that unemployment benefits are determined based on the location of your workplace, not your residence.

Unemployment Photo

 

Before Filing a Claim

Before filing a claim, ensure you have the following information: 

  • Personal Information: Your name, date of birth, Social Security number, residential and mailing address, telephone number, and email address
  • Employer Information: For each employer you worked for during the last 18 months, please provide the: name, address, and telephone number for each employer, employment start and end dates; if applicable, your return-to-work date, and reason for separation from each employer
  • Citizenship Status: If you are not a U.S. citizen or national, your Alien Registration Number
  • Former Military Status, if applicable: If you were in the military within the last 18 months, your former military status and DD214 - Member 4 document is needed
  • Union Name and Local Number  (if applicable)
  • Former Federal Government Employee Status, if applicable: If you are a former federal employee, provide Form SF-50 or SF-8
  • Name, Date of Birth, and Social Security Number for each Dependent  

File a Claim

Maryland Employees

Maryland workers can file claims with the Division of Unemployment Insurance online at mdunemployment.com.  

To contact a claim agent to file a new claim by phone or to inquire about an existing claim, please call 667-207-6520. Claim agents are available from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Hours may be modified during holidays. 

You can also file a claim with a local Claim Center: 

College Park Claim Center: 

  • Phone: 301-313-8000
  • Toll-free: 1-877-293-4152 
DC Employees

District workers can file claims with the Office of Unemployment Compensation online at does.dcnetworks.org. For more information, please visit https://unemployment.dc.gov/page/apply-benefits.    

To contact a claim agent to file a new claim by phone or to inquire about an existing claim, please call (202) 724-7000. Claim agents are available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Hours may be modified during holidays. 

VA Employees

The Virginia Employment Commission administers the state’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits program, which provides temporary financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Funded by employer-paid taxes under the Virginia Unemployment Compensation Act, this program supports workers, families, and communities while stabilizing the economy. We connect individuals to employment services and training managed by the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement (DWDA), also known as Virginia Works which provides access to a suite of tools and resources to support every jobseeker’s career navigation and job search needs. 

To apply online: For a fast and secure way to apply for unemployment benefits, we strongly recommend you apply online with the new alternate login option, ID.me. Just click on the green “Sign In with ID.Me” button in this link to get started. https://uidirect.vec.virginia.gov/CSS/CSSLogon.htm

To apply by phone: Please call 1-866-832-2363 (toll-free) between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Please be aware that there may be long wait times when using the phone method.
We encourage you to use our online application process with ID.me to avoid potential delays and experience a faster, more secure way to access your unemployment benefits.

Do you require an ADA Accommodation? Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Virginia Relay enables people who are deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf/Blind, or speech disabled to communicate by TTY (text telephone). Individuals who need this service can access the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711 or 800-828-1140.

Information From Federal Partners 

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Federal Government Shutdown