D.C. Code § 51-107 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-107
§ 51-107. Determination of amount and duration of benefits.
Status: in_force

(a) On and after January 1, 1938, benefits shall become payable from the Benefit Account of the District Unemployment Fund.
(b) (1) Subject to the limitations set forth in this section, an individual's weekly benefit amount shall be equal to one twenty-sixth (computed to the next higher multiple of $1) of the individual's total wages for insured work paid during the quarter of the individual's base period in which such total wages were highest.
  (2) Effective October 1, 2016, the maximum weekly benefit amount shall be $425.
  (3) (A) Effective January 1, 2018, and for each calendar year thereafter, the maximum weekly benefit amount shall be determined by the Director of the Department of Employment Services, subject to subparagraph (C) of this paragraph, by using the Department of Labor State Benefit Financing Model.
    (B) The Director shall consider increasing the maximum weekly benefit amount in proportion to any increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers in the Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area, published by the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, in making a determination, but may increase the maximum weekly benefit amount by a lesser amount, or may not increase it, when necessary to preserve an adequate balance in the District Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund through the Financial Plan.
    (C) (i) By September 30, 2017, and by September 30 of each subsequent year, the Director shall recommend to the Mayor the maximum weekly benefit amount, which shall become the maximum weekly benefit amount for the next calendar year, unless the Council passes a resolution disapproving the Director's recommendation pursuant to sub-subparagraph (ii) of this subparagraph.
      (ii) The Mayor shall promptly submit the recommendation, with a proposed resolution, to the Council for a 45-day period of review. If the Council does not approve or disapprove the recommendation, by resolution, within the 45-day period of review, the recommendation shall be deemed approved.
      (iii) If the Council passes a resolution of disapproval, the maximum weekly benefit amount then in effect shall continue in effect for the next calendar year.
(c) (1) To qualify for benefits an individual must have:
    (A) Been paid wages for employment of not less than $1300 in 1 quarter in his base period;
    (B) Been paid wages for employment of not less than $1950 in not less than 2 quarters in such period; and
    (C) Received during such period wages the total amount of which is equal to at least one and one-half times the amount of his wages actually received in the quarter in such period in which his wages were the highest.
  (2) If a claimant satisfies the above except that he received wages over the amount necessary to become eligible for maximum benefits, in the quarter in which his wages were the highest, then the additional wages received in such quarter shall not be considered in determining eligibility. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1)(C) of this subsection, any otherwise qualified individual, the total amount of whose wages during such period is less than the amount required to have been received during such period under such paragraph, may qualify for benefits, if the difference between the amounts so required to have been received and the total amount of his wages during such period does not exceed $70, but the amount of his weekly benefit, as computed under subsection (b) of this section, shall be reduced by $1 if such difference does not exceed $35, or by $2 if such difference is more than $35. Wages received by an individual in the period intervening between the end of his last base period and the beginning of his last benefit year shall not be available for benefit purposes in a subsequent benefit year unless he has, subsequent to the commencement of such last benefit year, performed services for which he received wages for employment as defined in this subchapter, in an amount equal to at least 10 times the weekly benefit amount for which he qualifies in such last benefit year. Benefits payable to an individual with respect to a week shall be reduced by any amount received or applied for with respect to such week as a retirement pension or annuity under a public or private retirement plan or system provided, or contributed to, by any base period employer; except that no reduction shall be made under this sentence for any amount received under title II of the Social Security Act. For benefit years beginning on or after July 1, 2004, benefits payable to an individual who applied for or is receiving a retirement pension or annuity under a public or private retirement plan or system provided or contributed to by any base period employer shall, under duly prescribed regulations, be reduced (but not below zero) by the prorated weekly amount of such retirement pension or annuity which is reasonably attributable to such week, provided that the claimant has not made contributions to the pension or annuity. An amount received with respect to a period other than a week shall be prorated by weeks. When an individual’s weekly benefit amount is reduced by a pension, the individual’s maximum weekly benefit amount shall be deducted from his total amount of benefits determined pursuant to subsection (d) of this section. Benefits payable to an individual with respect to a week shall be reduced by the amount of wages received in lieu of notice of dismissal, defined as dismissal payments that the employer is not legally required to make.
(d) Any otherwise eligible individual shall be entitled during any benefit year to a total amount of benefits equal to 26 times his weekly benefit amount ; provided, that the maximum duration of benefits determined on any initial claim made prior to March 15, 1983, shall continue to be 34 weeks during the benefit year to which the initial claim relates. Such total amount of benefits, if not a multiple of $1, shall be computed to the next lower multiple of $1.
(e) Any individual who is unemployed in any week as defined in § 51-101(5) and who meets the conditions of eligibility for benefits of § 51-109 and is not disqualified under the provisions of § 51-110 shall be paid with respect to such week an amount equal to the individual’s weekly benefit amount less any earnings payable to the individual with respect to such week deductible in accordance with the following formula: $50 will be added to the weekly benefit amount; from the resulting sum will be subtracted 66% of any earnings payable to the individual for such week. The resulting benefits, if not a multiple of $1, shall be computed to the next lower multiple of $1. In no event shall the amount paid for any week exceed the individual’s established weekly benefit amount.
(f) In addition to the benefits payable under the foregoing subsections of this section, each eligible individual who is unemployed in any week shall be paid with respect to such week $5 for each dependent relative, but not more than $20 shall be paid to an individual as dependent’s allowance with respect to any 1 week of unemployment nor shall any weekly benefit which includes a dependent’s allowance be paid in the amount of more than the established maximum benefit amount. An individual’s number of dependents shall be determined as of the day with respect to which he first files a valid claim for benefits in any benefit year, and shall be fixed for the duration of such benefit year. The dependent’s allowance is not to be taken into consideration in calculating the claimant’s total amount of benefits in subsection (d) of this section; provided, however, that this subsection shall not apply to claims for benefit years commencing on or after January 5, 1997.
(f-1) For claims for benefit years commencing after August 9, 2009, and before January 1, 2011, in addition to benefits payable under subsections (a) through (e) of this section, each eligible individual who is unemployed in any week shall be paid with respect to that week $15 for each dependent relative, but no more than $50 or 1/2 of the individual’s weekly benefit amount, whichever is less, with respect to any 1 week of unemployment. The amount of the dependent’s allowance paid to an individual shall not be charged to the individual account of an employer. The number of dependents of an individual shall be determined as of the day with respect to which the individual first files a valid claim for benefits in any benefit year and shall remain fixed for the duration of the benefit year. The dependent’s allowance shall not be taken into consideration in the total amount of benefits calculated pursuant to subsection (d) of this section.
(g) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, this subsection provides a program of extended benefits on and after January 1, 1972.
  (1) As used in this subsection, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
    (A) “Extended benefit period” means a period which:
      (i) Begins with the third week after a week in which a state “on” indicator occurs; and
      (ii) Ends with either of the following weeks, whichever occurs later:
        (I) The third week after the first week for which there is a state “off ” indicator; or
        (II) The 13th consecutive week of such period; provided, that no extended benefit period may begin by reason of a state “on” indicator before the 14th week following the end of a prior extended benefit period which was in effect with respect to the District.
    (B) For weeks commencing after September 25, 1982, there is a state “on” indicator for the District for a week if the rate of insured unemployment under this subchapter for the period consisting of such week and the immediately preceding 12 weeks:
      (i) Equaled or exceeded 120% of the average of such rates for the corresponding 13-week period ending in each of the preceding 2 calendar years; and
      (ii) Equaled or exceeded 5%; provided, that with respect to benefits for weeks of unemployment beginning on September 26, 1982, the determination of whether there is a state “on” or “off ” indicator beginning or ending any extended benefit period shall be made under this subsection as if:
        (I) This subparagraph did not contain sub-subparagraph (i) thereof; and
        (II) The figure “5” contained in sub-subparagraph (ii) thereof was “6”: except, that notwithstanding any such provision of this subsection any week for which there would otherwise be a state “on” indicator shall continue to be such a week and shall not be determined to be a week for which there is a state “off ” indicator.
    (C) There is a state “off ” indicator for the District for a week if, for the period consisting of that week and the immediately preceding 12 weeks, either sub-subparagraph (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (B) of this paragraph was not satisfied.
    (D) “Rate of insured unemployment”, for purposes of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of this paragraph, means the percentage derived by dividing: (i) the average weekly number of individuals filing claims for regular benefits in the District for weeks of unemployment with respect to the most recent 13-consecutive-week period as determined on the basis of reports to the Secretary of Labor, by (ii) the average monthly employment covered under this subchapter for the first 4 of the most recent 6 completed calendar quarters ending before the end of such 13-week period.
    (E) “Regular benefits” means benefits payable to an individual under this subchapter or under any state law (including benefits payable to federal civilian employees and to ex-servicemen pursuant to Chapter 85 of Title 5, United States Code) other than extended benefits.
    (F) “Extended benefits” means benefits (including benefits payable to federal civilian employees and to ex-servicemen pursuant to Chapter 85 of Title 5, United States Code) payable to an individual under the provisions of this subsection for weeks of unemployment in his eligibility period.
    (G) “Eligibility period” of an individual means the period consisting of the weeks in his benefit year which begin in an extended benefit period and, if his benefit year ends within the extended period, any weeks thereafter which begin in a period.
    (H) “Exhaustee” means an individual who, with respect to any week of unemployment in his eligibility period:
      (i) Has received, prior to such a week, all of the regular benefits that were available to him under this subchapter or any state law (including dependents’ allowances and benefits payable to federal civilian employees and ex-servicemen under Chapter 85 of Title 5, United States Code) in his current benefit year that includes such a week; provided, that for the purposes of this subparagraph, an individual shall be deemed to have received all of the regular benefits that were available to him although as a result of a pending appeal with respect to wages that were not considered in the original monetary determination in his benefits year, he may subsequently be determined to be entitled to added regular benefits; or
      (ii) His benefit year having expired prior to such a week, has no, or insufficient wages on the basis of which he established a new benefit year that would include such a week; and
      (iii) (I) Has no right to unemployment benefits or allowances, as the case may be, under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the Automotive Products Trade Act of 1965, and such other federal laws as are specified in regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor; and
        (II) Has not received and is not seeking unemployment benefits under the unemployment compensation law of Canada; but if he is seeking such benefits and the appropriate agency finally determines that he is not entitled to benefits under such law he is considered an exhaustee.
    (I) “State law” means the unemployment insurance law of any state, approved by the Secretary of Labor under § 3304 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
    (J) The provisions of subparagraphs (A)-(G) of this paragraph shall not apply to any time these provisions are suspended temporarily or permanently by federal law. If these provisions are suspended by federal law, the provisions of this subchapter which apply to claims for and the payment of regular benefits shall apply to claims for and the payment of extended benefits.
    (K) (i) For weeks of unemployment commencing March 18, 2020, there is a state “on” indicator if:
        (I) The average rate of total unemployment (seasonally adjusted), as determined by the United States Secretary of Labor, for the period consisting of the 3 most recent months for which data for all states are published before the close of any such week equals or exceeds 6.5%; and
        (II) The average rate of total unemployment in the District (seasonally adjusted), as determined by the United States Secretary of Labor, for the 3 months referred to in sub-sub-subparagraph (I) of this sub-subparagraph equals or exceeds 110% of such average rate for either of the corresponding 3-month periods ending in the 2 preceding calendar years.
      (ii) There is a state "off" indicator pursuant to this subparagraph for weeks of unemployment commencing November 29, 2020, or the latest date for which 100% federal sharing is available under any federal law, including section 4105 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, approved March 18, 2020 (Pub. L. No. 116-127; 134 Stat. 195) ("Families First Act"), or any subsequent amendment to the Families First Act.
    (L) (i) For weeks of unemployment commencing March 18, 2020, there is a state high unemployment period “on” indicator if the total unemployment insurance rate as established in subparagraph (K) of this paragraph equals or exceeds 8%.
      (ii) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 5(A) of this subsection, the total unemployment extended benefit amount payable to any individual pursuant to this subparagraph shall be the least of the following amounts:
        (I) Eighty percent of the total amount of regular benefits (including any applicable dependents’ allowance) that were payable to the individual under this subchapter in the individual’s applicable benefit year;
        (II) Twenty times the individual’s weekly benefit amount (including any applicable dependents’ allowance) which was payable to the individual under this subchapter for a week of total unemployment in the applicable benefit year; or
        (III) Forty-six times the individual’s weekly benefit amount (including any applicable dependents allowances) for a week of total unemployment in the applicable benefit year, reduced by the total amount of regular benefits that were paid (or deemed paid) to the individual under this subchapter with respect to the benefit year.
      (iii) There is a state "off" indicator pursuant to this subparagraph for weeks of unemployment commencing November 29, 2020, or the latest date for which 100% federal sharing is available under any federal law, including section 4105 of the Families First Act, or any subsequent amendment to the Families First Act.
  (2) Except when the result would be inconsistent with the other provisions of this subsection, the provisions of this subchapter which apply to claims for, or the payment of, regular benefits shall apply to claims for, and the payment of, extended benefits.
  (3) An individual shall be eligible to receive extended benefits with respect to any week of unemployment in his eligibility period only if the Director finds that with respect to such week:
    (A) He is an “exhaustee” as defined in paragraph (1)(H) of this subsection;
    (B) He has satisfied the requirements of this subchapter for the receipt of regular benefits that are applicable to individuals claiming extended benefits, including not being subject to a disqualification for the receipt of benefits; and
    (C) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this paragraph, an individual shall not be eligible for extended benefits if his monetary eligibility for regular benefits was based upon the total base period wages that did not exceed his highest quarterly wages by at least 1 1/2 times.
  (4) The weekly extended benefit amount payable to an individual for a week of total unemployment in his eligibility period shall be an amount equal to the weekly basic or augmented benefit amount, whichever is appropriate, payable to him during his applicable benefit year.
  (5) (A) The total extended benefit amount payable to any eligible individual with respect to his applicable year shall be the least of the following amounts:
      (i) Fifty percent of the total amount of regular benefits (including dependents’ allowances) which were payable to him under this subchapter in his applicable benefit year;
      (ii) Thirteen times his weekly benefit amount (including dependents’ allowances) which was payable to him under this subchapter for a week of total unemployment in the applicable benefit year; or
      (iii) Thirty-nine times his weekly benefit amount (including dependents’ allowances) which was payable to him under this subchapter for a week of total unemployment in the applicable benefit year, reduced by the total amount of regular benefits which were paid (or deemed paid) to him under this subchapter with respect to the benefit year.
    (B) For purposes of this paragraph, the total regular benefit amount shall be that amount (including dependents’ allowances) provided in the individual’s monetary determination or the amount of regular benefits (including dependents’ allowances) actually received, whichever is the greater.
    (C) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this paragraph, if the benefit year of any individual ends within an extended benefit period, the remaining balance of extended benefits that such an individual would, but for this section, be entitled to receive in that extended benefit period, with respect to weeks of unemployment beginning after the end of the benefit year, shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the product of the number of weeks for which the individual received trade readjustment allowances within that benefit year, multiplied by the individual’s weekly benefit amount for extended benefits.
  (6) (A) Whenever an extended benefit period is to become effective in the District (or in all states) as a result of a state or a national “on” indicator, or an extended benefit period is to be terminated in the District as a result of state and national “off ” indicators, the Director shall make an appropriate public announcement.
    (B) Computations required by the provisions of paragraph (1)(F) of this subsection shall be made by the Director in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor.
  (7) (A) In weeks commencing after June 30, 1981, except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, an individual shall not be eligible for extended benefits for such week if:
      (i) Extended benefits are payable for such week pursuant to an interstate claim filed in any state under the interstate payment plan; and
      (ii) No extended benefit period is in effect for such week in such state.
    (B) Subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall not apply with respect to the first 2 weeks for which extended benefits are payable (as determined without regard to this paragraph) pursuant to an interstate benefit payment plan to the individual with respect to the benefit year.
  (8) (A) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, an individual shall be ineligible for payment of extended benefits for any week of unemployment commencing after March 31, 1981, in his eligibility period if the Director finds that during such period:
      (i) He failed to accept any offer of suitable work (as defined under subparagraph (C) of this paragraph) or failed to apply for any suitable work to which he was referred by the Director; or
      (ii) He failed to actively engage in seeking work as prescribed under subparagraph (E) of this paragraph.
    (B) Any individual who has been found ineligible for extended benefits by reason of the provisions in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall also be denied benefits beginning with the first day of the week following the week in which such failure occurred and until he has been employed in each of 10 subsequent weeks (whether or not consecutive) and has earned remuneration equal to not less than 10 times the extended weekly benefit amount.
    (C) For purposes of this paragraph, the term “suitable work” means, with respect to any individual, any work which is within such individual’s capabilities; provided, that the gross average weekly remuneration payable for the work must:
      (i) Exceed the sum of:
        (I) The individual’s extended weekly benefit amount as determined under paragraph (4) of this subsection plus;
        (II) The amount, if any, of supplemental unemployment benefits (as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(17)(D)) payable to such individual for such week; and
      (ii) Pay wages not less than the higher of:
        (I) The minimum wage provided by 29 U.S.C. § 206 without regard to any exemption; or
        (II) The applicable state or local minimum wage; provided, further, that no individual shall be denied extended benefits for failure to accept an offer of suitable work or apply for any job which meets the definition of suitability as described above if:
          (aa) The position was not offered to such individual in writing or was not listed with the employment service;
          (bb) Such failure could not result in a denial of benefits under the definition of suitable work for regular benefit claimants in § 51-110(c) to the extent that the criteria of suitability in that section are not inconsistent with the provisions of this subparagraph; or
          (cc) The individual furnishes satisfactory evidence to the Director that his prospects for obtaining work in his customary occupation within a reasonably short period are good. If such evidence is deemed satisfactory for this purpose, the determination of whether any work is suitable with respect to such individual shall be made in accordance with the definition of suitable work for regular benefit claimants in § 51-110(c) without regard to the definition specified by this subparagraph.
    (D) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (B) of this paragraph to the contrary, no work shall be deemed to be suitable work for an individual which does not accord with the labor standard provisions required by 26 U.S.C. § 3304(a)(5) and set forth under § 51-110(d)(1) .
    (E) For the purposes of subparagraph (A)(i) of this paragraph, an individual shall be treated as actively engaged in seeking work during any week if:
      (i) The individual has engaged in a systematic and sustained effort to obtain work during such week; and
      (ii) The individual furnishes tangible evidence that he has engaged in such effort during such week.
    (F) The employment service shall refer any claimant entitled to extended benefits under this section to any suitable work which meets the criteria prescribed in subparagraph (C) of this paragraph.
    (G) An individual shall not be eligible to receive extended benefits with respect to any week of unemployment in his eligibility period if such individual has been disqualified for regular benefits or extended benefits under this section because the individual voluntarily left his most recent work without good cause connected with the work, was discharged for misconduct, or failed to accept an offer of or apply for suitable work, unless such individual has returned to work, has been employed at least 10 weeks, and has earned an amount equal to or greater than 10 times his weekly benefit.
    (H) During the extended benefit period, the eligibility requirements of this paragraph shall also apply to those weeks of benefits for which sharable compensation is payable under the terms of 26 U.S.C. § 3304.
(h) Effective October 1, 1983, in the calculation of an individual’s weekly benefit amount, all amounts shall be rounded down to the next lower dollar.
(i) Repealed.
D.C. Code § 51-135 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-135
§ 51-135. Reporting requirement.
Status: in_force

The Director shall each year submit to the Mayor, for inclusion in the Mayor’s report to the Council, as required by § 51-113(c) , the number of individuals who received benefits for separation from employment due to domestic violence.
D.C. Code § 51-172 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-172
§ 51-172. Shared work unemployment compensation program.
Status: in_force

The Director shall establish a shared work unemployment compensation program as provided by this subchapter. The Director may adopt rules and establish procedures necessary to administer the shared work unemployment compensation program.
D.C. Code § 51-177 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-177
§ 51-177. Employee eligibility for shared work benefits.
Status: in_force

(a) A participating employee is eligible to receive shared work benefits with respect to any week only if the individual is monetarily eligible for unemployment compensation, not otherwise disqualified from unemployment compensation, and:
  (1) With respect to the week for which shared work benefits are claimed, the participating employee was covered by a shared work plan that was approved prior to that week;
  (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of the employment security law relating to availability for work and actively seeking work, the participating employee was available for the individual's usual hours of work with the shared work employer, which may include availability to participate in training to enhance job skills approved by the Director, such as employer-sponsored training or training funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, approved July 22, 2014 (128 Stat. 1425; 29 U.S.C. § 3101 et seq. ); and
  (3) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a participating employee is deemed unemployed for the purposes of determining eligibility to receive unemployment compensation benefits in any week during the duration of such plan if the individual's remuneration as an employee in an affected unit is reduced under the terms of the plan.
(b) A participating employee may be eligible for shared work benefits or unemployment compensation, as appropriate, except that no participating employee may be eligible for combined benefits in any benefit year in an amount more than the maximum entitlement established for regular unemployment compensation; nor shall a participating employee be paid shared work benefits for more than 52 weeks under a shared work plan or in an amount more than the equivalent of the maximum of 26 weeks of regular unemployment compensation.
(c) The shared work benefit paid to a participating employee shall be deducted from the maximum entitlement amount of regular unemployment compensation established for that individual's benefit year.
(d) Provisions applicable to unemployment compensation claimants under the employment security law shall apply to participating employees to the extent that they are not inconsistent with this subchapter . A participating employee who files an initial claim for shared work benefits shall receive a monetary determination of whether the individual is eligible to receive benefits.
(e) A participating employee who has received all of the shared work benefits or combined unemployment compensation and shared work benefits available in a benefit year shall be considered an exhaustee, as defined in § 51-107(g)(1)(H) , for purposes of eligibility to receive extended benefits pursuant to § 51-107(g) , and, if otherwise eligible under that section, shall be eligible to receive extended benefits.
(f) Shared work benefits shall be charged to employers' experience rating accounts in the same manner as unemployment compensation is charged under the employment security law, unless waived by federal or District law. Employers liable for payments in lieu of contributions shall have shared work benefits attributed to service in their employ in the same manner as unemployment compensation is attributed, unless waived by federal or District law.
D.C. Code § 51-126 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-126
§ 51-126. Short title.
Status: in_force

This subchapter may be cited as the “District of Columbia Unemployment Compensation Act.”
D.C. Code § 51-173 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-173
§ 51-173. Employer participation in the shared work unemployment compensation program.
Status: in_force

(a) Employer participation in the shared work unemployment compensation program shall be voluntary.
(b) An employer that wishes to participate in the shared work unemployment compensation program shall submit a signed application and proposed shared work plan to the Director for approval.
(c) The Director shall develop an application form consistent with the requirements of this section.  The application and shared work plan shall require the employer to:
  (1) Identify the affected unit (or units) to be covered by the shared work plan, including:
    (A) The number of full-time or part-time employees in such unit;
    (B) The percentage of employees in the affected unit covered by the plan;
    (C) Identification of each individual employee in the affected unit by name and social security number;
    (D) The employer's unemployment tax account number[;] and
    (E) Any other information required by the Director to identify participating employees;
  (2) Provide a description of how employees in the affected unit will be notified of the employer's participation in the shared work unemployment compensation program if such application is approved, including how the employer will notify those employees in a collective bargaining unit as well as any employees in the affected unit who are not in a collective bargaining unit. If the employer will not provide advance notice of the shared work plan to employees in the affected unit, the employer shall explain in a statement in the application why it is not feasible to provide such notice;
  (3) Identify the usual weekly hours of work for employees in the affected unit and the specific percentage by which hours will be reduced during all weeks covered by the plan. A shared work plan may not reduce participating employees' usual weekly hours of work by less than 10% or more than 60%. If the plan includes any week for which the employer regularly provides no work (due to a holiday or other plant closing), then such week shall be identified in the application;
  (4) If the employer provides health and retirement benefits to any participating employee whose usual weekly hours of work are reduced under the plan, certify that such benefits will continue to be provided to participating employees under the same terms and conditions as though the usual weekly hours of work of such participating employee had not been reduced or to the same extent as employees not participating in the shared work plan. For defined benefit retirement plans, the hours that are reduced under the shared work plan shall be credited for purposes of participation, vesting, and accrual of benefits as though the participating employee's usual weekly hours of work had not been reduced. The dollar amount of employer contributions to a defined contribution plan that are based on a percentage of compensation may be reduced due to the reduction in the participating employee's compensation. A reduction in health and retirement benefits scheduled to occur during the duration of a shared work plan that is equally applicable to employees who are not participating in the plan and to participating employees does not violate a certification made pursuant to this paragraph;
  (5) Certify that the aggregate reduction in work hours under the shared work plan is in lieu of temporary or permanent layoffs, or both, and provide a good-faith estimate of the number of employees who would be laid off in the absence of the proposed shared work plan;
  (6) Agree to:
    (A) Furnish reports to the Director relating to the proper conduct of the shared work plan;
    (B) Allow the Director or the Director's authorized representatives access to all records necessary to approve or disapprove the application for a shared work plan;
    (C) Allow the Director to monitor and evaluate the shared work plan; and
    (D) Follow any other directives the Director considers necessary for the agency to implement the shared work plan consistent with the requirements for shared work plan applications;
  (7) Certify that participation in the shared work unemployment compensation program and implementation of the shared work plan will be consistent with the employer's obligations under applicable federal and District laws;
  (8) State the duration of the proposed shared work plan, which shall not exceed 365 days from the effective date established pursuant to section 6;
  (9) Provide any additional information or certifications that the Director determines to be appropriate for purposes of the shared work unemployment compensation program, consistent with requirements issued by the United States Secretary of Labor; and
  (10) Provide written approval of the proposed shared work plan by the collective bargaining representative for any employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement who will participate in the plan.
D.C. Code § 51-109 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-109
§ 51-109. Eligibility for benefits.
Status: in_force

An unemployed individual shall be eligible to receive benefits with respect to any week only if it has been found by the Director:
(1) That he has made a claim for benefits with respect to such week;
(2) That he has during his base period been paid wages for employment by employers equal to those required by subsection (c) of § 51-107 ;
(3) That he is physically able to work;
(4) (A) That he is available for work and has registered and inquired for work at the employment office designated by the Director, with such frequency and in such manner as the Director may by regulation prescribe; provided, that failure to comply with this condition may be excused by the Director upon a showing of good cause for such failure; and the Director may by regulation waive or alter the requirements of this subsection as to such types of cases or situations with respect to which it finds that compliance with such requirements would be oppressive or would be inconsistent with the purposes of this subchapter; and
  (B) That he has made a minimum of 2 contacts for new work in such week; provided, that failure to comply with this condition may be excused by the Director in the manner as the condition imposed by paragraph (4)(A) of this section;
(5) That he has been unemployed for a waiting period of 1 week. No week shall be counted as a week of unemployment for the purposes of this paragraph:
  (A) Unless it occurs within the benefit year which includes the week with respect to which he claims payment of benefits;
  (B) If benefits have been paid with respect thereto; and
  (C) Unless the individual was eligible for benefits with respect thereto as provided in this section and § 51-110 , except for the requirements of this paragraph and of subsection (f) of § 51-110 ;
(6) That he is not a prisoner in a District of Columbia correctional or penal institution who was employed in the free community under authority of subchapter V of Chapter 2 of Title 24 , or that he has not made a claim for benefits with respect to a week during which he was a prisoner in a District of Columbia correctional or penal institution;
(7) (A) Benefits based on service in employment defined in § 51-101(2)(A)(ii) and (iii) shall be payable in the same amount, on the same terms, and subject to the same conditions as compensation payable on the basis of other service subject to this subchapter; except that benefits based on service in an instructional, research, or principal administrative capacity in an institution of higher education (as defined in § 51-101(23) ) shall not be paid to an individual for any week of unemployment which begins during the period between 2 successive academic years, or during a similar period between 2 regular terms, whether or not successive, or during a period of paid sabbatical leave provided for in the individual’s contract, if the individual has reasonable assurance of performing services in any such capacity for any institution or institutions of higher education for both such academic years or both such terms.
  (B) Benefits based on service in employment defined in § 51-101(2)(A)(ii) and (iii) shall be payable in the same amount, on the same terms and subject to the same conditions as benefits payable on the basis of other service subject to this subchapter; except, that with respect to weeks of unemployment beginning after December 31, 1977, in an instructional, research, or principal administrative capacity for an educational institution, benefits shall not be paid based on such services for any week of unemployment commencing during the period between 2 successive academic years or terms (or, when an agreement provides instead for a similar period between 2 regular but not successive terms, during such period) or during a period of paid sabbatical leave provided for in the individual’s contract, to any individual if such individual performs such services in the first of such academic years or terms and there is a reasonable assurance that such individual will perform services in any such capacity for any educational institution in the second of such academic years or terms. Subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall apply with respect to benefits payable for weeks of unemployment beginning before January 1, 1978, based on such services.
  (C) (i) Effective for weeks of compensation beginning on or after April 1, 1984, with respect to services performed in any capacity other than specified above for an educational institution or in an institution of higher education, benefits shall not be payable on the basis of such services to any individual for any week which commences during a period between 2 successive academic years or terms if such individual performs such services in the first of such academic years or terms and there is reasonable assurance that such individual will perform such services in the second of such academic years or terms.
    (ii) If compensation is denied to any individual under this subparagraph and such individual was not offered an opportunity to perform such services for the educational institution for the second of such academic years or terms, such individual shall be entitled to a retroactive payment of compensation for each week for which the individual filed a timely claim for compensation and for which compensation was denied solely by reason of this subparagraph.
  (D) With respect to any services described in this paragraph, benefits shall not be payable on the basis of services in any such capacities to any individual for any week which commences during an established and customary vacation period or holiday recess if such individual performs such services in the period immediately before such vacation period or holiday recess, and there is a reasonable assurance that such individual will perform such services in the period immediately following such vacation period or holiday recess.
  (E) (i) With respect to any services described in this paragraph, benefits shall not be payable on the basis of services in any such capacities to any individual who performed such services in an educational institution while in the employ of an educational service agency.
    (ii) For purposes of this subparagraph the term “educational service agency” means a governmental agency or governmental entity which is established and operated exclusively for the purpose of providing such services to 1 or more educational institutions.
(8) Benefits shall not be paid to any individual on the basis of any services, substantially all of which consist of participating in sports or athletic events or training or preparing to so participate, for any week which commences during the period between 2 successive sport seasons (or similar periods) if such individual performed such services in the first of such seasons (or similar periods) and there is a reasonable assurance that such individual will perform such services in the later of such seasons (or similar periods); and
(9) (A) Benefits shall not be paid on the basis of services performed by an alien unless such alien is an individual who was lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time such services were performed, was lawfully present for purposes of performing such services, or was permanently residing in the United States under color of law at the time such services were performed (including an alien who was lawfully present in the United States as a result of the application of the provisions of § 1153 or § 1182 of Title 8, United States Code).
  (B) Any data or information required of individuals applying for benefits to determine whether benefits are not payable to them because of their alien status shall be uniformly required from all applicants for benefits.
  (C) In the case of an individual whose application for benefits would otherwise be approved, no determination that benefits to such individual are not payable because of his alien status shall be made except upon a preponderance of the evidence.
D.C. Code § 51-174 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-174
§ 51-174. Approval and disapproval of a shared work plan.
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The Director shall approve or disapprove an application for a shared work plan in writing within 15 calendar days of its receipt and promptly issue a notice of approval or disapproval to the employer.
  (2) A decision disapproving the shared work plan shall clearly identify the reasons for the disapproval.
  (3) A decision to disapprove a shared work plan shall be final, but the employer may submit another application for a shared work plan not earlier than 10 calendar days from the date of the disapproval.
(b) Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, the Director shall approve a shared work plan if the employer:
  (1) Complies with the requirements of § 51-173 ; and
  (2) Has filed all reports required to be filed under the employment security law for all past and current periods, and:
    (A) Has paid all contributions and benefit cost payments; or
    (B) If the employer is a reimbursing employer, has made all payments in lieu of contributions due for all past and current periods.
(c) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the Director may not approve a shared work plan:
  (1) To provide payments to an employee if the employee is employed by the participating employer on a seasonal, temporary, or intermittent basis;
  (2) If the employer's unemployment insurance account has a negative unemployment experience rating;
  (3) If the employer's unemployment insurance account is taxed at the maximum tax rate in effect for the calendar year;
  (4) For employers who have not qualified to have a tax rate assigned based on actual experience; or
  (5) For employees who are receiving or who will receive supplemental unemployment benefits, as that term is defined in section 501(c)(17)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, approved August 16, 1954 (68A Stat. 163; 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(17)(D)), during any period a shared work plan is in effect.
(d) During the effective period of a shared work plan entered into during a public health emergency, subsection (c) of this section shall not apply. During a public health emergency, the Director may not approve a shared work plan:
  (1) To provide payments to an employee if the employee is employed by the participating employer on a seasonal, temporary, or intermittent basis;
  (2) For employees who are receiving or who will receive supplemental unemployment benefits, as that term is defined in section 501(c)(17)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, approved August 16, 1954 (68A Stat. 163; 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(17)(D)), during any period a shared work plan is in effect; or
  (3) For employers that have reported quarterly earnings to the Director for fewer than 3 quarters at the time of the application for the shared work unemployment compensation program.
(e) For the purposes of this section, the term "public health emergency" means the public health emergency declared in the Declaration of Public Health Emergency (Mayor's Order 2020-046), declared on March 11, 2020, and any extensions thereof.
D.C. Code § 51-171 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-171
§ 51-171. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this subchapter, the term:
(1) “Affected unit” means an employer or its specified department, shift, or other unit of 2 or more employees that is designated by the employer to participate in a shared work plan.
(2) “Director” means the Director of the Department of Employment Services, established by Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1980, effective April 17, 1980 (part A, subchapter IV, Chapter 15 [of Title 1] of the D.C. Official Code).
(3) “Employment security law” means subchapter I of this chapter [ § 51-101 et seq.], and the federal unemployment compensation laws, including the Social Security Act, approved August 14, 1935 (49 Stat. 620; 42 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.), the Employment Security Administrative Financing Act of 1954, approved August 5, 1954 (68 Stat. 668; 42 U.S.C. § 1101 et seq.), and the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, approved August 16, 1954 (68A Stat. 439; 26 U.S.C. § 3301 et seq.).
(4) Repealed.
(4A) "Health and retirement benefits" means employer-provided health benefits, and retirement benefits under a defined benefit plan, as defined in section 414(j) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, approved September 2, 1974 (88 Stat. 925; 26 U.S.C. § 414(j)), or contributions under a defined contribution plan, as defined in section 414(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, approved September 2, 1974 (88 Stat. 925; 26 U.S.C. § 414(i)), which are incidents of employment in addition to the cash remuneration earned.
(4B) "Participating employee" means an employee who voluntarily agrees to participate in an employer's shared work plan.
(5) "Usual weekly hours of work" means the usual hours of work per week for full-time or part-time employees in the affected unit when that unit is operating on its regular basis, not to exceed 40 hours and not including hours of overtime work.
(6) “Participating employer” means an employer who has a shared work plan in effect.
(7) "Shared work benefits" means the unemployment benefits payable to a participating employee in an affected unit under a shared work plan, as distinguished from the unemployment benefits otherwise payable under the employment security law.
(8) "Shared work plan" means a written plan to participate in the shared work unemployment compensation program approved by the Director, under which the employer requests the payment of shared work benefits to participating employees in an affected unit of the employer to avert temporary or permanent layoffs, or both.
(9) “Shared work unemployment compensation program” means a voluntary program designed to reduce unemployment and stabilize the work force by allowing certain employees to collect unemployment compensation benefits if the employees share the work remaining after a reduction in the total number of hours of work and a corresponding reduction in wages.
D.C. Code § 51-151 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-151
§ 51-151. Employer contributions by the District of Columbia.
Status: in_force

Appropriations for the District of Columbia shall be available for payment by the District of Columbia of its contributions as an employer, in accordance with the provisions of subchapter I of this chapter .
D.C. Code § 51-112 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-112
§ 51-112. Review of Board’s decision.
Status: in_force

Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Director may seek review of such decision in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in accordance with the District of Columbia Administrative Procedure Act.
D.C. Code § 51-118 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-118
§ 51-118. Protection of rights and benefits; child support obligations.
Status: in_force

(a) No agreement by any individual to waive any of his rights under this subchapter or to pay any part of the contribution payable by his employer with respect to his or any other individual’s employment, shall be valid; nor shall any employer make, require, or permit any deduction from the wages payable to his employees for the purpose of paying any part of the contributions required of the employer under this subchapter, or require or attempt to induce any individual to waive any right he may acquire under this subchapter. Any employer who violates any provision of this subsection shall, for each such offense, be fined not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 or be imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both.
(b) (1) Except as hereinafter provided no assignment, pledge, or encumbrance of any right to benefits which are or may become due or payable under this subchapter shall be valid or enforceable; and the right to any such benefits shall be exempt from levy, execution, attachment, or any other remedy whatsoever provided for the collection of debt; and the benefits received by any individual so long as they are not mingled with other funds of the recipient shall be exempt from any remedy whatsoever for the collection of all debts except debts accrued for necessaries furnished to such individual, his spouse, or his dependents during the time when such individual was unemployed.
  (2) An individual filing a new claim for unemployment compensation shall disclose, at the time of filing such a claim, whether the individual owes child support obligations as defined under paragraph (8) of this subsection. If any individual discloses that he or she owes child support obligations and is determined to be eligible for unemployment compensation, the Director shall notify the appropriate state or local child support enforcement agency that the individual has been determined to be eligible for unemployment compensation.
  (3) The Director shall deduct and withhold from any unemployment compensation payable to an individual that owes child support obligations as defined under paragraph (8) of this subsection the following:
    (A) The amount specified by the individual to the Director to be deducted and withheld under this subsection if neither subparagraph (B) nor (C) of this paragraph is applicable;
    (B) The amount (if any) determined pursuant to an agreement submitted to the Director under § 454(19)(B)(i) of the Social Security Act by the appropriate state or local child support enforcement agency, unless subparagraph (C) of this paragraph is applicable; or
    (C) Any amount otherwise required to be so deducted and withheld from the unemployment compensation pursuant to legal process as that term is defined in § 462(e) of the Social Security Act.
  (4) Any amount deducted and withheld under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be paid by the Director to the appropriate state or local child support enforcement agency.
  (5) Any amount deducted and withheld under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be treated for all purposes as if it were paid to the individual as unemployment compensation and paid by such an individual to the state or local child enforcement agency in satisfaction of the individual’s child support obligations.
  (6) For purposes of paragraphs (2) through (5) of this subsection, the term “unemployment compensation” means any compensation payable under the state law (including amounts payable by the District pursuant to an agreement under any federal law providing for compensation, assistance, or allowances with respect to unemployment).
  (7) Deductions shall be made pursuant to this subsection only if appropriate arrangements have been made for reimbursement by the state or local child enforcement agency for the administrative costs incurred by the Director under this subsection which are attributable to child support obligations being enforced by the state or local child support enforcement agency.
  (8) The term “child support obligations” is defined for purposes of these provisions as including only obligations which are being enforced pursuant to a plan described in § 454 of the Social Security Act which has been approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under part D of title IV of the Social Security Act.
  (9) The term “state or local child enforcement agency” as used in these provisions means any agency of a state or political subdivision thereof operating pursuant to a plan described in paragraph (8) of this subsection.
(c) No individual seeking to establish a claim for benefits shall be charged any fee whatsoever by the Director or the Director’s representatives, or by the court or any officer thereof. Any individual claiming benefits in any proceeding before the Director or the Director’s representative or the court may be represented by counsel or other duly authorized agent; but no such counsel or agent shall either charge or receive for such services more than an amount approved by the Director. Any person who violates any provision of this subsection shall, for each such offense, be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.
(d) (1) An individual filing a new claim for unemployment compensation benefits shall be advised at the time of filing the claim, that:
    (A) Unemployment compensation is subject to federal, state, and local income taxes;
    (B) Requirements exist pertaining to estimated tax payments;
    (C) The individual may elect to have federal income tax deducted and withheld from the individual’s payment of unemployment compensation with respect to benefits paid on or after January 1, 1997, at the amount specified in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, approved October 22, 1986 (100 Stat. 2085; 26 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.);
    (D) The individual may elect to have District of Columbia income tax deducted and withheld from the individual’s payment of unemployment compensation at the rate of 5% with respect to weeks of benefits paid on or after January 1, 2002; and
    (E) The individual shall be permitted to change a previously elected withholding status on 2 occasions during the individual’s benefit year.
  (2) Amounts deducted and withheld from unemployment compensation shall remain in the unemployment fund until transferred to the federal or District taxing authority as a payment of income tax.
  (3) The Director shall follow all procedures specified by the United States Department of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service, and the District of Columbia taxing authority pertaining to the deducting and withholding of income tax.
  (4) Amounts shall be deducted and withheld pursuant to this section only after amounts are deducted and withheld for any benefit overpayment or child support obligations required to be deducted and withheld under this subchapter.
D.C. Code § 51-120 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-120
§ 51-120. Disposition of fines.
Status: in_force

The amount of all fines collected pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter shall be turned over to the Director and by the Director paid into the District Unemployment Fund.
D.C. Code § 51-127 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-127
§ 51-127. Duties of the Mayor.
Status: in_force

(a) Wherever this subchapter prescribes the performance of a duty by any official or agency of the District of Columbia, such duty shall be performed by the Mayor of the District of Columbia or such officer, employee, or agency as the Mayor may delegate to perform the duty for him.
(b) Where any provision of this subchapter, or any amendment made by this subchapter, refers to an office or agency abolished by or under the authority of Reorganization Plan No. 5 of 1952, such reference shall be deemed to be to the office, agency, or officer exercising the functions of the office or agency so abolished.
D.C. Code § 51-102 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-102
§ 51-102. District Unemployment Fund.
Status: in_force

(a) There is hereby established the District Unemployment Fund, as a special deposit in the Treasury of the United States, into which shall be paid all contributions received or collected pursuant to this subchapter and from which shall be paid all benefits and refunds provided for under this subchapter , except those benefits paid from the Supporting Essential Workers Special Fund pursuant to § 51-110.01 . The Fund shall consist of 3 separate accounts: (1) a Clearing Account; (2) an Unemployment Trust Fund Account; and (3) a Benefit Account; and be managed and controlled by the Director in the manner provided in this subchapter, and the Director shall keep complete and accurate accounts of the status of the Fund and shall include a statement of such status in its yearly report to Congress.
(b) Any interest required to be paid on advances under title XII of the Social Security Act shall be paid by the date on which such interest is due. No interest payment shall be paid directly or indirectly from amounts in the District Unemployment Fund.
D.C. Code § 51-108 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-108
§ 51-108. Payment of benefits and refunds.
Status: in_force

Moneys shall be requisitioned from the District of Columbia account in the Unemployment Trust Fund solely for the payment of benefits and refunds as provided under §§ 51-104(i) and 51-101(2)(E)(iv) in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Director. The Director shall from time to time requisition from the Unemployment Trust Fund such amounts not exceeding the amounts standing to the District of Columbia’s account therein as the Director deems necessary for the payment of benefits and refunds for a reasonable future period. Upon receipt of the amount requisitioned, the Director shall deposit it in the benefit account of the District Unemployment Fund in the Treasury of the United States as a special deposit to be used solely to pay the benefits and refunds provided in this subchapter. All payments of benefits shall be made by the Chief Financial Officer and shall be subject to a post, but not a prior, audit by the Office of the Inspector General.
D.C. Code § 51-110.02 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-110.02
§ 51-110.02. Supporting Essential Workers Special Fund.
Status: in_force

(a) There is established as a special fund the Supporting Essential Workers Special Fund ("Fund"), which shall be administered by the Director in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
(b) The Fund shall consist of:
  (1) Money allocated to or deposited in the Fund by the Mayor;
  (2) Funds appropriated for the Fund; and
  (3) Repayments made by furlough-excepted federal employees to the District.
(c) The Fund shall be used to:
  (1) Pay benefits to furlough-excepted federal employees;
  (2) Pay for personnel and non-personnel costs necessary for the administration of the provisions of § 51-110.01 ; and
  (3) Repay any contingency funds the Mayor allocates to or deposits into the Fund in accordance with subsection (b)(1) of this section.
(d) (1) The money deposited into the Fund but not expended in a given fiscal year shall not revert to the unassigned fund balance of the General Fund of the District of Columbia at the end of a fiscal year, or at any other time.
  (2) Subject to authorization in an approved budget and financial plan, any funds appropriated in the Fund shall be continually available without regard to fiscal year limitations.
D.C. Code § 51-175 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-175
§ 51-175. Effective date and expiration, termination, or revocation of a shared work plan.
Status: in_force

(a) A shared work plan shall be effective on the date that is mutually agreed upon by the employer and the Director, which shall be specified in the notice of approval to the employer.
(b) The duration of the plan shall be 365 days from the effective date, unless a shorter duration is requested by employer or the plan is terminated or revoked in accordance with this section.
(c) An employer may terminate a shared work plan at any time upon written notice to the Director, participating employees, and a collective bargaining representative for the participating employees. After receipt of such notice from the employer, the Director shall issue to the employer, the appropriate collective bargaining representative, and participating employees an Acknowledgment of Voluntary Termination, which shall state the date the shared work plan terminated.
(d) The Director may revoke a shared work plan at any time for good cause, including:
  (1) Failure to comply with the certifications and terms of the shared work plan;
  (2) Failure to comply with federal or District law;
  (3) Failure to report or request proposed modifications to the shared work plan in accordance with § 51-176 ;
  (4) Unreasonable revision of productivity standards for the affected unit;
  (5) Conduct or occurrences tending to defeat the purpose and effective operation of the shared work plan;
  (6) Change in conditions on which approval of the plan was based;
  (7) Violation of any criteria on which approval of the plan was based; or
  (8) Upon the request of an employee in the affected unit.
(e) Upon a decision to revoke a shared work plan, the Director shall issue a written revocation order to the employer that specifies the reasons for the revocation and the date the revocation is effective. The Director shall provide a copy of the revocation order to all participating employees and their collective bargaining representative.
(f) The Director may periodically review the operation of an employer's shared work plan to ensure compliance with its terms and applicable federal and District laws.
(g) An employer may submit a new application for a shared work plan at any time after the expiration or termination of a shared work plan.
D.C. Code § 51-110 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-110
§ 51-110. Disqualification for benefits.
Status: in_force

(a) (1) For weeks commencing after March 15, 1983, any individual who left his most recent work voluntarily without good cause connected with the work, as determined under duly prescribed regulations, shall not be eligible for benefits until he has been employed in each of 10 subsequent weeks (whether or not consecutive) and, notwithstanding § 51-101 , has earned wages from employment as defined by this subchapter equal to not less than 10 times the weekly benefit amount to which he would be entitled pursuant to § 51-107(b) .
  (2) For the purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the term "good cause" includes working in unsafe locations or under unsafe conditions where such unsafe working condition or location would cause a reasonable and prudent person in the labor market to leave the work, as determined by the Director based on the facts in each case.
(b) (1) For weeks commencing after January 3, 1993, any individual who has been discharged for gross misconduct occurring in his most recent work, as determined by duly prescribed regulations, shall not be eligible for benefits until he has been employed in each of 10 successive weeks (whether or not consecutive) and, notwithstanding § 51-101 , has earned wages from employment as defined by this subchapter equal to not less than 10 times the weekly benefit amount to which he would be entitled pursuant to § 51-107(b) .
  (2) For weeks commencing after January 3, 1993, any individual who is discharged for misconduct, other than gross misconduct, occurring in the individual’s most recent work, as defined by duly prescribed regulations, shall not be eligible for benefits for the first 8 weeks otherwise payable to the individual or until the individual has been employed in each of 8 subsequent weeks (whether or not consecutive) and, notwithstanding § 51-101 , has earned wages from employment as defined by this subchapter equal to not less than 8 times the weekly benefit amount to which the individual would have been entitled pursuant to § 51-107(b) . In addition, such individual’s total benefit amount shall be reduced by a sum equal to 8 times the individual’s weekly benefit amount.
  (3) Repealed.
(c) (1) For weeks commencing after March 15, 1983, if any individual without good cause (as determined under duly prescribed regulations) fails to apply for new work in covered employment found to be suitable when notified by any employment office or fails to accept any suitable work in covered employment when offered by any employment office, by a union hiring hall, or directly by any employer, that individual shall not be eligible for benefits until he has been employed in each of 10 subsequent weeks (whether or not consecutive) and, notwithstanding § 51-101 , has earned remuneration from employment equal to not less than 10 times the weekly benefit amount to which he would be entitled pursuant to § 51-107(b) .
  (2) In determining whether or not work is suitable, the following shall be considered:
    (A) The physical fitness and prior training, experience, and earnings of the individual;
    (B) The distance of the place of work from the individual’s place of residence; and
    (C) The risk involved as to health, safety, or morals.
  (3) The term “in covered employment” as used in this section means employment which is insured under this subchapter or any other state or federal unemployment insurance program.
(d) (1) Benefits shall not be denied to any otherwise eligible individual for refusing to accept new work under any of the following conditions:
    (A) If the position offered is vacant due directly to a strike, lockout, or other labor dispute;
    (B) If the wages, earnings, hours, or other conditions of the work offered are less favorable to the individual than those prevailing for similar work in the locality; or
    (C) If as a condition of being employed the individual would be required to join a company union or to resign from or refrain from joining any bona fide labor organization;
  (2) Compensation shall not be denied to any otherwise eligible individual for any week during which he is attending a training or retraining course with the approval of the Director, and such individual shall be deemed to be otherwise eligible for any such week despite the provisions of § 51-109(4) and subsection (c) of this section.
  (3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, compensation shall not be denied or reduced to an individual solely because he files a claim in another state (or a contiguous country with which the United States has an agreement with respect to unemployment compensation) or because he resides in another state (or such a contiguous country) at the time he files a claim for unemployment compensation.
  (4) Compensation shall not be denied to any otherwise eligible individual who leaves his or her most recent work to accompany his or her spouse or domestic partner to a place from which it is impractical to commute to the place of employment. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term “domestic partner” shall have the same meaning as provided in § 32-701(3) .
  (5) Compensation shall not be denied to any otherwise eligible individual who leaves his or her most recent work to care for an ill or disabled family member. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term “family member” shall have the same meaning as provided in § 2-1401.02(11B) .
(e) If any individual otherwise eligible for benefits fails, without good cause as determined by the Director, to attend a training, retraining, or job counseling course when recommended by the manager of the employment office or by the Director and such course is available at public expense, he shall not be eligible for benefits with respect to any week in which such failure occurred.
(f) An individual shall not be eligible for benefits with respect to any week if it has been found by the Director that such individual is unemployed in such week as a direct result of a labor dispute, other than a lockout, still in active progress in the establishment where he is or was last employed; provided, that this subsection shall not apply if it is shown to the satisfaction of the Director that:
  (1) He is not participating in or directly interested in the labor dispute which caused his unemployment; and
  (2) He does not belong to a grade or class of workers of which, immediately before the commencement of the dispute, there were members employed at the premises at which the dispute occurs, any of whom are participating in or directly interested in the dispute; provided, that if in any case separate branches of work which are commonly conducted as separate businesses in separate premises are conducted in separate departments of the same premises, each such department shall, for the purposes of this subsection, be deemed to be a separate factory, establishment, or other premises.
(g) An individual shall not be eligible for benefits for any week with respect to which he has received or is seeking unemployment compensation under any other unemployment compensation law of another state or of the United States; provided, that if the appropriate agency of such other state or of the United States finally determines that he is not entitled to such unemployment benefits, this disqualification shall not apply.
(h) The eligibility of any individual, who is or has recently been pregnant, for benefits under this subchapter, shall be determined under the same standards and procedures as for any other claimant under this subchapter. There shall be no presumption that a person who is pregnant is physically unable to work, even when pregnancy was an issue with respect to the reason for separation from employment.
(i) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, no otherwise eligible individual shall be denied benefits for any week because:
    (A) He or she is in training approved under § 236(a)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974;
    (B) He or she is in such approved training by reason of leaving work to enter such training; provided, that the work left is not suitable employment; or
    (C) Because of the application to any such week in training of provisions in this law (or any federal unemployment insurance law administered hereunder) relating to availability for work, active search for work or refusal to accept work.
    (D) He or she is enrolled in an approved certificate course authorized by subchapter III of Chapter 16 of Title 32 [ § 32-1651 et seq.], and maintaining a satisfactory level of attendance and achievement, as required by subchapter III of Chapter 16 of Title 32 [ § 32-1651 et seq.].
  (2) For purposes of this subsection, the term “suitable employment” means, with respect to an individual, work of a substantially equal or higher skill level than the individual’s past adversely affected employment (as defined for purposes of the Trade Act of 1974), and wages as determined for purposes of the Trade Act of 1974.
(j) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, an individual who is unemployed within the meaning of this subchapter, has exhausted all regular unemployment benefits provided under this subchapter, including any extensions of benefits, and who is enrolled in and making satisfactory progress in a District-approved training program or in a job training program authorized under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, approved August 7, 1998 (112 Stat. 936; 29 U.S.C. § 2822), shall be eligible for training extension benefits if the Director determines that the following criteria are met:
    (A) The training program will prepare the claimant for entry into a high-demand occupation;
    (B) The claimant was separated from employment in a declining occupation or has been involuntarily and indefinitely separated from employment as a result of a permanent reduction of operations at the claimant’s place of prior employment;
    (C) The claimant is making satisfactory progress towards completion of the training as determined by the Director, including the submission of written statements from the training program provider; and
    (D) The claimant is not receiving similar stipends or other training allowances for non-training costs.
  (2) For the purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the term:
    (A) “Declining occupation” shall be defined by the Director based upon currently available labor market information.
    (B) “High-demand occupation” shall be defined by the Director based upon currently available labor market information.
    (C) “Similar stipends” means an amount provided under a program with similar goals, such as providing training to increase employability, and in similar amounts. Similar stipends of non-training cost allowances shall be treated as “earnings” as defined in § 51-101(4) .
  (3) A claimant who is eligible for a training extension pursuant to this subsection shall be enrolled in training and making satisfactory progress as the Director may determine will increase the employability of the claimant in the District labor market.
  (4) The weekly training extension benefit amount payable to the eligible individual shall be equal to the claimant’s weekly benefit amount for the most recent benefit year less any deductible or income as determined pursuant to this subchapter. The total amount of training extension benefits payable to a claimant shall not exceed 26 times the claimant’s weekly benefit amount of the most recent benefit year.
  (5) If the claimant completes the training program, ceases to be making satisfactory progress, or stops attending the training program, the claimant shall not be eligible for further training extension benefits unless the Director determines that the claimant has resolved the impediment.
  (6) A claimant seeking training extension benefits may apply for the benefits at any time prior to the end of the claimant’s initial benefit year or the end of any period of extended benefits.
  (7) No training extension benefits paid pursuant to this subchapter shall be charged to individual employer accounts.
D.C. Code § 51-119 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-119
§ 51-119. Penalties for false statements or representations.
Status: in_force

(a) Whoever makes a false statement or representation knowing it to be false, or knowingly fails to disclose a material fact, to obtain or increase any benefit or other payment provided for in this subchapter or under an employment security law of any other state, of the federal government, or a foreign government for himself or any other individual, shall, for each such offense, be fined not more than $100 or imprisoned not more than 60 days, or both.
(b) Any employing unit, and any officer or agent of any employing unit or any other person, who furnishes a false record or makes a false statement or representation, knowing it to be false, or who knowingly fails to disclose a material fact to avoid the payment of any or all of the contributions required of such employing unit under this subchapter, or to prevent or reduce the payment of benefits to any individual entitled thereto, or who fails or refuses to pay the contributions or other payment or to furnish any reports required of him under this subchapter, shall for each such offense be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both. For purposes of this subsection an officer of a corporation charged with any duty required by this subchapter shall be personally liable to prosecution under this section.
(c) Any person who shall wilfully violate any provision of this subchapter or any rule or regulation thereunder, the violation of which is made unlawful or the observance of which is required under the terms of this subchapter, and for which a penalty is neither prescribed herein nor provided by any other applicable statute, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $200 or by imprisonment for not longer than 60 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment, and each day such violation continues shall be deemed to be a separate offense.
(d) (1) Any person who has received any sum as benefits under this subchapter to which he is not entitled shall, in the discretion of the Director, be liable to repay such sum to the Director, to be redeposited in the Fund; be liable to have such sum deducted from any future benefits payable to him under this subchapter; or may have such sum waived in the discretion of the Director; provided, however, that no such recoupment from future benefits shall be had if such sum is received by such person without fault on his part and such recoupment would defeat the purpose of this subchapter or would be against equity and good conscience; or in the discretion of the Director such recoupment has been waived. In any case in which, under this subsection, a claimant is liable to repay to the Director any sum, such sum may be collected without interest, by civil action in the name of the Director or by the collection remedy set forth in § 47-1812.11(a) [repealed]. The disbursing officer and certifying officer of the Director shall not be held liable for any amounts certified or paid by them, in good faith, prior to July 25, 1958, or subsequent thereto, to any person where the refund, recoupment, adjustment, or recovery of such amount is waived under this subsection or where such refund, recoupment, adjustment, or recovery under this subsection is not completed prior to the death of the person against whom such refund, recoupment, adjustment, or recovery has been authorized.
  (2) The determination of whether a person has received any sum as benefits to which he is not entitled and the review to such a determination shall be made in accordance with §§ 51-111 , 51-112 , and this section.
(e) (1) Any person who the Director finds has made a false statement or representation knowing it to be false, or who knowingly fails to disclose a material fact to obtain or increase any benefit under this subchapter may be disqualified for benefits for all or part of the remainder of such benefit year and for a period of not more than 1 year commencing with the end of such benefit year. Such disqualification shall not affect benefits otherwise properly paid after the date of such fraud and prior to the date of the ruling of disqualification.
  (2) All findings under this subsection shall be made by a claims deputy of the Director and such findings shall be subject to review in the same manner as all other disqualifications made by a claims deputy of the Director.
  (3) Beginning on October 1, 2013, at the time the Director determines an erroneous payment was made to an individual due to fraud committed by such individual, the Director shall assess a penalty on the individual in an amount of 15% of the amount of the erroneous payment. Penalties paid pursuant to this paragraph shall be deposited in the District Unemployment Fund, established by § 51-102 . The penalty assessed by this paragraph shall not be deducted from any future benefits payable to claimant under this subchapter.
(f) In all cases where an employer subject to this subchapter makes an award of back pay to a claimant who has received benefits during the same period covered by the back pay award, the employer shall withhold an amount equal to the benefits paid from the back pay award and shall repay the amount to the Director, who shall deposit it in the Fund and credit the accounts of charged base period employers. If the employer does not comply with this subsection, the Director may treat the unrefunded amount as an unpaid contribution and collect it in the manner provided for collection of delinquent contributions.
D.C. Code § 51-136 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-136
§ 51-136. Disclosure of information pertaining to domestic violence claimant.
Status: in_force

The release of information pertaining to a domestic violence claimant, in addition to the requirements of § 51-113 , shall require that:
(1) The Director notify the claimant prior to the release of any information;
(2) The Director shall take reasonable actions to prevent the unnecessary disclosure of personal identifiers, such as the claimant’s address, from information otherwise required to be disclosed by law; and
(3) Further dissemination of the information released shall be prohibited.
D.C. Code § 51-122 — DC Code / Title 51 / Chapter 1 / § 51-122
§ 51-122. All audits by Office of the Inspector General.
Status: in_force

All audits herein prescribed shall be made by the Office of the Inspector General in the same manner as are all other audits of the District.