Unemployment Compensation Services The District of Columbia's Unemployment Compensation Program pays benefits to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own, and who are ready, willing, and able to work. The program is administered by the Department of Employment Services (DOES) and financed by taxes paid by employers doing business in the District. No deductions are taken from workers' paychecks. Another extension of unemployment insurance benefits has been enacted by Congress and signed by the President of the United States on Friday, November 21, 2008.   Individuals with regular claims and existing EUC claims that expire before March 28, 2009 may be eligible for an extension of benefits for up to 7 additional weeks for a total of 20 weeks. The extension of benefits will end August 29, 2009. In order to be eligible, an individual cannot be currently employed or collecting benefits from another state. Furthermore, if an individual is eligible for a regular claim in another state, he or she will not be eligible in the District of Columbia. Individuals will be contacted by mail, notifying them of possible eligibility for these benefits. The letter will contain instructions on how and when to file for a claims extension.   The following pages describe elements of the Unemployment Compensation Program and explain basic rights and responsibilities: Claimant Eligibility Extension of Unemployment Benefits Dislocated Workers Unit File for Unemployment Benefits Information for Employers The statements on these pages do not have the effect of law or regulation. If you have specific questions regarding a claim, contact the Department of Employment Services Call Center at (202) 724-7000 or long distance at (877) 319-7346.