What are the laws governing the payment of unemployment benefits?

In the District of Columbia, the Department of Employment Services (DOES) administers unemployment insurance benefits. All employers are required to contribute to the program, and workers who meet specific criteria may receive financial support while unemployed. To qualify for benefits, you must have been employed for at least one year and have earned a minimum of $1,500 in wages in the base period, the 12 months prior to the date when your claim is filed. You must also be able and available for full-time work, and you must be actively searching for a job. If you are eligible, you can receive benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks. The amount of benefits depends on the amount of wages earned in the base period and the number of dependents in your household. The weekly benefit amount is typically 50% of the weekly wages earned in the highest quarter of the base period. Once you file a claim, the DOES reviews it to determine eligibility. If approved, your claim is reviewed each week, and you must submit continuing claims to receive payments. The review includes verifying the status of your search for work and wages earned while collecting unemployment benefits. At the end of the benefit period, you must report all wages earned for the date of filing your claim until the end of the benefit period so the correct amount of benefits is paid. Failure to do so may result in overpayment of benefits, and you will be liable for repayment.

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What are the laws governing the payment of unemployment benefits?

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