WARN notices and layoff law in District of Columbia
The federal WARN Act gives most workers at companies with 100 or more employees 60 days' written notice before a mass layoff. District of Columbia follows the federal WARN Act only. You can see mass layoffs reported in District of Columbia on the state's official WARN list at does.dc.gov.
District of Columbia layoff notice, at a glance
Federal WARN
100+ employees, 60 days' written notice
District of Columbia state law
Follows federal WARN only
Public notice list
Yes, at does.dc.gov
If notice is skipped
Back pay + benefits for the missing days, up to 60
If your employer skipped required WARN notice, you may be owed back pay and benefits for the missing days, up to 60. There are narrow exceptions (genuinely unforeseen circumstances, disasters), and most layoffs don't qualify.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you think you were owed notice, an employment attorney can tell you whether you have a claim, often with a free first consultation.
District of Columbia WARN FAQ
How much notice must an employer give before a layoff in District of Columbia?
The federal WARN Act requires employers with 100 or more employees to give 60 calendar days' written notice before a mass layoff or plant closing. District of Columbia follows the federal WARN Act only. If they skip required notice, they can owe back pay and benefits for the missing days.
Where can I see WARN notices filed in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia publishes filed WARN notices on its official state workforce site at does.dc.gov. It lists employers, locations, and dates of reported mass layoffs and closings.
Does District of Columbia have its own layoff-notice law beyond federal WARN?
No. District of Columbia follows the federal WARN Act only (100+ employees, 60 days' notice). This is general information, not legal advice.
Keep going
The full WARN guide
How the 60-day rule works, who's covered, and what you're owed if it's violated.
File for unemployment in District of Columbia
The official District of Columbia portal, the waiting week, and what to have ready.
WARN in another state
The official notice list and layoff law for every other state.
Reviewed June 2026. WARN rules and state laws change; confirm the current details on the official District of Columbia site (does.dc.gov) or with an employment attorney before relying on them.