Washington, DC does not have overtime laws that are different from federal overtime law.

As of July 1, 2018, the minimum wage in Washington, DC is $13.25 per hour, in July 2019 it increases to $14.00 per hour which is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The minimum wage will reach $15.00 by July 2020.

Generally, employers cannot use other costs of employment to decrease the minimum wage required. Employers, however, can use tips and gratuities to reduce the minimum wage required to $3.89m This will increase to $4.45 in July 2019 and again to $5.00 in 2020.

Washington, DC does not have any rest break requirements that are different from federal law.

You can file a wage claim with the Washington, DC Department of Employment Services. The form is available online,  as well as more information regarding the process.

If you have a wage/hour claim, do not delay in contacting the Department of Employment Services to file a claim. There are strict time limits in which wage claims must be filed. In order for the agency to act on your behalf, you must file within three years from the date that the claim arose.

Do not wait to file your claim until your time limit is close to expiring. You may wish to consult with an attorney prior to filing your claim, if possible. Yet if you are unable to find an attorney who will assist you, it is not necessary to have an attorney to file your claim.

In Washington, DC, a private attorney can file a private lawsuit to recover past compensation plus attorney’s fees and reasonable costs.

DC Department of Employment Services
Labor Standards Bureau
Wage and Hour Compliance
4058 Minnesota Avenue, NE, Suite 3600
Washington, DC 20019
Phone: (202) 671-1880
Fax: (202) 673-6411