A person holds the D.C. Employer Responsibilities flier at a gray desk with a glass of waterIf you live in Washington D.C. and employ any of the workers listed below in your home, then you have legal obligations as a domestic employer.

  • Nanny
  • House Cleaner
  • Home Attendant
  • Chef
  • Driver
  • Household Manager

Domestic workers have the following rights in D.C.:

  • Minimum wage is $17.50 effective July 1st, 2024.
  • Overtime pay of $26.25/hr for hours worked over 40 per week is 1.5 times the regular rate.
  • Unemployment Benefits: A worker can apply for benefits if they worked in your home and were paid at least $500 in a 3-month period during the current year or the previous year.
  • Workers’ Compensation: Employers must provide workers’ compensations for workers that work 240 hours per quarter.
  • Written Work Contract: The employer must provide the domestic worker with a written contract, which includes pay rate, hours, payment schedule, job duties, availability and rate of paid time off, and more. Sample contracts can be found at tinyurl.com/sample-agreements.
    • The contract should be in an accessible language for the employee.
    • The contract cannot prohibit or deter a worker from filing a complaint or cooperating in an investigation.
    • Employers must retain copies of their work agreements and other records for at least three years.
  • Paid Leave
    • Up 12 weeks available for family or medical leave
    • Under D.C. Code §§32-1231.01, domestic workers with pregnancy-related conditions are entitled to workplace accommodations. For more information visit https://dcpaidfamilyleave.dc.gov/
  • Health and Safety Protections: Domestic workers are covered under health and safety laws and shouldn’t be subjected to unsafe working conditions in your home.
  • Paid Sick and Safe Time
  • Protection Against Discrimination & Harassment
    • Domestic Workers are now included in the D.C. Human Rights Act (DCHRA), making workplace discrimination and sexual harassment illegal.
    • For more information, visit https://bit.ly/DC-DOES-DomesticWork

Hand in Hand can help you make sure that your home is a fair workplace! We will answer your questions and help ensure you’re in compliance. Reach out to paola@domesticemployers.org to learn more.

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