How to apply for DC Public Benefits during COVID-19

Combined Application for Public Benefits

You may apply for one or more of the following public benefits programs:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF, financial assistance)

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps)

• Medical Assistance (Medicaid, Alliance and other medical assistance programs available through DHS)

Download and print the combined application for public benefits here. 

To apply, you may complete and submit an application:

• Online: Using the DHS Web Portal

• In Person: Download the PDF, complete, sign, and return to any of the five (5) Service Centers
       - Find a DHS Service Center

• By Mail: Download the PDF, complete, sign, and send to

Department of Human Services
Economic Security Administration
Case Record Management Unit
P.O. Box 91560
Washington, DC 20090

All applications must be signed and dated, and submitted to DHS to begin processing.

You may also submit any verification documents or report changes online using the DHS Web Portal here. 

Find a DHS Service Center

PLEASE NOTE: To help enforce social distancing, DHS Service Centers are open only for picking up and dropping off public benefits applications and documents. All applications and documents must be placed in an envelope provided at the service center. Applicants must write their full name and phone number on the front of the envelope prior to placing it in an application drop box located in a service center lobby. During the COVID-19 State of Emergency, new applicants may be contacted by a DHS representative by phone for an interview, if necessary, and if additional information is needed to complete the processing of an application.

Residents with questions about their public benefits provided by DHS should contact the Call Center at (202) 727-5355 from 7:30 AM - 4:45 PM, Monday - Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions about Public Benefits

• This Frequently Asked Questions: Cash, Food & Medical Assistance Public Benefits during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) State of Emergency document shares the most updated information on public benefits available in the District. Please be aware that this guidance is based on the best information available and will be updated as needed.

Midcertifications & Recertifications of Public Benefits

Customers who receive SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Alliance and other public benefits provided by DHS, do not need to take any action at this time to continue receiving existing benefits that would otherwise expire during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) State of Emergency. Those benefits will be automatically extended.

For more information about modified operations at DHS during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) State of Emergency, click here.

For more infomation and resources about COVID-19, visit coronavirus.dc.gov.