Benefits Eligibility Guide

District of Columbia Government Benefits

Find out which federal and state benefits you qualify for in District of Columbia. Free, anonymous, and takes about 3 minutes.

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District of Columbia Benefits Programs

Here are the major programs available to District of Columbia residents.

DC Medical Assistance (Medicaid)

Medicaid expansion state

Adults: up to 138% FPL

Children: up to 324% FPL

Pregnant: up to 324% FPL

SNAP (Food Assistance)

Gross income limit: 200% FPL

Net income limit: 100% FPL

Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE)

LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)

Income limit: 60% SMI

Helps with heating and cooling costs

Child Care Subsidy Program (Childcare)

Income limit: 300% FPL

Subsidized childcare for working families

TANF (Cash Assistance)

Lifetime limit: 60 months

Cash assistance for families with children

WIC (Nutrition)

Income limit: 185% FPL

For pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum individuals and children under 5

DC Health Link (ACA)

Marketplace Type: State-Based Exchange

Phone: 1-855-532-5465

Medicare / SHIP Counseling

DC SHIP

Phone: (202) 727-8370

SSI / SSDI

State provides supplemental SSI payment

Phone:

Plus: ACA Health Insurance Subsidies, EITC, Child Tax Credit, SSI, SSDI, Pell Grants, VA Benefits, School Meals, Head Start, and more.

Our screener checks 20+ programs at once.

Check Your Eligibility in District of Columbia

Answer a few questions and see which programs you may qualify for. No account needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What government benefits am I eligible for in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia residents may qualify for programs including DC Medical Assistance (Medicaid), SNAP (food assistance), LIHEAP energy assistance, childcare subsidies, tax credits like EITC and CTC, and more. Eligibility depends on your household size, income, and other factors. Use our free screener to check all programs at once.

How do I apply for DC Medical Assistance in District of Columbia?

You can apply for DC Medical Assistance online at https://dchealthlink.com or by calling 1-855-532-5465. District of Columbia has expanded Medicaid, so adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level may qualify.

How do I apply for SNAP (food stamps) in District of Columbia?

Apply for SNAP online at https://districtdirect.dc.gov or call (202) 727-5355. District of Columbia uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, so the gross income limit is 200% of the federal poverty level. Net income must be at or below 100% FPL.