Apply & Recertify for Benefits

Apply

You can submit an application for any of the following programs using a single application for benefits:

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)

All applications must be signed and dated and submitted to DHS to begin processing. Verification documents or changes may be submitted using any of the methods below.

How Do I Apply?

You may submit an initial application (all programs) or complete a recertification/renewal (all programs), or submit a SNAP mid-certification in one of three ways:

Online
Use the District Direct website. You can see if you qualify and apply for, renew benefits without visiting a Service Center and waiting in line.
Mobile Phone
Use the District Direct Mobile Application You can see if you qualify and apply for benefits without visiting a Service Center and waiting in line. The app is available for iPhone (IOS) on Apple App Store or for Android Devices at the Google Play store.
Paper Applications (Mail, In-Person, or Fax)
Download the paper application below:

Integrated Application for Public Assistance Benefits (used to apply for Medical Assistance, SNAP, TANF, and Cash Assistance)
English – Spanish – Amharic

Burial Assistance Application
English – Spanish – Amharic

Retroactive Medicaid Coverage
English – Spanish

How Do I Recertify/Renew, or complete a SNAP Mid-Certification?

Paper Applications (Mail, In-Person, or Fax)
Download the appropriate paper application or form from the list below:

SNAP, TANF, and Cash Assistance Streamlined Recertification Form
English – Spanish – Amharic

SNAP Mid-certification
English – Spanish – Amharic

2. Online

If you receive SNAP, you can complete the streamlined recertification form and the SNAP Mid-Certification form online using the District Direct website.
If you only receive TANF/Cash Assistance and not SNAP, you cannot complete the recertification online.

How do I Mail, Fax, or Drop-Off a paper application?

You can mail the application to:
Department of Human Services | Economic Security Administration
Case Record Management Unit
P.O. Box 91560
Washington, DC 20090

Fax the Application to (202) 671-4400

Locate the Service Center closest to you to drop off or pick up an application/form.

All applications must be signed, dated, and submitted to DHS to begin processing. Verification documents or changes may be submitted using the online public benefits application.

SNAP Policy Quick-Reference Guide

The SNAP policy quick-reference guide will help you understand the potential impact of a new cash or in-kind benefit on a household’s SNAP benefits.

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

TTY 711, or TDD 800-537-7699