dhs

Department of Human Services

coronavirus.dc.gov
Read Mayor Bowser’s Presentation on DC’s COVID-19 Situational Update: October 22.
DC Entered Phase Two of Reopening on June 22. View the Guidance.

Agency Home Responsive

DHS Modified Operations During COVID-19

To mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), Mayor Muriel Bowser has modified DC Government operations starting Monday, March 16, 2020. View DHS services and resources available during the COVID-19 emergency.

Responding to COVID-19 in Emergency Shelters

As part of the Bowser Administration’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, the District fundamentally transformed how it serves and supports residents experiencing homelessness.

District's Covid-19 Hotline & Web Portal

Residents that are homebound because of COVID-19 can request support from the District for food and other essential items.

Apply and Recertify for Benefits

Apply for public benefits and complete recertification and mid certification application.

Ward 1 Short Term Family Housing Program Name Selection

Through October 31, DHS is asking residents to vote to select the Ward1 Short Term Family Housing Program building's name.

Eviction Prevention & Rent Assistance

The District has rental assistance programs and housing resources to help residents prevent eviction.

Receiving Your EBT Card

To mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), effective Monday, April 20, District residents will receive EBT cards through US mail.

Featured Services

DHS Modified Operations During COVID-19

See an overview of DHS services and resources available during modified DC Government operations...

Application for ESA Benefits

Apply or recertify for cash, food, and medicial benefits available in the District.

Emergency Rental Assistance

Owe back rent? Facing Eviction? Emergency Rental Assistance may be able to help.

SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - formerly known as the "Food Stamps...

TANF

TANF provides cash assistance and work to needy District families with dependent children.

Child Care assistance

Assistance with child care fees is available and based on need, income and family size.

DHS Alerts - Caller ID Spoofing Scam

Please be aware that the DC Department of Human Services (DHS) main office number (202-671-4200) is being used as part of a “caller ID spoofing” scam and scammers are identifying themselves as DHS' employees. If you answer, they use scam scripts to try to steal your money or valuable personal information, which can be used in fraudulent activity.

DHS would not threaten or pressure individuals to share financial information. Learn more.

DHS Popular Links

Follow DHS on Twitter

Tweets by @DCHumanServ

Latest

Oct 7 2020

Modified District Government Services for Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Monday, October 12, 2020, the District Government will observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Sep 10 2020

Mayor Bowser Reminds Residents of Available Protections and Programs to Support Rental Assistance and Housing Stability

Rental Assistance Programs and Eviction Protection Prioritized as Impact of COVID-19 Continues...

Aug 19 2020

Mayor Bowser Highlights DC Access Mobile App for Residents to Apply and Recertify for Public Benefits

Residents Who Need to Recertify Benefits Can Download the Mobile App from Apple or Google Play...

Aug 13 2020

Mayor Bowser Announces Major Milestone in District’s Plan to End Homelessness

The District is ending its use of local hotels as emergency shelter for families.

Jul 19 2020

Due to Extreme Heat, District's Public Testing Sites and Grocery Sites to Close on Monday, July 20, Meal Sites Will Remain Open

Information about cooling centers open across DC can be found at heat.dc.gov.

Jan 6 2017

District to Activate “Cold Emergency Plan” Tonight

City's Cold Emergency Plan - Friday, January 6, 2017

Jan 12 2016

District to Activate “Cold Emergency Plan” Tonight

WASHINGTON, DC - The Department of Human Services (DHS) in collaboration with the District of...

Jan 4 2016

District to Activate “Cold Emergency Plan” Tonight

WASHINGTON, DC - The Department of Human Services (DHS) in collaboration with the District of...

Dec 22 2015

Low-Barrier Emergency Shelters Will Open Early on Christmas Eve

The Department of Human Services (DHS) will open all low-barrier emergency shelters at 4:00 pm on...

Nov 22 2015

Hypothermia Alert will be “Activated” at 7PM Tonight

WASHINGTON, DC- An overnight hypothermia alert will be ACTIVATED at 7:00 pm. Sunday, November 22,...

211 Answers, Please!

Dial 211 to find local and national health and human services programs.
For inquiries regarding SNAP, TANF and Medicaid benefits, please call (202) 727-5355.

Department of Human Services

Office Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 4:45 pm

Connect With Us
64 New York Avenue, NE, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 671-4200
Fax: (202) 671-4326
TTY: 711
Email: [email protected]

Ask the Director

Agency Performance

While the Federal Government Aims to Warehouse Children, Mayor Bowser Displays Model for Short-Term Family Housing

Date Released:

Wed, 08/21/2019

The opening of The Sterling continues the momentum toward making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring in the District and replacing the DC General Family Shelter, which Mayor Bowser closed in 2018. Watch the ribbon cutting.