Due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain DHS public benefit programs continue to operate under certain flexibilities. This page is meant to inform DHS customers of current flexibilities.
As of December 23, 2021, DHS Service Centers are operating under modified operations. Service Centers are open for drop-off and pick-up only. For a list of Service Centers that are open for drop-off and pick-up, please visit Find a Service Center Near You.
Recertifications, mid-certs, interim contacts, and interviews for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy People (TANF), Program on Work Employment and Responsibility (POWER), and General Assistance for Children (GAC) have been waived through March 2022. In addition, customers due to recertify, complete a mid-cert, or interim contact in July, August, or September 2021 who were terminated for a reason other than being ineligible have been retroactively reactivated and extended by 6-months from the date of termination.
- Interviews: waived; if DHS needs additional information DHS will call or send a notice
- Recertification: customers due to recertify through March 2022 have had their recertifications waived and the certification period extended by 6-months from the original recertification date. In addition, customers due to recertify in July, August, or September 2021 who were terminated for a reason other than being ineligible have been retroactively reactivated and extended by 6-months from the date of termination and benefits issued on EBT cards.
- SNAP Mid-Certifications: customers due to complete a mid-certification through March 2022 have had their mid-certifications waived. In addition, customers due to complete a mid-certification in July, August, or September 2021 who were terminated for a reason other than being ineligible have been reactivated and benefits issued on EBT cards.
- SNAP Interim Contacts: customers due to complete an interim contract through March 2022 have had their interim contract waived. In addition, customers due to complete an interim contract in July, August, or September 2021 who were terminated for a reason other than being ineligible have been reactivated and benefits issued on EBT cards.
If the above flexibilities apply to your case, there is no action you need to take.
Please remember to ensure your mailing address and phone number are updated with DHS to ensure you receive a notification when it is time to complete your recertification or other required certification action to continue receiving benefits. You can update your information online, via a mobile app, visiting a local Service Center, or calling the DHS Public Benefits Call Center at (202) 727-5355 from 7:30 am - 4:45 pm, Monday – Friday; TTY 711.
DC Healthcare Alliance Program (Alliance) and Immigrant Children’s Program (ICP)
- Interviews: waived; if DHS needs additional information DHS will call or send a notice
- Renewals: customers due to recertify between September 2021 and February 2022 have had their coverage reinstated if previously terminated, and extended as follows:
|
Original Alliance/ICP Renewal end date |
New Renewal End Date |
|
September 30, 2021 |
March 31, 2022 |
|
October 31, 2021 |
April 30, 2022 |
|
November 30, 2021 |
May 31, 2022 |
|
December 31, 2021 |
June 30, 2022 |
|
January 31, 2022 |
July 31, 2022 |
|
February 28, 2022 |
August 2022 |
If the above flexibilities apply to your case, there is no action you need to take.
Please remember to ensure your mailing address and phone number are updated with DHS to ensure you receive a notification when it is time to complete your recertification or other required certification action to continue receiving benefits. You can update your information online, via a mobile app, visiting a local Service Center, or calling the DHS Public Benefits Call Center at (202) 727-5355 from 7:30 am - 4:45 pm, Monday – Friday; TTY 711.