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.
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.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Cash Assistance Programs
- Interviews:
waived through July 2022; if DHS needs additional information, DHS will call or send a notice - Recertification:
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- SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy People (TANF), Program on Work Employment and Responsibility (POWER), and General Assistance for Children (GAC):
- Customers who have not had their certification period extended by 6-months in the past will be extended by 6-months if their recertification is due in the months of April, May, June, or July 2022.
- SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy People (TANF), Program on Work Employment and Responsibility (POWER), and General Assistance for Children (GAC):
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- All other customers will be required to complete a streamlined recertification process if their certification period expires in April, May, June, or July 2022. Notices will be mailed with a streamlined recertification form when customers are due to complete the recertification process. Customers can also access the form here.
- 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.
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- Interim Disability Assistance (IDA) will be required to complete a streamlined recertification process if their certification period expires in April, May, June, or July 2022. Notices will be mailed with a streamlined recertification form when customers are due to complete the recertification process. Customers can also access the form here.
SNAP Mid-Certifications and Interim Contacts
- Mid-Certifications: customers due to complete a mid-certification in April 2022 or after will be required to complete this action. Notices and a mid-certification form will be mailed to customers when they are due to complete their mid-certification. Customers can also access the form here. Customers that were due to complete a mid-certification in March 2022 have had their mid-certifications waived.
- Interim Contacts: customers due to complete an interim contract in April 2022 or after will be required to complete this action by calling the ESA Public Benefits Call Center at (202) 727-5355 from 7:30 am - 4:45 pm, Monday – Friday; TTY 711. Notices will be mailed to customers when they are due to complete their interim contact. Customers that were due to complete an interim contract in March 2022 have had their interim contract waived.
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 June 2022 have had their coverage reinstated if previously terminated, and extended as follows:
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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, by visiting a local Service Center, or by calling the DHS Public Benefits Call Center at (202) 727-5355 from 7:30 am - 4:45 pm, Monday – Friday; TTY 711. If the above flexibilities apply to your case, there is no action you need to take.