About SNAP
The District’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as Food Stamps) helps individuals and families buy the food they need for good health. Every month SNAP benefits are loaded onto an electronic card, called an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, that is used as a debit card. EBT cards are accepted at most grocery stores, some farmers’ markets, convenience, and big box stores. SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy prepared foods, vitamins, alcohol/tobacco, and non-food items (like soap or toothpaste).
Due to categorical eligibility, most households do not have a resource limit. The resources of people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are not countable. Some households that include an individual with a disability or who is age 60 years or older, may have only up to $3,500 in resources to qualify for SNAP.
Participating in SNAP & Protecting Your Benefits
To learn more about SNAP eligibility, including income requirements, allowable deductions, and resource requirements click here.
This helpful guide shares how District residents participating in SNAP may protect their benefits from fraud.
- View the "Secure Your SNAP Benefits: A Customer Integrity and Fraud Prevention Guide" here.
Apply for SNAP Benefits
Apply for SNAP benefits by completing an application here.
EBT Cards
For more information about Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, click here.
Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT)
The District remains committed to ensuring that families with children who receive free and reduced-price meals continue to have access to healthy meals during school closures due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. P-EBT provides additional food assistance to families of children who receive meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). To learn more about these benefits for food assistance, visit the P-EBT Information Page.
SNAP Online Purchasing Program
District residents participating in SNAP may use their benefits to make online purchases of authorized food items for delivery or pickup using their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card at the following participating retailers:
- Amazon: SNAP participants may shop across these Amazon grocery options including Amazon, Amazon Pantry and Amazon Fresh and place an order for delivery.
- Additional information about the SNAP EBT Program at Amazon is available here and through the Amazon SNAP EBT frequently asked questions information page.
- Aldi via Instacart: SNAP participants may shop at Aldi via Instacart at shop.aldi.us and place an order for delivery.
- Additional information about the SNAP EBT Program at Aldi via Instacart is available here.
- Safeway: The Safeway in Piney Branch located at 6500 Piney Branch Road, NW, provides an option for customers to place an online order for groceries for pickup. During pickup, you must have your EBT card available to process payment.
- Additional information about the SNAP EBT Program at Safeway is available here.
To learn more about the SNAP EBT online purchase program, view the DHS Frequently Asked Questions about the SNAP Online Purchasing Program
- SNAP Online Purchasing Program Resources in Translated Languages
SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) Program
For information about employment, training, and education assistance through the voluntary SNAP E&T Program, click here.
