District of Columbia benefits and support programs
URIDA lists 44 programs for people in District of Columbia: 35 from government agencies, 9 from nonprofits, foundations, utilities and other private groups. Each one was checked against its official page. Some serve only part of the state, and dates and rules change, so look on the official page before you apply.
URIDA is not a government agency. Each program's operator takes applications and decides eligibility.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Who it is for
To participate in DC WIC, you must: Live in DC; Be pregnant or breastfeeding, a new parent, an infant, or a child up to age 5 years; Meet household income guidelines.
Head-of-household first-time homebuyers, very low- to moderate-income, with no residential ownership interest in the prior three years, buying a primary residence in the District. District residents are the priority; non-resident applications are processed only when none from residents are pending.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): the final approval or denial letter (letters that are still waiting for a decision are not accepted)
An official photo ID that matches the name on the natural gas utility account
Paychecks or Social Security statements from the past 30 days (or a notarized Washington Area Fuel Fund zero-income form)
A disconnection or warning of discontinuance notice (not needed if you are 65 or older)
Between the ages of 18 and 64; ineligible for TANF because no eligible child lives in the home; permanently and totally disabled; awaiting a decision on eligibility for SSI; ineligible for federally participating cash assistance (except while SSI is processed).
Strong Start DC Early Intervention Program (DC EIP)
Who it is for
Eligible children birth to 3 and their families who are DC residents; eligibility is based on an evaluation of the child's developmental needs conducted by an early intervention specialist.
Run by DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education
Documents to prepare
One document that verifies where you live (for example a 2025 certified or filed District of Columbia D-40 tax return, or a 12-month 2025 statement of child support, retirement, Social Security disability or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), unemployment or workers' compensation; or a letter for homeless youth or a ward of the court)
One proof of residency no older than 45 days that shows your name, a date and your address (bank or mortgage statement, pay stub, utility bill or utility letter)
2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Submission Summary
When to apply
DCTAG 2026 application period (DC OneApp): February 2, 2026 to August 21, 2026. That period has ended.
DACL Nutrition Programs (Community Dining Sites and Home-Delivered Meals)
Run by DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL)
Who it is for
Seniors 60+ and adults with disabilities. Home-delivered meals go to adults 60 years of age or older at their homes; spouses of homebound adults or disabled persons that reside with these homebound adults may also be eligible.
Safe at HomeDC Department of Aging and Community Living; checked October 18, 2026
Disability and caregiving (2)
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Who it is for
Individuals with disabilities who have a physical or mental impairment that is a substantial impediment to employment, can benefit from VR services in terms of employment, and require VR services. Priority to those with the most significant disabilities.
WMATA Metro Access paratransit (ADA shared-ride service)
Run by Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
Documents to prepare
A MetroAccess application completed and certified by a health care professional (listing each disability and how it prevents the use of Metrobus or Metrorail)
Bring the completed, signed original application to the in-person interview and assessment
Bring your mobility aid (if you use one) to the assessment
Refugee Assistance (DC Office of Refugee Resettlement)
Who it is for
Eligible clients who have been granted protection and established residence in DC: refugees, asylees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, certain Amerasians, URMs, certified trafficking victims, Iraqi/Afghan SIV holders, LPRs with prior refugee status, certain Afghan/Ukrainian parolees.
Office of the Tenant Advocate - Housing Assistance and Community Service
Who it is for
District tenants with disputes with landlords; OTA's mission is to provide technical advice and other legal services to tenants regarding disputes with landlords and to advocate for the rights and interests of District renters.
Metro Lift (WMATA reduced fare for SNAP customers)
Run by Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA, Metro)
Who it is for
Customers currently enrolled in SNAP in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia; SNAP household members who are on the SNAP proof of benefits and have a Smart Trip card.
Homeowners with flood risk who indicate interest; homes in a Flood Hazard Area (100 or 500-year floodplain) are served first, then all other homes across the city who indicate interest and have documented flood risk (check at dcfloodrisk.org).