While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy in the form of monthly benefits.
SNAP uses Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to distribute the benefits.
The District of Columbia SNAP food assistance program is administered by the Department of Human Services. Learn more about SNAP on the District of Columbia Department of Human Services website here.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase approved food items. These include:
See a more comprehensive list of what you can buy with SNAP benefits here and a list of approved snacks and meal supplements here.
There are also food items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, including alcoholic beverages and hot prepared food. See a comprehensive list of what you cannot buy with SNAP benefits here.
SNAP provides monthly benefits, known as an allotment, to eligible households. The allotment amount you can receive is based on 1) the number of people in your household and 2) your household income.
To calculate your allotment amount, multiply your household’s net income by 0.3 and then subtract that number from the federal maximum monthly benefit amount in the table below.
| Household Number | Federal Maximum Allotment Per Month |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $740 |
| 4 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,116 |
| 6 | $1,339 |
| 7 | $1,480 |
| 8 | $1,691 |
| Each additional household member | +211 |
You have one year (365 days) to use your allotment or the benefits on your EBT card will be canceled.
To learn more about your benefit amount in the District of Columbia, click here.
To qualify for SNAP in the District of Columbia, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about the District of Columbia’s income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the District of Columbia Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on page 2 of the District of Columbia application for SNAP. You can view a copy of the application in English here, in Spanish here or in Amharic here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on the District of Columbia’s Benefits Portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest District of Columbia Department of Human Services office location.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the benefits application and send it with copies of your necessary documents to:
Department of Human Services
Economic Security AdministrationCase Record Management UnitP.O. Box 91560Washington, DC 20090
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the District of Columbia Call Center Main Line at 1 (202) 727-5355 or email dhs@dc.gov. Office hours are from Monday through Friday from 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM ET.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you have submitted your application, you will need to complete an interview. The interview may be in person or by telephone.
If documents are missing from your application or the Department of Human Services needs more information from you to finish processing your request, your application will be delayed.
If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 30 days of your determination letter unless you are eligible for expedited services, which give you benefits within only 7 days.
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (202) 727-5355.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the District of Columbia Department of Human Services, you can appeal your decision in person, by mail, by email, by fax or by phone within 30 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Department of Human Services office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You will also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to complete the Request for a Hearing form here or write a letter that includes the following information:
When filing an appeal by mail, you must also enclose a copy of your determination letter and send it to:
Department of Human Services
Economic Security Administration
64 New York Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20002
You can email your appeal request to dc.oara@dc.gov.
To file a claim by fax, submit the form or a letter with the above information to 1 (202) 698-6404.
To file a claim by phone, call 1 (202) 442-9094.
For more information on the appeal process, click here.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 304-9167 or online here.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the District of Columbia Department of Human Services EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (202) 727-5355 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call the District of Columbia’s EBT customer service number at 1 (888) 304-9167.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Department of Human Services office in the District of Columbia.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits or for any further questions about your application, call the District of Columbia Call Center Main Line at 1(202) 727-5355 or email dhs@dc.gov. Office hours are from Monday through Friday from 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM ET.
You can also call the District of Columbia Department of Human Services at 1 (202) 807-0405.
You can also visit or call a local Department of Human Services office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the District of Columbia Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on page 2 of the District of Columbia application for SNAP. You can view a copy of the application in English here, in Spanish here or in Amharic here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on District of Columbia’s Benefits Portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest District of Columbia Department of Human Services office location.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the benefit application and send it with copies of your necessary documents to:
Department of Human Services
Economic Security AdministrationCase Record Management UnitP.O. Box 91560Washington, DC 20090
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the District of Columbia Call Center Main Line at 1 (202) 727-5355 or email dhs@dc.gov. Office hours are from Monday through Friday from 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM ET.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you have submitted your application, you will need to complete an interview. The interview may be in person or by telephone.
If documents are missing from your application or the Department of Human Services needs more information from you to finish processing your request, your application will be delayed.
If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 30 days of your determination letter unless you are eligible for expedited services, which give you benefits within only 7 days.
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (202) 727-5355.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the District of Columbia Department of Human Services, you can appeal your decision in person, by mail, by email, by fax or by phone within 30 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Department of Human Services office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You will also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to complete the Request for a Hearing form here or write a letter that includes the following information:
When filing an appeal by mail, you must also enclose a copy of your determination letter and send it to:
Department of Human Services
Economic Security Administration
64 New York Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20002
You can email your appeal request to dc.oara@dc.gov.
To file a claim by fax, submit the form or a letter with the above information to 1 (202) 698-6404.
To file a claim by phone, call 1 (202) 442-9094.
For more information on the appeal process, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits or for any further questions about your application, call the District of Columbia Call Center Main Line at 1 (202) 727-5355 or email dhs@dc.gov. Office hours are from Monday through Friday from 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM ET.
You can also call the District of Columbia Department of Human Services at 1 (202) 807-0405.
You can also visit or call a local Department of Human Services office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.