Food & Nutrition

District of Columbia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, once known as Food Stamps), helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in the District of Columbia pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card). This card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your EBT card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in D.C. to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does Washington, D.C. SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is run by the Washington, D.C. Department of Human Services (DHS). Economic Security Administration (ESA) Service Centers across the District of Columbia provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in Washington, D.C.?

While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DHS case worker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Washington, D.C. SNAP:

Fill out an application: You can apply for Washington, D.C. SNAP online, in person, or by mail or fax. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process, but you must complete and submit your application before you can secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: While you wait for your application to be processed, you must have a phone or in-person interview with a DHS case worker.
Wait for a decision: Most D.C. SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your EBT card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for D.C. SNAP, you and all household members applying for benefits must meet the following requirements:

You are a District of Columbia resident.
You have a Social Security number (or you’ve applied for one).
You are a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen meeting other eligibility rules.
You meet any work requirements currently in place for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).
You meet the income and asset guidelines for your household size.

If your household receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash benefits, TANF non-cash benefits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are considered “categorically eligible” for SNAP. Most D.C. residents applying for SNAP are found to be categorically eligible. The amount of money you will get in D.C. SNAP benefits depends on:

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you

What are the Washington, D.C. SNAP income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross income households can earn and still get SNAP benefits. In D.C., households must meet both a gross and net monthly income limit for their household size. The gross monthly income limit is set at 130% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) and the net monthly income limit is set at 100% FPL. Households that include one or more members who are age 60+ or someone with a disability only need to meet the net monthly income limit of 100%.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit. Common deductions include:

20% deduction applied to earned income
Standard deduction based on household size
Dependent care deduction when needed for work, training, or education
Legally owed child support payments
Excess shelter costs that are more than half of a household’s income after all other deductions have been applied
Out-of-pocket medical expenses of more than $35 (for people age 60+ and those with disabilities)

What are the Washington, D.C. SNAP resource limits?

Resources refer to the assets and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate).

When you apply for SNAP, DHS will review your information to determine if a resource limit applies. Households that have a resource limit may have up to $3,000 in countable resources. If a household includes a person who is age 60+ or has a disability, the resource limit is $4,500.

How do I prepare to apply?

When you apply, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. To apply for D.C. SNAP, you will need the following information and supporting documents for each household member (try to gather as much of it as possible):

Identification (e.g., driver's license, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID)
Social Security numbers, birthdates, and proof of citizenship status
Proof of D.C. residency (e.g., lease agreement, utility bills)
Monthly earned income
Monthly unearned income (e.g., Social Security, unemployment, etc.)
Monthly bills including utilities, child care, and rent/mortgage
Medical bills for anyone who is age 60+ or has a disability
Amount of money in cash, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, etc.

If you don’t have all of this information handy, don’t worry. You can always go back and provide additional information after you’ve submitted your application. Benefits start from the day you submit your SNAP application.

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for SNAP in Washington, D.C.?

There are several ways to apply for D.C. SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through the District Direct website or mobile app (downloadable from Google Play or the Apple App Store). You’ll be glad to know when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply through District Direct

To apply online:

Go to the District Direct website and click ‘Apply Now.’
- If you already have an account, enter your user ID and password to log in.
- If you do not have an account, click ‘Get started.’
Once you’ve created an account and logged in, click ‘Apply Now.’
On the next screen, click ‘Apply for Benefits.’ Then, on the following screen, check the box next to ‘SNAP’ and click ‘Continue.’
Follow the prompts to complete your benefits application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes (but you can save your progress and come back if you need to; all you need to do is log back in with the username and password you set up earlier).

Tips for success:

Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information. You can save your application progress in the system and return later to finish it, if necessary.
For technical assistance, contact the District Direct Call Center at 1-202-727-5355.
If English is not your primary language, click on one of the other languages (Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Amharic) at the top of the District Direct website.

APPLY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR FAX

To apply for SNAP in person, by mail, or by fax, you will first need a paper application. Below, you will find the District of Columbia benefits application that you can download and print out at home:

Don't have a printer? Call your local ESA Service Center to have a paper application mailed to you. You can also pick up a form when you arrive at the office. Once you have completed the SNAP application, you may then return it to your local ESA office or mail it to:

Department of Human Services | Economic Security Administration
Case Record Management Unit
P.O. Box 91560
Washington, D.C. 20090

If you want to submit your completed the application by fax, fax your completed application to 1-202-671-4400.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get E-SNAP benefits (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. You must meet at least one of the following conditions to receive E-SNAP:

Your income and liquid resources add up to less than the monthly housing expenses.
Your monthly income is less than $150, and liquid resources are $100 or less.
You are a destitute migrant or seasonal farmworker with liquid resources of $100 or less.

Need food today? Visit the Capital Area Food Bank website to find local resources while you wait for your SNAP application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your D.C. SNAP application. You can:

Contact the DHS Public Benefits Call Center at 1-202-727-5355.
Call your local ESA Service Center.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Washington, D.C.?

It can take up to 30 days to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After your application is received, you will need to have an interview. This interview can take place over the phone or in person at your local ESA Service Center. DHS can interview you—or someone you choose to represent you.

To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from DHS, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your DHS case worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will receive a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for D.C. SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for Washington, D.C. SNAP, the letter you get will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). Certification periods in D.C. range from 12 to 36 months, depending on your situation.

Within 5 to 7 days of being approved for SNAP, you will receive your EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. Your first month of benefits will be deposited into your account when your application is approved. Going forward, your SNAP benefits will be deposited during the first 10 days of the month based on the first letter of your last name.

Other important tips to know

What if my Washington, D.C. SNAP application is denied?

If you think DHS unfairly denied your SNAP benefits, you have the right to request a hearing at the D.C. Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). During this hearing, your case will be reviewed by a judge.

How can I view my SNAP benefits information?

You can log in to the District Direct website or mobile app to check the status of your SNAP application, view your benefits, upload documents, report changes, and see important notices and reminders about your benefits.

How do I manage my Washington, D.C. EBT card?

The best way to know your SNAP EBT card balance is to keep your last store receipt. If you lose your last receipt and need to know your balance, call FIS at 1-888-304-9167. You can also visit the ebtEDGE website. You must create an account first.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

You must report certain changes that can impact your SNAP benefit amount within 10 days of the change. This can be done online through the District Direct website or by completing a Change Report form. Reportable changes may include:

A change in household size
An increase in household income
Reduced work hours for ABAWDs
Lottery or gambling winnings of $4,500 or more

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C. SNAP households must complete the recertification process at the end of their certification period in order to continue receiving benefits. Toward the end of your certification period, you will receive a renewal package. It will contain information on how to renew your benefits, which can be done online, in person, or by mail.

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