← All states
In District of Columbia
Start here: benefits and programs
🩺
DC Health Link / DC Medicaid
- Health care
- Low cost
- Online or statewide
DC's health insurance marketplace. Enroll in Medicaid or a subsidized plan based on household income.
Who it's for: DC residents; Medicaid is income-based, and subsidies lower plan costs.
Not yet verified. Confirm details with the organization.
📋
DC Department of Human Services (DHS)
- Benefits
- Free
- Online or statewide
The District agency for SNAP food benefits, TANF cash assistance, and emergency help. Applications are free.
Who it's for: Income and residency rules apply.
Link checked Sep 24, 2026
💡
DOEE Utility Assistance Programs
- Utilities
- Free
- Online or statewide
DC Department of Energy & Environment programs that help pay utility bills, including LIHEAP energy assistance.
Who it's for: Income-eligible DC residents.
Link checked Sep 24, 2026
Local help and services
🍎
Capital Area Food Bank
- Food
- Free
- Online or statewide
Regional food bank that supplies a network of partner pantries and meal programs across DC. Use its site to find a pantry near you.
Who it's for: Varies by partner pantry; many require no proof of income.
Link checked Sep 24, 2026
⚖️
LawHelp.org: District of Columbia
- Legal help
- Free
- Online or statewide
Free legal information, self-help guides and links to free legal aid providers in District of Columbia.
Who it's for: Anyone can read the guides; legal aid providers set their own income limits.
Link checked Sep 24, 2026
Civil legal help with housing, public benefits, family and consumer issues for DC residents.
Who it's for: Income-eligible DC residents.
-
Main office
1331 H St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Directions
-
Anacostia office
1911 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC
Directions
Link checked Sep 24, 2026
Available everywhere
Start here: benefits and programs
🍎
SNAP (Food Stamps)
- Food
- Free
- Online or statewide
Monthly benefits for groceries. Applications are handled by your state; the USDA page links to each state's office.
Who it's for: Income and household-size rules apply.
Link checked Sep 20, 2026
🩺
Medicaid and CHIP
- Health care
- Free
- Online or statewide
Free or low-cost health coverage for people with limited income, and for children through CHIP. Apply through your state.
Who it's for: Income and household rules vary by state.
Link checked Sep 24, 2026
📋
Benefits.gov Benefit Finder
- Benefits
- Free
- Online or statewide
Federal questionnaire that shows which government benefits you may qualify for.
Who it's for: Anyone; answers are used only to match programs.
Link checked Sep 24, 2026
📋
Free Tax Help (VITA)
- Benefits
- Free
- Online or statewide
IRS-certified volunteers prepare tax returns for free and help claim credits such as the EITC.
Who it's for: Generally households earning about $67,000 or less.
Link checked Sep 24, 2026
🏠
HUD Find Shelter and Housing Help
- Housing
- Free
- Online or statewide
Links to emergency shelter, housing counseling and rental assistance offices near you.
Link checked Sep 24, 2026
💡
Lifeline Phone and Internet Discount
- Utilities
- Low cost
- Online or statewide
Monthly discount on phone or internet service for qualifying households.
Who it's for: Income-based, or enrollment in SNAP, Medicaid and other programs.
Link checked Sep 24, 2026
💡
LIHEAP Energy Assistance
- Utilities
- Free
- Online or statewide
Federal program that helps with heating and cooling bills. Apply through your state or local agency.
Who it's for: Income-based.
Link checked Sep 24, 2026