UNEMPLOYMENT
Unemployment Benefits
The District’s Unemployment Insurance program provides temporary financial assistance to qualified individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the District of Columbia.
To receive unemployment insurance, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be unemployed through no fault of your own
- Be able, available, and actively looking for work
- Have earned enough wages to file a claim
- Apply for unemployment benefits from the Office of Unemployment Compensation
- Ten things you should know about the Unemployment Insurance System
Job Training
These career support programs, provided by the Department of Employment Services and non-profit partners, provide job seekers support on their career journey.
HOUSING
Rental Assistance
The DC Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has received the number of applications that can be supported with FY 2025 program funds and is not accepting new applications at this time. Councilmember Nadeau has continued to fight for additional funds to support the program.
Resources for tenants facing eviction:
- Landlord Tenant Assistance Network: Call (202) 780-2575
- LEDC: Call (202) 540-7400
- Housing Counseling Services: Call (202) 667-7706
- Rental Accommodation Services: Call (202) 442-9505
If you are a family experiencing homelessness or at immediate risk of homelessness, please contact the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (VWFRC), the central intake office for all families in the District seeking assistance with their housing needs.
If you are an individual experiencing or at risk of homelessness, please contact the Homeless Service Hotline for information about services, resources, shelter availability, and shelter transport at 202-399-7093 or by dialing 311.
Foreclosure Prevention Program offers free counseling to DC homeowners who may be behind on their mortgages or in the process of foreclosure.
Utility Assistance
The District’s Department of Energy and the Environment offers several programs to assist residents with their utility bills, including financial assistance, discounts, and energy efficiency programs.
DC Water’s SPLASH program may be able to assist community members facing financial hardships.
The Office of the People’s Counsel advocates for the provision of reliable utility service at reasonable rates to consumers and assists in disputes with utility providers.
FOOD
SNAP
The District’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income individuals and families by providing monthly benefits to purchase food. SNAP benefits are provided on 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 stores, big box stores, and some online stores.
- Applications are accepted online, via mobile application, in-person, fax (202-671-4400), or through the mail.
- Learn more about SNAP eligibility requirements.
Food Pantries
If you need food and nutrition assistance, there are several nonprofit organizations in the District that may be able to help via their food pantries and meal distribution services. This is not an exhaustive list.
HEALTH CARE
District of Columbia Medicaid is a joint federal-state health insurance program that provides health care coverage to low-income and disabled adults, children and families. To qualify for D.C. Medicaid, you must be a resident of the District of Columbia and meet non-financial and financial eligibility requirements. Medicaid covers many services including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health services, transportation and many other services at little or no cost to an individual. One out of every three District residents receives quality health care coverage through the Medicaid program. Visit DC Health Link for more information.
Several nonprofit community partners also offer medical clinics that may be able to assist with your medical needs. Visit Bread for the City or Community of Hope for more information about the services they provide.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Find additional resources and get help with additional city services by visiting our Resources page.
