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Social services in District of Columbia

Official District of Columbia websites for food, health coverage, cash assistance, unemployment and child care, plus the federal programs that serve District of Columbia residents through local offices.

Medicaid is run by the Department of Health Care Finance; child care subsidy by OSSE.

State-run programs

These programs are funded federally but applications go through District of Columbia.

SNAP (food stamps).gov✓ reachable
State SNAP program page
Medicaid.gov✓ reachable
State Medicaid program page
Cash assistance (TANF).gov✓ reachable
State TANF program page
Unemployment insurance.gov✓ reachable
File a claim with the state workforce agency
Child care assistance.gov✓ reachable
State child care subsidy (CCDF) page

Federal programs with District of Columbia offices

Applications go through a federal agency or a local office found through the federal locator.

HHS Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services
HHS Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start
HHS Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Support Services
Social Security Administration
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Federal Communications Commission (administered by USAC)
HHS Administration for Community Living
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Official District of Columbia resources

State agency

DC Department of Human Services

dhs.dc.gov

Open site ↗✓ reachable
Benefits portal

District Direct

Apply, renew, and check case status online.

districtdirect.dc.gov

Open portal ↗✓ reachable
Checked
November 3, 2026
Listings
7 state links, 7 checked