Grants for Low Income in the District of Columbia
District of Columbia, also known as Washington, D.C., is home to a diverse population, including individuals and families with low incomes who face unique financial challenges. In an effort to alleviate these challenges and provide support to those in need, numerous assistance programs have been established in the district. These programs cover a wide range of essential needs, including financial and cash assistance, housing and rent support, health care, utility bill assistance, food and nutrition programs, transportation services, education and training opportunities, clothing assistance, legal aid and specialized assistance for low-income seniors.
Financial and Cash Assistance
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income families with children. It offers cash benefits, job training and supportive services to help families achieve self-sufficiency. For more information, visit https://dhs.dc.gov/service/tanf-district-families.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) offers financial assistance to low-income individuals and families who are at risk of eviction or experiencing housing instability. The program helps cover rental arrears, utility bills and other housing-related expenses. Qualified applicants can access the program through the District of Columbia Department of Human Services website: https://dhs.dc.gov/service/emergency-rental-assistance-program.
Housing and Rent Assistance
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, provides rental assistance to low-income persons, seniors and families. Participants receive vouchers that can be used to rent housing from private landlords. To learn more and apply for the program, visit https://housing.dc.gov/page/housing-dc-resident-resources.
Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) assists low- and moderate-income individuals and families in purchasing their first home in the District of Columbia. The program offers down payment and closing cost assistance, as well as favorable loan terms. See more information at https://dhcd.dc.gov/service/home-purchase-assistance-program.
The Tenant-Based Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP) provides rental assistance to low-income individuals and families, enabling them to secure safe and affordable housing in the district. Participants receive subsidies that help bridge the gap between their rent and income. For further information, visit https://nlihc.org/node/95681.
Health Assistance for Low-Income Persons
Medicaid provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, adults and individuals with disabilities. It offers a wide range of services, including
- Doctor visits,
- Hospital care,
- Prescription medications,
- Preventive care.
To learn more, visit https://dhcf.dc.gov/service/medicaid.
The DC Healthcare Alliance offers healthcare coverage to District residents who are not eligible for Medicaid. It provides comprehensive medical services, including doctor visits, hospital care, specialist referrals and prescription medications. To find out more about the DC Healthcare Alliance and how to enroll, visit https://dhcf.dc.gov/service/health-care-alliance.
The DC Healthy Families Program provides health insurance coverage for pregnant women, children and their parents or caretaker relatives. It offers a range of benefits, including doctor visits, immunizations, prescription medications and mental health services. To access the program and determine eligibility, visit https://dhcf.dc.gov/service/dc-healthy-families.
Utility Bill Assistance for Low-Income People
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs. It provides financial assistance to offset the high costs of energy bills, ensuring that individuals and families can maintain a comfortable and safe home environment. To apply for LIHEAP, visit https://doee.dc.gov/liheap.
Residential Aid Discount (RAD) Program offers a discount on water and sewer bills for eligible low-income residential customers in the District of Columbia. It provides financial relief and ensures that essential water services remain affordable for those in need. To learn more about the RAD Program and its application process, visit https://www.pepco.com/MyAccount/CustomerSupport/Pages/DC/ResidentialAidDiscountProgram.
The Utility Discount Program (UDP) provides a reduced rate on gas and electric bills for income-qualified District residents. It aims to make utility services more affordable and prevent service disconnections. To determine eligibility and apply for the UDP, visit https://doee.dc.gov/udp.
Food and Nutrition Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as the food stamp program, assists low-income individuals and families in accessing nutritious food. Participants receive an electronic benefit card (EBT) that can be used to purchase eligible food items. For more information, visit https://dhs.dc.gov/service/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap.
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program offers supplemental nutrition assistance, education and support to low-income pregnant women, new mothers and young children. It provides nutritious foods, breastfeeding support and referrals to healthcare and social services. To learn more about the WIC Program and find a WIC clinic in the District of Columbia, visit https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/special-supplemental-nutrition-program-women-infants-and-children-wic.
The DC Free Summer Meals Program ensures that children and teens in low-income areas have access to nutritious meals during the summer months when school is not in session. It offers free breakfast, lunch and snacks at various sites throughout the District. To find more information about the program, visit https://www.dchunger.org/federal-nutrition-programs/summer-meals-sfsp/.
Transportation Assistance for Low-Income Individuals
The Reduced Fare Program offers discounted fares for eligible low-income residents on public transportation services in the District, including the Metrobus and Metrorail systems. It helps individuals access essential services, education, employment and other opportunities.
The Capital Bikeshare Community Partners Program provides low-cost annual memberships to income-qualified individuals, making bike-sharing services more accessible and affordable. It promotes active transportation and provides a convenient and environmentally friendly means of getting around the city. To find out more about the program and eligibility requirements, visit https://capitalbikeshare.com/pricing/for-all.
Education and Training Assistance
DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG) provides financial assistance to District residents who are pursuing higher education at eligible colleges and universities outside of the District. It helps cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates, making higher education more affordable. To learn more about DC TAG and apply for the grant, visit https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarships/dc-tuition-assistance-grant-dctag.
Legal Assistance
The Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia offers free legal services to low-income residents. Their team of dedicated attorneys and advocates helps with a wide range of civil legal matters, including housing, public benefits, family law, consumer issues and more. To learn more about their services and access legal assistance, visit legalaiddc.org.
Neighborhood Legal Services Program (NLSP) offers free legal services and representation to low-income individuals and families in the District of Columbia. They focus on areas such as
- Housing,
- Public benefits,
- Domestic violence,
- Employment,
- Disability rights.
NLSP strives to ensure equal access to justice and empower vulnerable populations. To find out more about their services and get in touch with their team, visit nlsp.org.
The DC Bar Pro Bono Center connects low-income individuals with volunteer attorneys who provide free legal assistance and representation. They offer legal clinics, pro bono projects and referrals to address various legal needs, including housing, family law, immigration and more. To explore their services and learn how to access pro bono legal assistance, visit https://www.dcbar.org/pro-bono.
Assistance for Low-Income Seniors
The DC Office on Aging offers a range of services and programs to support low-income seniors in the District. These include
- Case management,
- Home-delivered meals,
- Transportation assistance,
- Caregiver support,
- Health promotion and more.
To access the services and resources available for seniors, visit https://dacl.dc.gov/.
The AARP Foundation provides assistance and resources to low-income older adults to help them meet their basic needs. Their programs focus on income security, housing solutions, legal advocacy and hunger relief. Through various initiatives, the foundation aims to improve the lives of vulnerable seniors in the District. To learn more about their programs and find assistance, visit https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/.
Legal Counsel for the Elderly offers free legal services and advocacy for low-income seniors in the District of Columbia. Their team of attorneys assists with issues such as housing, benefits, elder abuse, advance planning and more. They work to protect the rights and well-being of older adults and enhance their quality of life. For more information, visit https://www.aarp.org/legal-counsel-for-elderly/.