The District of Columbia’s (District) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as Food Stamps) 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, big box stores, and some online stores. SNAP benefits generally cannot be used to buy prepared foods, vitamins, alcohol/tobacco, and non-food items (like soap or toothpaste).
Apply or Recertify for Benefits
You can submit an application for any of the following programs using a single application for benefits:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF, financial assistance)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps)
- Medical Assistance (Medicaid, Alliance, and other medical assistance programs available through DHS)
All applications must be signed and dated and submitted to DHS to begin processing.