For those who have lost work, some income from unemployment insurance is
counted as income for the purposes of Medicaid. However, the Economic Impact
Payment (also known as a stimulus check), enhanced Child Tax Credit, District
enhanced unemployment benefits, and Federal Pandemic Unemployment
Compensation ($600 special unemployment insurance payment) will not count as
income for determining eligibility for most adults.
Long-Term Care, Medicare, and Medical Expenses: You may qualify for Medicaid if
you need long term care services and supports or have high medical bills or expenses.
Medicaid may also be able to assist Medicare beneficiaries in the District with their
premiums for Parts A and B.
Medical Conditions: You may qualify for Medicaid if you have certain medical
conditions and have income under a certain level. These conditions could include
having breast or cervical cancer, children with complex medical conditions, and more.
You May Qualify Based on Categorical Eligibility
Individuals may be qualified for DC Medicaid based on being categorically eligible and
do not need to apply. Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
payment are automatically eligible for Medicaid, along with individuals under an
Adoption Assistance Agreement, in District foster care under the care and custody of
Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), and former foster care youth are also
considered categorically eligible.
Medicaid Extension for Those Already Enrolled
If you were enrolled in Medicaid on March 1, 2020 or have enrolled in Medicaid since
March 1, 2020, then your eligibility has been automatically extended during the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE). For
those enrolled in Alliance or ICP, the District’s PHE ended on July 25, 2021. Therefore, if your Alliance or ICP renewal was
due and you have been contacted to submit renewal forms, please complete and return your renewal. If you have
questions regarding your renewal due date, please contact the DHS Call Center.
Call the DHS Call Center Main Line: 202-727-5355
Web Portal: https://dcbenefits.dhs.dc.gov/
District Direct app: https://dhs.dc.gov/districtfirst
Applying for Other District Benefits
Residents may also be eligible for assistance
through the Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental
Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).
Applications can be submitted:
Online: DHS web portal at
https://dcbenefits.dhs.dc.gov/ or download
the “District Direct” app in the Apple or
Google Play stores
In-Person: Visit a DHS Service Center
(applications can also be picked-up at an
open DHS Service Center). You may also
download the PDF*, complete, sign, and
drop.
By Mail: Download the PDF*, complete,
sign, and send to:
Department of Human Services
Economic Security Administration
Case Record Management Unit
P.O. Box 91560
Washington, DC 20090
*The DHS Call Center at (202) 727-5355,
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:45
p.m., can also mail you an application.