If you are affected by the Federal Government Shutdown, here are District of Columbia-based resources available to you right now.
This guide keeps things simple: manage cash flow, secure food and health coverage, keep your utilities on, and protect your housing.
NOTE: This information is gathered from public internet sources. Programs change; always click through, confirm details, and beware of scams (no fees to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, UI, housing, or 2-1-1). If something looks off, call the official numbers on the linked sites to verify before sharing personal info. This is not legal, financial, or life advice; seek licensed professionals for help.
🕐 What to do first (10-minute plan)
- Cash flow triage: File or reopen your Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim through the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) at does.dc.gov, and certify weekly through your claimant portal.
- Food & health coverage: Apply for SNAP (Food Assistance), TANF, and Medicaid through the DC Department of Human Services (DHS) using DC Benefits (dhs.dc.gov/service/dc-benefits). Check eligibility for WIC through the DC Department of Health (DOH).
- Keep the heat and lights on: Apply for LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) through DHS Energy Assistance.
Contact Pepco, Washington Gas, or DC Water for hardship and customer support programs. - Housing stability: Find emergency rental or homelessness prevention assistance through the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and HUD DC.
- One-stop referrals: Dial 2-1-1 DC or visit 211dc.org for local referrals to food, housing, utilities, and legal assistance.
🔗 Links & Resources (District of Columbia)
Income & Jobs
DC Department of Employment Services (DOES):
🔗 https://does.dc.gov/
Unemployment Insurance (File or Reopen):
🔗 https://ui.does.dc.gov/
DC Networks (Job Search):
🔗 https://www.dcnetworks.org/
Food Access
SNAP (Food Assistance):
🔗 https://dhs.dc.gov/service/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap
Apply via DC Benefits Portal:
🔗 https://districtdirect.dc.gov/
WIC (Women, Infants & Children):
🔗 https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/women-infants-and-children-wic
Capital Area Food Bank:
🔗 https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/find-food-assistance/
Health Coverage
DC Medicaid & Alliance Program:
🔗 https://dchealthlink.com/individuals/medicaid
Apply for Health Coverage:
🔗 https://districtdirect.dc.gov/
Community Health Centers:
🔗 https://www.capitalcommunityhealthnetwork.org/
Heat, Utilities & Weatherization
LIHEAP (Energy Assistance):
🔗 https://dhs.dc.gov/service/energy-assistance-liheap
Weatherization Assistance:
🔗 https://doee.dc.gov/service/weatherization-assistance-program
Pepco Assistance Programs:
🔗 https://www.pepco.com/MyAccount/CustomerSupport/Pages/Assistance.aspx
Washington Gas Energy Assistance:
🔗 https://www.washingtongas.com/residential/payment-assistance
DC Water Customer Assistance:
🔗 https://www.dcwater.com/cap
Housing
DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD):
🔗 https://dhcd.dc.gov/
HUD District of Columbia:
🔗 https://www.hud.gov/states/district_of_columbia
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP):
🔗 https://dhs.dc.gov/service/emergency-rental-assistance-program
One-stop referrals
2-1-1 DC:
🔗 https://211dc.org/
Community Action Partnership (United Planning Organization):
🔗 https://upo.org/
Legal Help
Legal Aid Society of DC:
🔗 https://www.legalaiddc.org/
Neighborhood Legal Services Program (NLSP):
🔗 https://www.nlsp.org/
DC Bar Pro Bono Center:
🔗 https://www.dcbar.org/pro-bono-center
Disability Rights DC:
🔗 https://www.uls-dc.org/
Crafted by JobsInMyState.com in support of fellow Americans.