District of Columbia SNAP

The District of Columbia has an approved district-wide ABAWD waiver that exempts eligible individuals from SNAP work requirements and time limits through December 31, 2026. Due to this waiver, ABAWDs in the District are currently not subject to the strict 3-month time limit in a 36-month period.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a nutrition assistance programm that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need for a healthier diet.

SNAP benefits are issued through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that can be used like a debit card, to buy groceries at specified stores that accept EBT.

FAQ

Who is eligible for SNAP in District?

In order to qualify for SNAP, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident
Be a resident of District of Columbia
Show proof of identity
Meet income limits and other financial eligibility rules.

What are the income requirements for SNAP in DC?

In the District, a family of three may qualify for SNAP if its gross monthly income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. There is no asset limit in the District.

Household Size	100%Net Income	200%Gross Income
1	$1,304	$2,608
2	$1,763	$3,525
3	$2,221	$4,442
4	$2,679	$5,358
5	$3,138	$6,275
6	$3,596	$7,192
7	$4,054	$8,108
8	$4,513	$9,025

Effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Gross income limit applies to most households, except when at least one member is age 60 or older or receives disability income; in these cases, only the net income test applies.

DC Residents, are you eligible for SNAP?

Find out if you may qualify and get an estimated amount of benefits you could receive.

How much food stamps will I get in DC?

Monthly benefit amounts vary depending the household size, income and allowable deductions. For example, a family of three with no income may get up to $785 in monthly SNAP benefits.

Household Size	SNAP Benefits
1	$298
2	$546
3	$785
4	$994
5	$1,183
6	$1,421
7	$1,571
8	$1,789

The actual SNAP benefit amounts are based on a household’s net income with a general rule that an increase of $100 in net income results in a reduction of $30 in benefits. Use our SNAP calculator to estimate the amount of benefits you can expect to receive.

How do I apply for SNAP in DC?

Applications are accepted online through District Direct or in person at your nearest Economic Security Administration (ESA) Service Center. ¹

As part of the application process, an interview is required to help determine if you or your household is eligible for food assistance benefits.

DC Department of Human Services
ESA Benefits Call Center
(202) 727-5355

What documents do I need for SNAP in DC?

When you apply for SNAP, you may be asked to provide the following documents:

A valid photo ID
A valid Social Security Number
Proof of residency (where you live)
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Proof of earned and unearned income
Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

To locate an ESA Service Center near you, call the ESA Administration at (202) 698-3900. ↩