StateEBT

SNAP and EBT, state by state: official logins, phone numbers, income limits and rules

FY2027 limits, in effect from October 1, 2026

District of Columbia EBT and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Reviewed Income limits for FY2027 (Oct 1, 2026 to Sep 30, 2027)

In the District, food stamps go by their federal name, SNAP, and the DC Department of Human Services runs them through its Economic Security Administration1,9. You apply, renew and report changes in District Direct, a website and phone app that also covers TANF and Medicaid3. For FY2027 the District lets most households earn up to 200% of the poverty line4,17, pays everyone between the 1st and the 10th of the month by the first letter of the last name5, and has applied the federal time limit for adults without dependents since June 1, 2026, on one fixed clock that runs to May 31, 202911.

Official links and numbers

Apply, renew, upload documents or report changesDistrict Directdistrictdirect.dc.gov
Check your balance, change your PIN or freeze your card onlineebtEDGE cardholder portal (FIS)cardholder.ebtedge.com
Activate a card, choose a PIN, check a balance or order a replacement1-888-304-9167
SNAP interviews and questions about your case1-202-727-5355Mon-Fri, closes 4:45 p.m.
Claim benefits stolen by skimming or cloningDHS Report Stolen Benefits pagedhs.dc.gov

StateEBT is an independent guide, not a government website. Applications, logins and balances are handled only on the official sites above, run by DC Department of Human Services (DHS), Economic Security Administration (ESA) and its EBT contractor.

District Direct: one login for food, cash and medical benefits

District Direct is the DHS benefits website; the free District Direct app does the same jobs on a phone. Use either to apply for food, cash and medical benefits (Medicaid included26), send documents, complete a renewal or the six-month mid-certification, read notices, see past and upcoming payments, and update your household3,2. Step-by-step guides are on the DHS District Direct Help page3.

Online renewal works only for households with SNAP; TANF-only households renew on paper2,22. TANF itself changes on October 1, 2027, when households past 60 months lose it unless they get a hardship extension23. Call Center agents at 1-202-727-5355 help with the app and website28.

District Direct · App: iPhone, Android

Your EBT card from FIS: activation, PINs and the two pickup centers

FIS (Fidelity Information Services) mails new and replacement cards to the address DHS has on file, in a plain white envelope, usually within five to seven days. You can also pick one up at the EBT Card Distribution Centers at 645 H Street NE or 1649 Marion Barry Avenue SE, Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.6. To activate the card and set a PIN, call FIS at 1-888-304-9167 with your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number (or your ZIP code if DHS has no SSN for you)6. A PIN cannot start with zero or match your birth date or SSN digits27.

Check your balance on your last receipt, by phone, or in ebtEDGE NEW!, which DHS calls the District's only official balance app and website6,7. The app and the cardholder portal let you freeze the card, block out-of-state or online purchases and change the PIN. DHS advises a new PIN every month before benefits arrive7. Card not working while you travel? Call DHS at 1-202-671-4460 and press 11.

If benefits are stolen by skimming or cloning, get a new card or change the PIN at once. Then file form DHS-1697, Request for Replacement of Stolen Benefits, within 30 days of finding the loss. DHS says it "may" replace them8. The District's finance office reported that DHS paid these claims with federal money through fiscal year 2025 and that the federal funding has ended15. A 2026 District law makes refunds a duty from March 1, 2028 (see the rules below)13,14.

D.C. SNAP and EBT phone numbers

ForNumberHours
EBT card line (FIS): activation, PIN, balance, replacement1-888-304-91676—
ESA Public Benefits Call Center (SNAP, TANF, Medicaid; phone interviews)DHS lists a 7:30 a.m. opening on its interview page and 8:15 a.m. on its contact page1-202-727-53559Mon-Fri, closes 4:45 p.m.
TTY for DHS lines7119—
Stolen benefits and out-of-state card problems (DHS OPRMI)Press 1 for a live representative1-202-671-44608Mon-Fri 8:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
OPRMI 24-hour voicemail hotlineLeave your name, date of birth and a callback number1-202-673-44648—
SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T)1-202-535-117811—
DOEE Energy Services (LIHEAP)Or call 3111-202-737-440424—
WIC program (DC Health)1-202-442-939725—

Applying for SNAP in the District

  1. Build your document checklist. The DHS Know Before You Go tool builds a list from your answers: proof of DC residence, ID, pay stubs or award letters, rent and child care bills, and a closing letter if you had benefits in another state29.
  2. Apply in District Direct or on paper. Apply online or in the app2. On paper, the signed Integrated Application (English, Spanish or Amharic) covers SNAP, TANF and Medical Assistance. Drop it at a Service Center, fax 1-202-671-4400, or mail it to DHS ESA, Case Record Management Unit, P.O. Box 91560, Washington, DC 200902.
  3. Complete the interview. Every new application and renewal has needed an interview since December 1, 2024. Call 1-202-727-5355 or visit a Service Center, Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. If you miss it, DHS denies the application9.
  4. Answer any request for proof. If DHS needs more proof after the interview, it sends a notice, also visible in District Direct. Upload the documents there or bring them to a Service Center9,2.
  5. Get and activate your card. FIS mails the card after approval, or you can collect it at 645 H Street NE or 1649 Marion Barry Avenue SE. Call 1-888-304-9167 to set the PIN6.

Federal rules give DHS 30 days from the filing date to decide, and households that qualify for expedited service must have benefits by the seventh calendar day30. The five DHS Service Centers are Anacostia (2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE), Fort Davis (3851 Alabama Avenue SE), Congress Heights (4049 South Capitol Street SW), H Street (645 H Street NE) and Taylor Street (1207 Taylor Street NW), open Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.12.

The District's 200% income chart for FY2027

Monthly amounts before taxes, October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027
Household sizeGross income limit (200%)Net income limit (100%)Maximum benefit
1$2,660$1,330$306
2$3,608$1,804$562
3$4,554$2,277$808
4$5,500$2,750$1,023
5$6,448$3,224$1,217
6$7,394$3,697$1,463
7$8,340$4,170$1,616
8$9,288$4,644$1,841
Each additional person+$948+$474+$225

Gross limit: as published by DC Department of Human Services (DHS), Economic Security Administration (ESA)4. Net limit and maximum benefit: USDA FY2027 cost-of-living adjustments. All states compared.

DHS publishes its FY2027 chart (October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027) with 130%, 200% and 100% columns. The 200% column is labeled "net", but a footnote explains it is the gross standard for expanded categorical eligibility, and it is the column shown above4. DHS's figures run a dollar above a straight 200% calculation for sizes 2, 5 and 8; the table keeps DHS's numbers4. After approval, the 130% column ($1,729 a month for one person) is the one your reporting rules point to4,10.

The deductions printed on the same page ($204 standard deduction, $712 shelter cap, $374 utility allowance) are older amounts. The federal FY2027 standard deduction is $217 for 1 to 3 people and the shelter cap is $76921. DHS had not posted FY2027 utility allowances by October 16, 2026. Students attending college more than half time need an exemption, such as 20 hours a week of paid work or caring for a child under 64.

Net income test. If your gross income is under the 200% line, the District treats your household as categorically eligible, and only that gross test applies4,17. A household with a member who is 60 or older or disabled needs to pass only the net income test, 100% of poverty ($1,330 a month for one person from October 1, 2026)4.

Assets. The FNA chart for the District shows no asset limit for households that qualify through broad-based categorical eligibility17, and DHS says most applicants fall in that group4. Where DHS finds a limit applies, it is $3,000, or $4,750 with a member who is 60 or older or disabled, from October 1, 202621. The DHS eligibility page still shows the earlier $4,500 figure4.

Deposit days by the first letter of your last name

SNAP posts on one day between the 1st and the 10th of each month, set by the first letter of your last name5.

First letter of last nameBenefits available
A, B1st
C2nd
D, E, F3rd
G, H4th
I, J, K5th
L, M6th
N, O, P, Q7th
R, S8th
T, U, V9th
W, X, Y, Z10th

District Direct lists past and upcoming payments3, and FIS at 1-888-304-9167 or ebtEDGE NEW! shows whether this month's deposit has posted6. DHS suggests changing your PIN each month before benefits arrive, so your letter's date doubles as a reminder7. DHS's pages do not say whether a date moves for weekends or holidays, or when a newly approved household's first payment arrives.

Mid-certifications, renewals and the 10-day reporting rule

Most households are certified for 12 months and send a mid-certification at month six, after a DHS notice10. If every member is 60 or older or disabled, the period is 36 months with no earnings or 12 months with earnings, and there is no mid-certification4. To renew, use the SNAP, TANF and Cash Assistance Streamlined Recertification Form in District Direct or on paper2. Renewals need an interview unless you are an ESAP household, and a missed interview leads to denial9.

Between check-ins, report only three things, by the 10th day after the end of the month they happen: total income over the limit in your DHS notice, a lottery or gambling win of $4,250 or more in a single game, and work hours under 20 a week (80 a month) for anyone under the time limit11,10.

Rules specific to D.C.

Work time limit since June 1, 2026, on a fixed clock to May 31, 2029

FNA lists no time limit waiver for the District for the first quarter of FY2027, from October 1, 202618. Since June 1, 2026, DHS screens adults aged 18 to 64 at application and renewal. Anyone without an exemption who does not meet the work rules gets only three months of SNAP in one shared 36-month period, June 1, 2026 to May 31, 202911. Exemptions include living with a child under 14, caring for any child under 6, pregnancy, earning over $217.50 a week, and SSI or SSDI. To meet the rules, work, train or volunteer 80 hours a month, or join the SNAP E&T Volunteer Program, usually under 30 hours a month. Months count only from the first full month after DHS screens you11.

Chip cards and guaranteed theft refunds, due March 1, 2028

D.C. Law 26-104, the Public Benefits Security Amendment Act of 2026 (effective March 24, 2026), requires DHS to switch all EBT cards to chip (EMV) cards. It also makes DHS restore up to two months of correctly issued benefits stolen by skimming, cloning or phishing and reported within six months13. The FY2027 Budget Support Emergency Act (D.C. Act 26-416, effective August 13, 2026, for up to 90 days) moved both dates from October 1, 2027 to March 1, 2028 and removed the clause that tied the law to funding14. Until March 1, 2028, refunds are DHS's choice8,14.

DC SUN Bucks paid $120 per student in summer 2026

DC SUN Bucks, the District's Summer EBT program, paid $120 per student in 2026. Children in SNAP or TANF households and students approved for free or reduced-price meals were mostly enrolled automatically and paid in June; SNAP and TANF households got it on their EBT card16. The 2026 application closed August 23, 2026; paper applications received from August 24 count for summer 2027. Benefits expire after 122 days16.

No soda ban, no restaurant meals option

The District is not on FNA's list of food restriction waivers (updated October 13, 2026), so soft drinks and candy stay eligible19,1. It is not on FNA's list of Restaurant Meals Program states (updated August 7, 2026), so hot and prepared foods stay off-limits20,1. For online orders DHS names Amazon, Aldi through Instacart, Giant and Safeway (varies by store); delivery fees cannot be paid with SNAP1.

Other assistance in D.C.

ProgramWhat it covers
TANF (DC Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)Cash for families who are pregnant or have a child under 19; up to $803 a month for 3 people from October 1, 2026. From October 1, 2027, families past 60 months lose TANF unless they get a hardship extension
DC MedicaidFree or low-cost health coverage; apply in District Direct or with the Integrated Application
DC Healthcare AllianceLocally funded health coverage for low-income residents who cannot get Medicaid or Medicare
DC Health LinkThe District's own health insurance marketplace for private plans
LIHEAP (DOEE energy assistance)One-time help of $250 to $1,800 with heating and cooling bills; FY2027 applications open October 20, 2026
WIC (DC Health)Nutrition program run by DC Health; call a local WIC site to apply (site list at dcwic.org)
SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T)Free, voluntary job training for SNAP households not on TANF, with reimbursements for transportation, child care and other costs of taking part
DC SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)$120 per eligible student for groceries over the summer

Sources

  1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  2. Public Benefits: Apply for Benefits and Recertify, DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  3. District Direct Help, DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  4. SNAP Eligibility Requirements (income limits effective October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027), DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  5. SNAP Monthly Benefit (allotments and monthly issuance schedule), DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  6. Electric Benefits Transfer (EBT) Cards, DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  7. Protect Your Benefits, DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  8. Report Stolen Benefits, DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  9. SNAP Interviews, DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  10. SNAP Ongoing Eligibility Requirements, DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  11. SNAP Work Requirements, DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  12. Find a Service Center Near You, DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  13. D.C. Law 26-104, Public Benefits Security Amendment Act of 2026, Council of the District of Columbia, D.C. Law Library. Checked 16 October 2026.
  14. D.C. Act 26-416, Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2026 (Subtitle S, Public Benefits Security Clarification), Council of the District of Columbia, D.C. Law Library. Checked 16 October 2026.
  15. Fiscal Impact Statement: Public Benefits Security Amendment Act of 2025 (Bill 26-367), December 10, 2025, DC Office of the Chief Financial Officer. Checked 16 October 2026.
  16. District of Columbia (DC) SUN Bucks, Government of the District of Columbia. Checked 16 October 2026.
  17. Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (chart updated June 29, 2026), USDA Food and Nutrition Administration. Checked 16 October 2026.
  18. Status of State ABAWD Time Limit Waivers, Fiscal Year 2027 - 1st Quarter (read via the agency CDN, fns-prod.azureedge.us), USDA Food and Nutrition Administration. Checked 16 October 2026.
  19. SNAP Food Restriction Waivers (page updated October 13, 2026), USDA Food and Nutrition Administration. Checked 16 October 2026.
  20. Restaurant Meals Program (page updated August 7, 2026), USDA Food and Nutrition Administration. Checked 16 October 2026.
  21. SNAP - Fiscal Year 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (memo, August 21, 2026), U.S. Department of Agriculture. Checked 16 October 2026.
  22. Temporary Cash Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  23. TANF Program Update (updated August 12, 2026), DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  24. Receive Assistance With Your Utility Bills (LIHEAP), DC Department of Energy and Environment. Checked 16 October 2026.
  25. Apply for WIC, DC Health. Checked 16 October 2026.
  26. How to Qualify for DC Medicaid, DC Department of Health Care Finance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  27. Protect Your Benefits! Reset Your PIN (June 30, 2026), DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  28. Contact Us, DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  29. Know Before You Go, DC Department of Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  30. 7 CFR 273.2, Office operations and application processing, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Checked 16 October 2026.

Neighboring states: Maryland, Virginia. All states

How this page is checked

Every link, phone number and dollar amount on this page was checked against the official sources listed above on the review date. Federal figures come from USDA's FY2027 adjustments. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will recheck it. Our method