The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the District of Columbia, formerly known as Food Stamps, provides monthly benefits to low-income households to purchase nutritious food, helping to alleviate food insecurity and promote access to healthy meals. Benefits are issued via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, known as the D.C. EBT Card, accepted at most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and select online retailers like Amazon and Safeway.
This guide outlines the 2025 eligibility criteria, income limits, benefit amounts, and application process for D.C. SNAP, based on federal and District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS) guidelines.
Use the Eligibility Screening Tool on the District Direct portal to estimate your benefits, assuming you meet D.C.’s eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for D.C. SNAP Benefits
To qualify for SNAP in the District of Columbia, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Income: Household income must fall within federal poverty guidelines or meet categorical eligibility through programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Household Size: Determined by individuals who live and eat together.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified legal resident (e.g., lawful permanent residents with 5+ years in the U.S., refugees, asylees, or children under 18).
- Residency: Must reside in the District of Columbia.
- Work Requirements: Certain adults (able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs) must meet work obligations unless exempt.
- Assets: Most households are not subject to asset limits due to D.C.’s broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE). Households with elderly or disabled members exceeding specific income thresholds may face asset limits.
Households receiving TANF, SSI, or other means-tested benefits are often categorically eligible, meaning they automatically qualify for SNAP without meeting standard income or asset tests, provided their net income is low enough. Contact the D.C. DHS at (202) 671-4200 for detailed guidance.
D.C. SNAP Income Guidelines (2025)
Eligibility is based on gross income (pre-tax) and net income (after allowable deductions). The 2025 income limits, aligned with federal poverty guidelines (effective October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025), are as follows:
Gross Income Limit (200% of Federal Poverty Level)
D.C. uses a higher gross income limit (200% FPL) for most households due to BBCE, making it easier to qualify:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,878 |
| 2 | $3,892 |
| 3 | $4,906 |
| 4 | $5,920 |
| 5 | $6,934 |
| 6 | $7,948 |
| 7 | $8,962 |
| 8 | $9,976 |
| Each Add’l | +$1,014 |
Gross Income Limit for Elderly/Disabled (165% of Federal Poverty Level)
Households where all members are 60+ or disabled qualify under higher limits if exceeding the 200% FPL:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,375 |
| 2 | $3,210 |
| 3 | $4,045 |
| 4 | $4,880 |
| 5 | $5,715 |
| 6 | $6,550 |
| 7 | $7,385 |
| 8 | $8,220 |
| Each Add’l | +$835 |
Net Income Limit (100% of Federal Poverty Level)
Households exceeding gross income limits may qualify after deductions:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,439 |
| 2 | $1,946 |
| 3 | $2,453 |
| 4 | $2,960 |
| 5 | $3,467 |
| 6 | $3,974 |
| 7 | $4,481 |
| 8 | $4,988 |
| Each Add’l | +$507 |
Note: Households receiving TANF or SSI are categorically eligible and may not need to meet these income limits, but their net income must be low enough to receive benefits.
Income Sources
Countable income includes:
- Earned: Wages, self-employment earnings (before taxes).
- Unearned: Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, pensions.
Exempt income may include certain educational grants or loans used for tuition and fees.
Asset Rules for D.C. SNAP
Due to D.C.’s adoption of broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), most households are not subject to asset limits. For households with elderly (60+) or disabled members exceeding the 200% FPL gross income limit, the asset cap is $4,500. Countable assets include:
- Cash and bank accounts
- Secondary properties (excluding primary residence)
- Stocks, bonds, money market funds
Non-Countable Assets:
- Primary home
- Household goods (e.g., furniture, appliances)
- Retirement accounts (e.g., IRAs, 401k plans)
- All vehicles used for household transportation (no value limit)
Households that are categorically eligible (e.g., receiving TANF or SSI) are exempt from asset limits.
Defining a SNAP Household
A SNAP household includes individuals who live together and purchase and prepare meals together, such as:
- Spouses
- Children under 22 living with parents
- Individuals living together but purchasing and preparing food separately may qualify as separate households.
Disabled or elderly individuals (60+) unable to prepare meals due to a permanent disability may form a separate household if their combined income with others is below 165% of the FPL (e.g., $2,375/month for one person).
Work Rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), aged 18–52, must:
- Work at least 20 hours per week, or
- Participate in an approved employment or training program (e.g., through D.C.’s Office of Work Opportunity).
Non-compliance limits benefits to 3 months within a 3-year period. Exemptions include:
- Under 18 or over 52
- Pregnant
- Caring for a dependent child
- Physically or mentally unable to work
- Receiving disability-related benefits (e.g., SSI, Social Security disability)
All non-exempt adults must register for work at application and every 12 months thereafter.
Deductions to Improve Eligibility
Deductions reduce countable income, increasing eligibility chances:
- Standard Deduction: $204 (1-3 people), $291 (6+)
- Earned Income: 20% deduction
- Dependent Care: Costs for child or dependent care needed for work or school
- Medical Expenses: Over $35/month for elderly or disabled (unreimbursed costs only)
- Shelter Costs: Rent/mortgage and utilities, up to $712 (no cap for households with elderly/disabled members)
- Standard Utility Allowance: $374 (updated annually)
- Homeless Deduction: Up to $190.30
D.C. SNAP Benefit Amounts (2025)
Maximum monthly allotments by household size (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025):
| Household Size | Monthly SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,755 |
| Each Add’l | +$220 |
Benefits are calculated by multiplying net monthly income by 0.3 and subtracting the result from the maximum allotment for the household size. Households with no net income receive the maximum benefit.
Note: A recent X post claimed a maximum benefit of $973 for a family of four in D.C., but the USDA’s 2025 guidelines confirm $975 as the correct amount.
Applying for SNAP in D.C.
Apply through the following methods:
- Online: District Direct portal or the District Direct mobile app (available on iOS and Android)
- In-Person: Visit a local DHS Service Center (e.g., Anacostia Service Center, 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE)
- Mail: Download, complete, and mail the application from the DHS website to a DHS Service Center
- Fax: Fax the completed application to (202) 671-4400
- Phone: Call (202) 671-4200 or D.C. 2-1-1 for assistance
An interview (phone or in-person) is required to finalize the application. Households with urgent needs (e.g., less than $150 monthly gross income and under $100 in liquid resources, or combined income and resources less than monthly housing costs) may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. Keep your confirmation number and copies of submitted documents.
Post-Approval Process
- Receive a D.C. EBT Card.
- Use it to purchase eligible food at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or online (e.g., Amazon, Safeway for pickup). SNAP cannot cover delivery fees.
- Benefits are loaded monthly; check balances via receipts, the District Direct portal/app, or by calling 1-888-304-9167.
- Protect your EBT card from scams by changing your PIN regularly and reporting issues immediately to 1-888-304-9167. Note: Replacement of stolen SNAP benefits due to electronic theft (e.g., card skimming) is not available for thefts occurring after December 20, 2024.
EBT Card Perks
- Online Shopping: Accepted at Amazon, Safeway (for pickup at select locations like Piney Branch), and other approved retailers.
- Farmers’ Markets: Purchase fresh produce at participating markets.
- Discount Programs: Discounts on services like Amazon Prime or museum admissions (check Museums for All).
Items Not Covered by SNAP
SNAP benefits cannot be used for:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Hot prepared foods
- Non-food items (e.g., pet food, cleaning supplies)
- Vitamins or medications
Key Information
- Income and benefit limits are updated annually (October 1).
- Most D.C. households are categorically eligible, easing income and asset restrictions.
- Use the District Direct Eligibility Screening Tool to estimate eligibility.
- Apply even if unsure—you may qualify.
- Report stolen benefits (for thefts before December 20, 2024) using DHS Form 1080 within 30 days of discovery and seek emergency food assistance via D.C. 2-1-1 or the Capital Area Food Bank.
Resources
- D.C. Department of Human Services (DHS)
- USDA SNAP Eligibility
- Capital Area Food Bank: (202) 644-9800
- D.C. 2-1-1 for emergency food assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for SNAP in D.C.?
Apply online at the District Direct portal, via the District Direct app, in person at a DHS Service Center, by mail, fax (202-671-4400), or call 2-1-1 for help.
What are the 2025 SNAP income limits for D.C.?
For a single-person household, the gross monthly income limit is $2,878 (200% FPL). Limits vary by household size. Categorically eligible households may have higher limits.
How long does SNAP approval take in D.C.?
Approval takes up to 30 days, but expedited benefits may be issued within 7 days for emergencies.
Can I use my D.C. SNAP EBT card online?
Yes, it’s accepted at retailers like Amazon and Safeway (for pickup) for eligible grocery purchases.
Are there work requirements for D.C. SNAP?
Adults aged 18–52 without dependents must work 20 hours per week or participate in training, unless exempt (e.g., disabled, pregnant, or caring for a child).
This guide is based on 2025 federal and D.C. DHS guidelines. Verify details with your local DHS office for accuracy.