DC’s Department of Human Services (DHS) has restarted its normal certification procedures for Food Stamps/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. These requirements had been waived between March and August 2020 in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. DHS will call and/or send notices to individuals who need to recertify these benefits.

District residents who receive notices to recertify or who DHS calls to complete a phone interview should do so immediately to ensure their benefits do not stop.

Households that receive recertification notices and/or requests for verification documents may submit them to DHS online at or through the DC Access Mobile Phone App, as well as by mail, or in-person at any of the three open DHS Service Centers (Congress Heights, H Street, Taylor Street). If you receive TANF or SNAP (or work with individuals who receive these benefits) and you are unsure about whether you need to recertify, you should contact DHS at 202-727-5355 or download the DC Access Mobile App.  Anyone whose benefits are terminated can contact Legal Aid for assistance.