Pages for this state
- Medicaid in DC after an SSI decision Why coverage usually starts with SSI, and how to apply if it does not.
- DC SSI state payment The January 2026 amounts, including the $0 add-on for independent living.
SSI, SSDI, and childhood disability benefits are federal programs. The rules for Medicaid after SSI are on the state page above. How the three programs differ.
Crisis and mobile crisis
DC Access HelpLine (opens in a new tab)
Call any time to reach a behavioral health professional. They can connect your loved one to immediate help or ongoing care, and they can send a mobile crisis team.
ChAMPS, for a child or teen (opens in a new tab)
For a child or teen, call ChAMPS. The Access HelpLine can send a mobile crisis team.
Medicaid waivers
DHCF waiver list (opens in a new tab)
The Department of Health Care Finance lists the home and community waivers, including the Elderly and Persons with Physical Disabilities waiver.
Elderly and Persons with Physical Disabilities waiver (opens in a new tab)
For a DC resident who is 65 or older, or age 18 to 64 with a physical disability, who would otherwise need nursing home care. Start with the Aging and Disability Resource Center.
DC Housing Authority
DC Housing Authority (opens in a new tab)
Public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, and the local rent supplement. The DC Housing Authority lists its call center on dchousing.org.
Energy assistance
LIHEAP (opens in a new tab)
A one-time regular benefit is between $250 and $1,800. Household size and income change the amount. So do the heating source and the type of home.
FY27 fax, online, and mail applications opened October 20, 2026.
Property tax relief
Senior or disabled property owner tax relief (opens in a new tab)
For tax year 2026, a qualified owner who is 65 or older, or disabled, can have the property tax reduced by 50 percent.
Household federal adjusted gross income for 2024 must be under $163,500. The owner must hold at least 50 percent of the property. Apply on MyTax.DC.gov.
Commitment
Who can file a commitment petition (opens in a new tab)
DC does not use the name assisted outpatient treatment. A court can order outpatient treatment as part of commitment.
A spouse, parent, or legal guardian can petition. So can a physician, a qualified psychologist, the Department of Behavioral Health, or a police officer.
A brother, sister, or adult child is not on the list in the law.
Where a family files (opens in a new tab)
A parent, guardian, or spouse can file at the Family Court Central Intake Center, Moultrie Courthouse, room JM-540.
The petition needs a certificate from a physician or qualified psychologist who examined your loved one.
If your loved one refused the exam, you can file a sworn statement saying so.
Emergency hospitalization (opens in a new tab)
In an emergency, a police officer or a DBH officer can take your loved one to a hospital for emergency evaluation.
Your loved one's physician, psychologist, or nurse practitioner can do that too.
A family member cannot start this alone.
Guardianship
Who can petition (opens in a new tab)
Your loved one, or any person interested in their welfare, may petition for a limited, temporary, or general guardian.
Probate Division (opens in a new tab)
The Office of the Attorney General says to file an intervention petition in the Probate Division of DC Superior Court, 515 Fifth Street NW.
Free civil legal aid
DC Bar Legal Information Help Line (opens in a new tab)
Recorded legal information, 24 hours a day, in English, Spanish, Amharic, and French. It can also point you to free legal help.
Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network (opens in a new tab)
Free legal information for tenants and small landlords. Hours are Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Help depends on income.
Help with SSI and SSDI appeals
Ask about a Social Security appeal (opens in a new tab)
Call the DC Bar help line and ask which free legal aid office helps with SSI or SSDI appeals. Help depends on income and the office's cases.
Jail reentry and mental health courts
Mental Health Community Court (opens in a new tab)
Mental Health Community Court is voluntary. It links your loved one to treatment during a criminal case when they have a severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Department of Corrections health care (opens in a new tab)
DC must contract for health care for people in the custody of the Department of Corrections. That care includes a connection to a health center in the community after release.
Domestic violence and family safety
National Domestic Violence Hotline (opens in a new tab)
Call any time to talk with an advocate and find a local program for your loved one.
House of Ruth (opens in a new tab)
Call to ask about safe housing and domestic violence counseling for your loved one in DC.
My Sister's Place (opens in a new tab)
Call any time to make a safety plan and ask about emergency shelter.
DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (opens in a new tab)
Call to find a DC program that can help with housing, counseling, or legal help.
DC Rape Crisis Center (opens in a new tab)
Call any time for support after a sexual assault, and to ask for a referral. A family member can call too.
Peaceful Families Project (opens in a new tab)
Use this site to ask for education and resources on family violence, with a focus on Muslim families.
FAITH Social Services (opens in a new tab)
Call to ask about help with rent, food, utilities, or family counseling in Northern Virginia. For financial help, you make an in-person appointment.
Family safety plan for a loved one (opens in a new tab)
Open the family safety plan and fill in the worksheet for your loved one.
Other state pages
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