Grants for Single Mothers in DC (2026 Guide)

Where to start in DC

Choose the problem that could harm your family first. Apply for backup programs at the same time instead of waiting for one office to solve every need.

Keep one folder for every notice, application, upload, appointment, and call. ASMOM’s documents checklist can help you organize it.

Quick reference for DC assistance

Cash and food help

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

The District’s TANF program provides cash and support services to some low-income families with a child. A pregnant resident may also qualify. Most applicants must complete an orientation, assessment, and Individual Responsibility Plan.

For October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, the maximum monthly benefit is $803 for three people and $983 for four people. The maximum earnings allowed at application are $963 for three people and $1,143 for four people. Child care costs may raise the application income limit. The published maximum is not a promised payment.

DC normally has 45 days to decide a complete TANF application. Support can include employment coaching, child care, behavioral health referrals, and tuition help. ASMOM’s TANF cash guide explains the national rules behind the program.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

DC SNAP provides grocery benefits through an EBT card. From October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, the maximum is $785 for three people and $994 for four people. The actual amount depends on income, deductions, and household size.

A new or renewing applicant normally must complete a SNAP interview. Regular decisions are due within 30 days. Eligible expedited cases can receive initial benefits within seven days. Ask for expedited review when income and available money are very low or when income and resources are below shelter costs.

WIC for pregnancy and young children

DC WIC helps pregnant and postpartum residents, infants, and children younger than 5 with healthy foods, nutrition support, breastfeeding help, and referrals. Call a local clinic or the DC WIC office at 202-442-9397 to begin screening.

WIC may ask for DC residence, family income or current benefit proof, pregnancy or birth information, and a child’s immunization record. ASMOM’s pregnancy and newborn guide covers other help during this period.

Rent, shelter, and long-term housing

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The ERAP portal says new appointment scheduling is currently paused while existing appointments are processed. ERAP can help some DC households below 40% of Area Median Income with overdue rent, certain court costs, a security deposit, or the first month’s rent.

Do not wait for scheduling to reopen if you have a notice or court date. Contact legal aid and ask the landlord for the rent ledger and court papers. Continue checking the official portal because appointment availability can change.

Family homelessness and shelter

The Virginia Williams center is the central housing intake point for DC families. It is located at 64 New York Avenue NE. Current hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Families with children younger than 18 can call the Homeless Services Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or 311 for shelter transportation. The hotline operates daily from 8 a.m. to midnight and operates around the clock during hypothermia season.

Public housing and vouchers

The DCHA waitlist remains closed to new applicants, with no scheduled reopening date. People already on the list should keep their address, phone number, family size, and other information current.

Do not build an emergency plan around a new voucher application. Use prevention, shelter, legal, and local housing options now. ASMOM’s DC housing guide gives more detail about these paths.

Health coverage in DC

Adult Medicaid rules changed on January 1, 2026. The income limit for parent or caretaker relatives and childless adults is now 138% of the federal poverty level after the standard disregard. The current monthly examples are $3,065 for three people and $3,697 for four people.

Use the official Medicaid limit page because children, pregnancy, disability, Medicare, and long-term care use different rules. A child or pregnant person may qualify even when another adult does not.

Healthy DC Plan

The Healthy DC Plan is available throughout 2026 to many DC residents ages 21 through 64 who are not eligible for Medicaid or other coverage and have income between 138% and 200% of the federal poverty level. It has no monthly premium or out-of-pocket cost for covered care.

The 2026 annual income range is $37,702 to $54,640 for three people and $45,540 to $66,000 for four people. Provider networks and drug lists differ among plans, so check whether your doctor and prescriptions are covered.

Pregnancy coverage

DC Medicaid covers qualifying pregnant residents with income up to 319% of the federal poverty level and includes 12 months of postpartum coverage. Report a pregnancy quickly if you are enrolled in Healthy DC Plan or another coverage type.

Caregivers waiting for a federal disability decision should ask DHS about Interim Disability Assistance and review ASMOM’s SSI and SSDI guide for the federal application process.

Child care and school help

DC Child Care Subsidy Program

The child care subsidy pays all or part of eligible child care costs directly to an approved provider. Families may still apply online, at a DHS service center, through an authorized Level II provider, or through Virginia Williams when experiencing homelessness.

A waitlist began May 12, 2026. Effective July 8, children in priority groups 1, 2, and 3 can enroll and receive subsidies. Children in groups 4, 5, and 6 are placed on the waitlist. Existing families can continue while eligible and may add siblings to an active case.

Call DC Child Care Connections at (202) 829-2500 for application and provider-search help. Use My Child Care DC to check licensed providers and whether they accept subsidies.

Public pre-K and school applications

Families who missed the main 2026–2027 lottery can still use the post-lottery application. Post-lottery applicants are added to school waitlists based on the current rules and available seats.

Ask schools about meals, afterschool care, attendance support, and summer programs. ASMOM’s school support guide explains national meal and school-resource paths.

Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start programs provide early learning and family services, and some DC sites serve infants and toddlers. Use ASMOM’s Head Start guide to find the federal locator and prepare for enrollment.

Utility, phone, and internet help

DC LIHEAP is closed to new applications as of July 16, 2026. The utility assistance page says applications submitted after June 3 are reviewed only for the Utility Discount Program. Check the page for updates rather than relying on an old LIHEAP appointment notice.

The Utility Discount Program can reduce eligible electric, gas, and water costs. Call 311 or (202) 737-4404 to ask about an application or status. Contact the utility at the same time for a payment plan, medical alert, or shutoff options.

ASMOM’s utility bill guide explains the difference between LIHEAP, discounts, company funds, and weatherization. The phone and internet guide covers Lifeline and other service discounts.

Work, education, transportation, and child support

Unemployment insurance

If you lost work through no fault of your own, use the DC unemployment guide to file a claim. Answer accurately, complete identity verification, and keep filing weekly certifications while the claim is reviewed.

Education and training

TANF, SNAP Employment and Training, and American Job Center services may connect eligible residents with coaching, training, transportation, child care, or other participation support. Ask what must be approved before you spend money.

For college costs, use ASMOM’s Pell Grant guide. For daily travel barriers, check the transportation help guide.

Child support

The DC child support office can help establish parentage, obtain an order, collect support, and address medical support. TANF or Medicaid cases may be referred to child support automatically.

Tell the benefit office and child support office if cooperation could create a safety risk. Ask about safe contact, privacy, and good-cause procedures. ASMOM’s legal and safety guide can help you find the right type of professional support.

Documents to gather

Apply for urgent benefits even when one document is missing. Then ask which alternative proof the agency accepts.

If help is denied, delayed, reduced, or stopped

Read the full notice. Check the reason, action date, missing proof, and hearing deadline. Call the agency and ask whether the problem can be fixed without waiting for a hearing.

The Office of Administrative Hearings accepts public-benefit hearing requests by eFiling, email, mail, or in person. OAH also has an emergency-hearing form for urgent benefit, shelter, rental assistance, and health-coverage disputes.

SNAP and Medicaid hearing requests generally must be filed within 90 days of the agency notice, but other programs and requests for continued benefits may use different deadlines. Follow the notice and act early. OAH can be reached at (202) 442-9094.

Legal Aid DC helps eligible residents with public benefits, housing, family safety, consumer, and other civil legal problems. ASMOM’s denied benefits guide can help you organize the case.