Mayor Bowser Highlights DC Access Mobile App for Residents to Apply and Recertify for Public Benefits
August 2020
Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS) highlighted DC Access – a mobile application providing District residents with a user-friendly way to apply or recertify for cash, food, and medical benefits.
“Through DC Access, we are increasing the accessibility to public benefits for District households in a safe and convenient way,” said Mayor Bowser. “We encourage residents to download the app and recertify their benefits to ensure services are not interrupted during these particularly challenging times.”
DC Access will allow residents to recertify their benefits at a time when the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) may end the automatic re-certification, which has been in effect since the District entered a public health emergency. Without the continued flexibilities, starting in September, District families who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be required to recertify and demonstrate their need to continue to receive food benefits.
“We continue to work with USDA to maintain the flexibilities needed to safely meet the needs of District residents,” said DHS Director Laura Zeilinger. “We want to ensure those who receive SNAP do not experience a lapse in benefits. We are excited to offer online access and encourage residents to use DC Access for new application and to recertify for public benefits.”
In addition to DC Access, District residents may access an online application to apply and recertify for food, cash and medical public benefits. Both the DC Access mobile app and the online application allow District residents to update personal information, upload verification documents, and review notifications and payment information.
Since its release in June 2020, DC Access has been downloaded more than 5,000 times and has been used to submit more than 2,000 applications for public benefits.
For more information about DC Access and how to download the mobile app, visit dhs.dc.gov/dcaccess.