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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center

District of Columbia

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 3, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in the District of Columbia, we recommend that you visit D.C.'s COVID-19 Recovery Resources or Food Resources.

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Description of Program and Relief

Financial Assistance With Utility Bills

Emergency Utility Assistance-On June 1, 2020, Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) began providing emergency utility assistance to residents who owe $250 or more on a utility account. This is a one-time payment to a single utility and benefits will be the amount owed, up to $600. Prior to June 1, 2020, DOEE required a disconnection from energy service, an oil tank at 5% or less of capacity, or, for residents fifty-five or older, a disconnection notice to qualify for the emergency benefit. During the coronavirus (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency, there is a moratorium on utility disconnections; therefore DOEE is amending the emergency procedure.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)-DOEE assists income-eligible District households with heating and cooling energy costs through this program. Eligible households may receive energy bill assistance between $250 and $1,800 as a one-time regular energy assistance benefit. This benefit is based on household size, total household income, heating source, and type of dwelling. Consumers having trouble paying their Pepco or Washington Gas bills are encouraged to apply for the program online through the Department of Energy & Environment.

Utility Discount Programs (UDP)—assists low-income District residents reduce their utility costs. To qualify, your utility bills need to be in your name and you must meet income guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If you're eligible, you could receive discounts of:

  • Up to $475 per year on your electric bills ($300 per year if you don't have electric heat).

  • Up to $276 during the winter season on your gas bills.

  • Over $400 annually on your water and sewer bills.

For Lifeline discount phone service call 1(800) 253-0846. Start your online application.

Relief with unpaid DC Water bills—DC Water announced on May 12, 2020 that funds have been authorized to provide emergency relief to D.C. residents struggling with unpaid DC Water bills during the public health emergency and for 105 days thereafter.  DC Water residential customers can apply to the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) for assistance from the fund established for the Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC) to help pay all or part of an outstanding water-bill balance and for ongoing monthly discounts.  DOEE will review and approve the assistance requests and DC Water will apply those credits to the customer’s bill.  D.C. Residents can apply for assistance by submitting copies or pictures of the following to DOEE:

  • Recent DC Water bill

  • Recent proof of income (pay stub, social security statement, etc.) or proof of termination or unemployment

  • Government-issued photo identification (license, passport, etc.)

  • Complete and signed CRIAC Residential Relief application, available here.

Non-Government Sponsored Programs for Financial Assistance-Verizon, Pepco and Washington Gas also offer discount programs for low-income residential customers, as well as seniors and persons with disabilities.

If you’ve received a disconnection notice or are currently disconnected, you may be eligible for an annual grant of up to $1,000 through the Washington Area Fuel Fund.

The Greater Washington Urban League also provides up to $500 in assistance to eligible customers facing disconnection.

Government or Lead Agency

Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE), DC Water, and some Non-Government entities.

Dates Available

Available now.

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Emergency Utility Assistance—Eligibility guidelines and paperwork requirements are here.

Eligibility and application guidelines for Utility Discount Programs is here.

Eligibility and application guidelines to obtain relief with unpaid DC Water bills, visit here.

Eligibility and application guidelines about assistance from Washington Area Fuel Fund, visit here.

Call (202) 265-8200 to learn more about assistance from Greater Washington Urban League.

Visit here and here for eligibility and application criteria for assistance from Verizon Washington, DC, Pepco, and Washington Gas.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Emergency Utility Assistance—here.

Utility Discount Programs—here.

For relief with unpaid DC Water bills, visit here or call (202) 350-9649 or email criac.residential@dc.gov.

Customers in wards 1-6 can call (202) 332-5000 and those in wards 7-8 can call (202) 678-9771 to learn more about assistance from Washington Area Fuel Fund.

List of Additional Information

N/A.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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