Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
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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.
Health-Related Relief Programs
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CARES Act: Support for Healthcare Providers
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) appropriates funds to detect, prevent, diagnose, and treat coronavirus, and provides additional funding for telehealth: … » more information -
Defense Health Program
This program appropriates $82 million in additional funding to the Department of Defense to cover the costs of COVID-19 diagnostic tests and related services for beneficiaries of military TRICARE health plans, as described in Division F, Section … » more information -
Families First Coronavirus Response Act Health Provisions
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) provides no-cost COVID-19 testing for participants in private health insurance plans and beneficiaries of federal health insurance programs, and expanded Medicaid benefits. » more information -
Indian Health Services
This program provides funding to the Indian Health Service to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing. Specifically, the program appropriates $64 million in new funding to the Indian Health Service to be used to cover the costs of COVID-19 diagnostic … » more information -
Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund
This section appropriates an additional $1 billion for a “Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund” for the Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) to pay claims submitted by providers for reimbursement for the cost of COVID-19 … » more information -
COVID-19 Benefits Offered by DC Health Link Providers, Special Open Enrollment Period for Uninsured, and COVID-19 Testing Coverage
DC Health Link’s website provides an exemplar list of benefits offered by DC Health Link providers including Aetna, CareFirst, Kaiser Permanente, and UnitedHealthcare. Specific questions are answered, including whether insurance will cover COVID-19 … » more information -
Grocery Plus
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) works to improve the health of low-income persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) Foods. CSFP food packages do not … » more information -
Guidance on Medical Coverage through Medicaid, DC Healthcare Alliance, and Immigrant Children’s Program
The District of Columbia Department of Human Services offers medical coverage to income-eligible residents through Medicaid, the DC Healthcare Alliance (“Alliance”), and DC Healthy Families programs. Newly unemployed individuals who are also newly … » more information -
Public Benefits Automatic Extension, Waivers, Access
As part of the COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020, the Council of the District of Columbia has granted Mayor Bowser the power to extend the eligibility period for individuals receiving benefits and the timeframe for determinations of … » more information -
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (“WIC”)
D.C.’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (“WIC”) is a preexisting food assistance program that provides services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5. Click here and here for more … » more information -
Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse
Recognizing that COVID-19 related quarantines and social distancing efforts may exacerbate domestic violence, the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse is continuing to provide services remotely. Those affected by, or seeking guidance related to … » more information -
National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics
The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization comprised of free, community-based, non-profit, volunteer-supported medical clinics serving people without, or with little, health insurance. The NAFC … » more information -
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Recognizing that COVID-19 related quarantines and social distancing efforts may exacerbate domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is continuing to operate and is providing coronavirus-specific guidance regarding safety planning … » more information -
So Others Might Eat
So Others Might Eat (SOME) is providing meals, showers, clothing, and hygiene kits to those experiencing homelessness or poverty. Additionally, during the COVID-19 outbreak, SOME is continuing to offer medical services and social services, including … » more information
Housing-Related Relief Programs
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Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Although not expanded in light of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) public health emergency, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) helps low-income, District residents who are facing housing emergencies. A housing emergency is when immediate … » more information -
Additional Tenants’ Rights
As part of the COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020, deadlines for tenants and tenant organizations to exercise their rights under either the Rental Housing Conversion and Sale Act of 1980 (which includes the Tenant Opportunity to … » more information -
COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program (CHAP)
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has developed the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) offering rental assistance to low-income renters who are in arrears. Tenants must earn 80% of the Median Family Income (MFI) or … » more information -
Eviction Prohibition and Rental Payments for Tenants
As part of the COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020, D.C. has prohibited housing providers from evicting commercial or residential tenants during a public health emergency and for 60 days thereafter, and further prohibited the … » more information -
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 … » more information -
Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP)
Borrowers who qualify can receive up to $5,000 per month to put toward their payments of monthly mortgage principal, interest, escrowed property taxes, escrowed homeowners insurance, escrowed monthly mortgage insurance, past late fees in an effort … » more information -
Owners’ Rights, Mortgage Payments, and Foreclosure Relief
As part of the COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020, D.C. has required mortgage lenders to develop and implement a deferment program for residential and commercial mortgage borrowers, which offers a 90-day deferment program, permanently … » more information -
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has developed a $1.5 million program funded to offer tenant-based rental assistance to low-income renters in affordable housing communities, that have lost income during the COVID-19 public … » more information
Insurance-Related Relief Programs
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Shared Work Unemployment Insurance Program
An employer who experiences a sharp temporary reduction in activity due to economic conditions (e.g., public emergency due to COVID-19) may consider using Shared Work Unemployment Insurance Program (Shared Work) as an alternative to layoffs. It is … » more information -
COVID-19 Benefits Offered by DC Health Link Providers, Special Open Enrollment Period for Uninsured, and COVID-19 Testing Coverage
DC Health Link’s website provides an exemplar list of benefits offered by DC Health Link providers including Aetna, CareFirst, Kaiser Permanente, and UnitedHealthcare. Specific questions are answered, including whether insurance will cover COVID-19 … » more information -
Guidance on Medical Coverage through Medicaid, DC Healthcare Alliance, and Immigrant Children’s Program
The District of Columbia Department of Human Services offers medical coverage to income-eligible residents through Medicaid, the DC Healthcare Alliance (“Alliance”), and DC Healthy Families programs. Newly unemployed individuals who are also newly … » more information -
Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Unemployment insurance benefits are generally available to individuals who have been separated from employment through no fault of their own. As part of the COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020, the D.C. Council has provided access to … » more information
Tax-Related Relief Programs
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Credit for Family Leave for Certain Self-Employed Individuals
This section of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) creates a refundable income tax credit for self-employed individuals who would otherwise be entitled to paid sick leave under the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion … » more information -
Payroll Credit for Required Family Leave
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) provides a tax credit to eligible employers for wages required to be paid under the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (the “EFMLEA”). » more information -
Payroll Credit for Required Paid Sick Leave
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides a tax credit to eligible employers for wages paid under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (the “EPSLA”). » more information -
Special Rule Related to Tax on Employers
This section of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) exempts employers from employer-side Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) (or employer-side taxes under the parallel social security system for railroads (“RRTA”)) … » more information -
Extensions for Sales and Use, Real Property, and Individual/Partnership/Franchise Taxpayers, and Guidance on the Franchise Tax Nexus
As part of the COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020, the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue (“OTR”) was granted expanded authority to extend deadlines and waive interest and late payment penalties to assist taxpayers, businesses, and … » more information -
Small Retailer Tax Credit
The Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) is reaching out to 2,500 small businesses that have not filed a District franchise tax return claiming the Small Retailer Tax Credit. If an eligible small retailer did not claim the credit on its 2018 District … » more information
Miscellaneous Relief Programs
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COVID-19 Pandemic Education Relief Act of 2020
The COVID-19 Pandemic Education Relief Act of 2020 (the “Education Relief Act”) provides assistance to students and institutions of higher education impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. » more information -
Federal Student Loan Payment Suspension and Interest Waiver
To provide student borrowers greater financial flexibility during the COVID-19 crisis, the Department of Education has temporarily suspended the obligation to make payments for most federally-owned student loans. Additionally, the interest rate on … » more information -
Exemption from Civil Liability
COVID-19 Response Supplemental Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 exempts any person, employee of the District of Columbia not otherwise exempt under existing law, or contractor providing services arising out of a contract with the District of Columbia … » more information -
Distance Learning for Summer
District of Columbia Public Schools will be starting the school year with all-virtual instruction through November 6, 2020. Students will engage in a combination of live instruction (including small group work) and independent study. » more information -
Remote Notarizations
During a Public Health Emergency, the Mayor may permit notarial acts even without the physical appearance of the person making the statement or executing the signature if: … » more information -
Student Loan Payments Relief for Residents Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Residents with commercially-owned Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans or privately-held student loans who are struggling to make their payments will be eligible for expanded relief through this DC program backed by twelve private … » more information -
Third-Party Food Delivery Commissions
During the period of time for which the Mayor has declared a public health emergency, a person, corporation, partnership, or association operating a third-party food platform within the District shall register with the Department of Consumer and … » more information -
Department of Motor Vehicles Extension of Expiration Dates
In light of COVID-19, all D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles documents with an expiration date on or after March 1, 2020 will remain valid until 45 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency concludes. Eligible documents include driver licenses, … » more information -
Hotline and Web Portal to Request Food and Other Essential Items
Mayor of the District of Columbia launched a COVID-19 Needs Hotline and Web Portal for residents to request food and other essential items be delivered to their homes if they have been directed by a medical provider to self-quarantine, or if they … » more information -
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (“TANF”)
D.C.’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (“TANF”) program is a pre-existing program that provides individuals temporary aid until they are able to find employment. Specifically, the program provides cash assistance to families in need, along … » more information -
Temporary Prohibition on Disconnection of Utilities
As part of the COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020, the D.C. Council has prohibited the providers of natural gas, electricity, and water from disconnecting services for non-payment during a public health emergency and for 15 days … » more information -
Actors Fund Emergency Assistance
The Actors Fund is providing emergency financial assistance to professionals in the entertainment industry who have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. By completing one application, individuals can apply for assistance from the Actors Fund … » more information -
Arts Leaders of Color Emergency Fund
The Arts Administrators of Color Network is providing one-time grants of up to $200 to artists and arts administrators who have been financial impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. » more information -
Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy
To help address school closures resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy has curated a list of free online learning resources, including a digital classroom for children who experience difficulty learning … » more information -
Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
During the COVID-19 outbreak, The United States Bartenders Guild (USBG) National Charity Foundation is providing relief grants of $150 to $500 to bartenders, bar backs, bar servers, or other workers engaged in the service or preparation of alcoholic … » more information -
Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE)
COREgives is providing financial assistance to food and beverage service employees with children, who have either been diagnosed with COVID-19 or live with a family member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. The financial assistance is intended to … » more information -
Dramatist Guild Foundation Emergency Grants
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Dramatists Guild Foundation is providing one-time grants—typically ranging from $500 to $3,000—to members of professional writers group, playwrights, and musical theater composers and lyricists. » more information -
Financial Planning Association Pro Bono Financial Planning
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Financial Planning Association is providing a list of certified financial planners who are providing free financial guidance to underserved individuals. » more information
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