Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in the District of Columbia. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in the District of Columbia)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (DC SHIP)
The District's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is run by the DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL). Trained counselors give free, unbiased Medicare help: comparing plans, sorting out unpaid medical bills, filing appeals for denied services, and finding help paying for prescriptions. Reach the SHIP counselors at 202-727-8370 (TTY 711). The DACL main line is 202-724-5626. If you cannot get through, the national SHIP locator at shiphelp.org or 1-877-839-2675 will route you to a DC counselor.
Medicaid in the District of Columbia
DC Medicaid is run by the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF). It covers seniors, people with disabilities, and long-term care, including the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which combines Medicare and Medicaid benefits, and personal care aide services that help people stay at home. Apply online through DC Health Link (dchealthlink.com), or call the Department of Human Services Economic Security Administration Public Benefits Call Center at 202-727-5355. For program questions, contact DHCF at 202-442-5988 or dhcf.dc.gov.
Prescription help
The District does not run a standalone State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP). If you have DC Medicaid, prescription drugs are covered through your managed care plan (for example, AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees pay nothing for covered, approved prescriptions). If you are on Medicare, ask your SHIP counselor (202-727-8370) about Extra Help, the federal Low-Income Subsidy that lowers Part D drug costs. You can also screen for manufacturer patient assistance programs and other savings at BenefitsCheckUp.org or by calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.
Energy and utility help
The DC Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is run by the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). It helps income-eligible households with heating and cooling costs, with one-time regular benefits generally ranging from $200 to $1,800, plus emergency help for households facing disconnection or with an applicant age 55 or older. Apply online at doee.dc.gov, mail a paper application, or call 311 to request one. DOEE also runs the Utility Discount Program (UDP) for ongoing monthly discounts on electric, gas, and water bills. You can also dial 2-1-1 or call the National Energy Assistance Referral line (NEAR) at 1-866-674-6327.
Property tax relief (District of Columbia)
The Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) runs the Homestead Deduction and the Senior Citizen or Disabled Property Owner Tax Relief. The Senior Citizen relief reduces a qualifying owner's real property tax by 50 percent. To qualify you must be 65 or older, own at least 50 percent of the property, occupy it as your principal residence, and meet the household income limit (the total federal adjusted gross income of everyone living in the property, excluding tenants). For Tax Year 2025 the income limit was less than $159,750, and it adjusts each year, so confirm the current-year amount with OTR before you rely on it. The underlying Homestead Deduction also reduces your home's assessed value (a reduction of $89,850 for the 2025 cycle, indexed annually), and approved properties are protected by an assessment-cap credit that limits annual taxable-assessment increases. Low-income seniors may also qualify to defer property taxes (at 6 percent or no interest, depending on age, income, and length of residency). Note that a deferral places a lien that comes due when the home is sold or the owner passes, so understand it before you sign. Apply electronically at MyTax.DC.gov (no logon required) or request a paper-filing waiver at 202-727-4829. Details: otr.cfo.dc.gov.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
DACL (202-724-5626) is the front door for District seniors 60 and older and adults with disabilities: it runs congregate meals at more than 40 community dining sites across all eight wards plus home-delivered meals, along with in-home support, caregiver help, and transportation programs. For free legal help, AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly serves DC seniors at 601 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20049, phone 202-434-2120; it also houses the DC Long-Term Care Ombudsman, who advocates for residents of nursing homes, assisted living, and community residence facilities. For anything not listed, the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or 2-1-1 will connect you to the nearest service.
Frequently asked questions
What is DC's SHIP program? It is the District's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), the free Medicare counseling service run by the DC Department of Aging and Community Living, reachable at 202-727-8370 (TTY 711).
Does the District offer senior property tax relief? Yes. The Senior Citizen or Disabled Property Owner Tax Relief cuts a qualifying owner's real property tax by 50 percent for owners 65 and older who meet ownership, residence, and income requirements. Apply at MyTax.DC.gov and confirm the current income limit with the Office of Tax and Revenue.
How do DC seniors get help with heating and cooling bills? Apply for LIHEAP through the Department of Energy and Environment at doee.dc.gov or by calling 311. The Utility Discount Program (UDP) offers ongoing monthly bill discounts, and households with an applicant age 55 or older may qualify for emergency assistance.
Where do I start if I am not sure what help exists? Call DACL at 202-724-5626 or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, or dial 2-1-1. They can point you to meals, in-home help, legal aid, and benefits screening.
Sources
- DC Office of Tax and Revenue, Homestead/Senior Citizen Deduction: https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/page/homesteadsenior-citizen-deduction (Verified June 15, 2026)
- DC Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Tax Facts 2025 (Homestead Deduction $89,850): https://ora-cfo.dc.gov (Verified June 15, 2026)
- DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL), Health Insurance Counseling (SHIP): https://dacl.dc.gov/service/health-insurance-counseling (Verified June 15, 2026)
- SHIP National locator, District of Columbia: https://www.shiphelp.org/ships/district-of-columbia/ (Verified June 15, 2026)
- DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF), How to Apply for DC Medicaid: https://dhcf.dc.gov/service/how-apply-dc-medicaid (Verified June 15, 2026)
- DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), LIHEAP: https://doee.dc.gov/liheap (Verified June 15, 2026)
- AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly / DC Long-Term Care Ombudsman: https://www.aarp.org/legal-counsel-for-elderly/ (Verified June 15, 2026)
Ryan Riggins, NC Real Estate License #361546, eXp Realty. Riggins Strategic Solutions is an education and media company, not a real estate sales business. This is not financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. Income limits, rates, and deadlines change annually, confirm with the program or a licensed professional before acting.