Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in District of Columbia. Education, not advice. Programs and numbers change, so this page routes you through official locators that always reach the current office.
Start here (works anywhere in District of Columbia)
- 211 - dial 2-1-1. Free, 24/7. Routes you to local rent, utility, food, and medical help.
- Eldercare Locator - 1-800-677-1116 (eldercare.acl.gov). Federal front door to District of Columbia's aging services, your Area Agency on Aging, Adult Protective Services, and the long-term care ombudsman.
- BenefitsCheckUp - benefitscheckup.org. Screens you for every benefit you may qualify for in District of Columbia.
- Medicare - 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security - 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits - 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline - 1-800-272-3900
- National Elder Fraud Hotline - 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline - dial 988
Free Medicare counseling in District of Columbia
District of Columbia's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), known locally as Health Insurance Counseling Project (HICP), gives free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare help. Reach the current local counselor through the national SHIP locator at shiphelp.org or 1-877-839-2675 (it routes to the office serving your ZIP).
Energy / utility help in District of Columbia
Apply for LIHEAP (heating and cooling assistance) through District of Columbia's energy office. Find it fast through the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) line at 1-866-674-6327 or energyhelp.us.
Property tax relief in District of Columbia
Most states offer senior property-tax relief: homestead exemptions, "circuit breaker" caps or deferrals, and disabled-veteran exclusions. Rules and income limits vary by state and county. Ask your county tax office or District of Columbia's Department of Revenue about senior or elderly property tax relief by name. One caution: some "deferral" programs place a lien on the home that comes due when it is sold or the owner passes, helpful for some families, costly for others, so understand it before you sign.
Food, in-home help, and caregiver support
Call the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or 211 to reach District of Columbia's Meals on Wheels, in-home aide services, and the Family Caregiver Support Program in your area.
Free legal help
Find free civil legal aid for seniors in District of Columbia at lawhelp.org or through 211.