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District of Columbia · checked September 2026
How District of Columbia helps pay for long-term care, who to call when you need help or something's wrong, and how to check a facility before you sign.
The first question
Yes, for the care. Elderly and Persons with Physical Disabilities (EPD) Waiver helps pay for care in assisted living. Rent and meals are usually still paid by the resident, often from Social Security.
District of Columbia's Medicaid rules for long-term care, and the programs that pay for care outside a nursing home.
$2,982
2026
300% of the SSI federal benefit ($2,982/month in 2026) for the EPD waiver and nursing home care. DC does not require a Miller trust: people with higher income can qualify by meeting a Medicaid spend-down. Some DACL materials still show the older 2023 figure ($2,743). Confirm the 2026 figure with the state Medicaid office before relying on it.
$4,000
2026
$4,000 in countable assets for one person (DHCF lists $6,000 for a couple for waiver programs). Confirm the 2026 figure with the state Medicaid office before relying on it.
District of Columbia doesn't use a hard cap. People over the limit can qualify by paying most of their income toward their care (a spend-down).
Apply for DC Medicaid
DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF); applications processed by the DC Department of Human Services Economic Security Administration
For DC residents 65+ (or 18 to 64 with a physical disability) who would otherwise need a nursing home. Medicaid pays for care at home (aides, adult day, respite, home changes) or services in a licensed assisted living residence. The resident still pays for room and board. Start by calling DACL's Medicaid Enrollment Services unit.
Waitlist: Ask whether there's a waitlist when you call.
The Optional State Supplemental Payment (OSSP) adds money on top of SSI for low-income residents of eligible licensed facilities, including assisted living facilities licensed by DC Health. In 2026 it is $681/month on top of $994 SSI in homes with 50 or fewer beds, or $791/month in larger homes. Assets must be under $2,000 for one person. Call (202) 442-5988.
We didn't find any PACE programs operating in District of Columbia.
Free, and on your side. Start with the aging office if you don't know where to begin.
The state's aging office and its local agencies explain your options, screen for programs and help with applications.
A free, independent advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living. Call about any problem with care, rights, billing or a discharge.
You don't need proof to report. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
24/7
Unbiased Medicare help from counselors who don't sell anything: plans, bills, appeals, and programs that lower costs.
Help spotting and reporting Medicare fraud, billing errors and scams.
In District of Columbia, assisted living is licensed as: Assisted Living Residence. Read inspection reports before you sign anything.
Look up any licensed community and read its inspection reports online.
File a complaint
Medicare rates every nursing home on staffing, inspections and quality, with full inspection reports.
State veterans homes are often far cheaper than private care for eligible veterans and, in many states, their spouses.
DC Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs
Free legal help for older adults on issues like benefits, housing, powers of attorney and elder abuse.
Can a family member be paid to provide care? Yes, in some programs.
Yes. Once someone is approved for the EPD Waiver and lives in their own home, they can ask their case manager for Services My Way, which lets them hire a family member or friend as their paid caregiver.
Respite, support groups, training and case management for unpaid family caregivers of older adults and adults with disabilities.
Helps people with dementia and their caregivers find community resources, learn about dementia and handle behavior changes.
Hands-on help paying monthly bills, or a representative payee, for older adults with memory loss.
Monthly support groups and weekly wellness activities for dementia caregivers.
Yes, for the care part. In District of Columbia, Elderly and Persons with Physical Disabilities (EPD) Waiver can pay for care in assisted living. Rent and meals are generally paid by the resident.
$4,000 for a single person (2026). $4,000 in countable assets for one person (DHCF lists $6,000 for a couple for waiver programs). Confirm the 2026 figure with the state Medicaid office before relying on it.
The Office of the DC Long-Term Care Ombudsman (AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly): 202-434-2190. It's free and independent.
Researched from 24 sources, official pages first. Last checked .