The upfront cost you will need to live independently can be a lot. You will need to save money to cover all your move-in expenses, such as utility connection fees, security deposit, first month's rent, and essential items. There are local resources that can assist you if funds are available. See the table below for more information:
| Program and Contact Information | Recipient | Program Overview |
|
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Contact: D.C. DHS Rental Assistance Portal |
D.C. residents who meet the eligibility requirements. | Provides financial assistance for overdue rent if facing eviction and for security deposits and first month's rent. You must be a D.C. resident and meet eligibility requirements. Assistance is based on the availability of funds. |
|
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Contact: Call your Service Coordinator at DDS |
Persons with intellectual and, or developmental disabilities who receive services from DDS’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) via the Medicaid Waiver Program. | Persons transitioning from an institutional or a provider-operated living arrangement to independent living may receive up to $5,000 for one-time, set-up expenses such as security deposit, essential household furnishings, deposits for utilities, moving costs, home accessibility adaptations, and other allowed expenses. |
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Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Contact: Receive Assistance With Your Utility Bills (LIHEAP) | doee (dc.gov) |
D.C. residents who meet the eligibility requirements. | To receive assistance with energy bills. |
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Shallow Rent Subsidy Program Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) Information & Referral/Assistance | dacl (dc.gov) Contact: Intake at 202-724-5625 |
D.C. tenants who are 62 years of age and older and meet the eligibility requirements. | Tenants 62 years of age and older can receive up to $600 per month for rental assistance. The applicant must be the leaseholder. For additional information and a complete list of the eligibility requirements, call DACL intake at 202-724-5625. |
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Consumer Assistance Contact: Consumer Assistance | Office of the People's Counsel (opc-DC.gov) |
D.C. residents | Assist D.C. residents in disputes with utility companies about billing or services. Consumers can file an individual utility complaint with OPC, which serves as the statutory representative for District utility consumers. |