District of Columbia · Resources
The numbers you actually need — District of Columbia.
Phone numbers, agencies, free legal help, forms, and the statutes our topic guides cite. The page to bookmark when you don’t want to dig.
If you need help right now
State Medicaid agency
The office that determines eligibility and runs the program
DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF)
DHCF administers DC Medicaid (DC Healthy Families) and the EPD Waiver. Apply through DC Health Link or in person at an Economic Security Administration service center.
Aging services — your entry point
Single number that routes to your local Area Agency on Aging
DC Department on Aging and Community Living (DACL)
DC's single aging services agency. Operates the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for intake.
Adult Protective Services
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, call this number
Free Medicare counseling (SHIP)
Federally-funded, unbiased — not selling you a plan
DC Health Insurance Counseling Project (HICP) — DC SHIP
DC's federally-funded SHIP, housed at GW Law School's Health Insurance Counseling Project. Free, unbiased Medicare counseling.
State health department
Regulates nursing homes and licensed facilities
DC Department of Health (DC Health)
Licenses nursing facilities, assisted living, and home care agencies in DC through the Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA).
Finding a lawyer
Bar referral first, legal aid if income-qualified
DC Bar Lawyer Referral Service
Legal Counsel for the Elderly (AARP-affiliated)
DC's primary legal-aid provider for DC residents 60+. Free legal advice and representation on civil matters.
Legal Aid DC
Civil legal services for low-income DC residents.
Bread for the City — Legal Clinic
Civil legal services with strong family-law and housing focus.
Nonprofits worth knowing
State chapters and organizations focused on aging in this state
Alzheimer's Association — National Capital Area Chapter
Serves DC, parts of MD and VA. 24/7 helpline, caregiver support groups, education.
AARP DC
DC state office for advocacy and caregiver resources.
Iona Senior Services
DC-area aging services nonprofit. Care management, support groups, the Wellness & Arts Center.
Other hotlines
Numbers worth saving in your phone
- 1-800-633-4227
Medicare (federal)
1-800-MEDICARE — 24/7 federal Medicare helpline.
- 1-202-724-5626
DC ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center)
Single point of entry for DC aging services.
- 211
DC 2-1-1 (via UPO)
Local community resource referrals in DC.
Forms & templates
Official District of Columbia document references
DC Durable Power of Attorney
DC adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act effective 2015 (D.C. Code §21-2601.01 et seq.). Notarization required.
DC Advance Directive (Living Will + Health Care Power of Attorney)
Combined under D.C. Code §21-2201 et seq. (Health Care Decisions Act). Witnessed (two witnesses) or notarized.
DC Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST)
DC's POLST-equivalent for patients with serious illness. Completed with a clinician.
Key statutes we cite
District of Columbia laws referenced across our topic guides
| Citation | Subject |
|---|---|
| D.C. Code §21-2601.01 et seq. | DC Uniform Power of Attorney Act (effective 2015) |
| D.C. Code §21-2201 et seq. | Health Care Decisions Act (Advance Directive) |
| D.C. Code §47-3701 et seq. | DC Estate Tax (separate from federal) |
| D.C. Code §32-541.01 et seq. | Universal Paid Leave Act (DC Paid Family Leave) |
| D.C. Code §7-1901 et seq. | Adult Protective Services |
| D.C. Code §16-2701 et seq. | Probate (DC Superior Court Probate Division) |
| D.C. Code §19-101.01 et seq. | Decedents' Estates and Fiduciary Relations |
More from District of Columbia
- ← Back to District of Columbia overview
- District of ColumbiaMedicaid guide →
- District of Columbialegal & financial planning →
- Found a broken number? Tell us →
Phone numbers, websites, and statute citations on this page are verified at publication and re-reviewed quarterly. If something looks wrong, please tell us.