DC Flex would operate as a permanent rent assistance program

D.C.'s Department of Human Services would run DC Flex as a permanent rent assistance program. Individuals and families would need to meet the program's eligibility rules. The Mayor could set a time limit for participation, but it could not be shorter than five years. The act would take effect after mayoral approval or a Council veto override and a 30-day congressional review period.

The Department of Human Services would provide yearly rent aid through a dedicated account. The payment rules would cover individuals and families. Aid could pay only rent and would have to stay below the maximum yearly amount available through D.C. housing vouchers. All individuals awarded subsidies in the same fiscal year would receive the same amount; the same rule would apply separately to all families. A participant’s subsidy could not be reduced unless the participant exits the program under section 22b, is terminated under section 22, or is suspended under section 21. For approvals before October 1, 2027, yearly minimums would be $9,600 for families and $8,280 for individuals. For approvals after that date, they would be $11,300 for families and $9,000 for individuals.

The Department of Human Services would check applicants' income and housing circumstances. Applicants would need to live in D.C. and have yearly income at or below 40% of D.C.'s median, or middle, family income for their household size. The department would need to find that current income, or the potential to earn more, makes the aid enough to prevent or end homelessness. Applicants must be homeless, at risk of homelessness, or have applied for government-funded emergency or temporary housing or rent aid through a program run by or in D.C. within the previous 48 months. Eligibility checks could occur no more than once a year. At each check, participants would need D.C. residency and yearly income at or below 60% of the same income measure.

DC Flex participants could not also enroll in another ongoing D.C. or federal rent assistance program. The ban would cover individuals, families, and each family member. People could apply while receiving rent aid through a program run by D.C. Payments from D.C.'s Emergency Rental Assistance Program would not count as enrollment in ongoing rent aid. Participants could receive shelter help during enrollment and shelter or rent aid after leaving.