D.C. would offer environmental jobs to help meet benefit work rules

D.C.’s human services department would offer 32–48 paid work hours monthly and access to job coaching. People must otherwise qualify for SNAP but fail its work rules for adults considered able to work and without dependents or qualify for Medicaid but fail its work requirements. The department could set enrollment priorities, and the mayor could limit how long people participate. Participants would have to begin work by April 1, 2028.

Covered benefit programs would leave pilot pay out of income and asset calculations. This covers aid under D.C.’s public assistance law and specified local programs, including housing help, locally funded scholarships, and health coverage. Federal law must allow the exclusion. The rule would start after mayoral approval or a council veto override and a 30-day congressional review. It would expire on March 31, 2031.

The pilot’s legal authority would expire on March 31, 2031. The expiration would apply to the section authorizing the pilot and its related benefits rules. The expiration date would be March 31, 2031.