D.C. Code § 4-205.31: Application for benefits required.

(a)

Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the Mayor shall, as a condition of eligibility, require each public assistance applicant or recipient to apply for any benefits to which he or she may be eligible.

(b)

If a person applies for TANF and the Mayor determines that the applicant faces significant barriers to employment due to a physical or mental incapacity, the Mayor may consider the application to be an application for POWER, and may process the application as an application for POWER. A person may not apply for POWER without Mayoral approval.