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ESA SNAP Policy Manual 16 1.7.3 Complaints of Discrimination ESA may not discriminate against any customer in the application or recertification process, when providing services, during receipt of benefits or during the fair hearings and grievance process on the basis of any status protected under federal law or the District Human Rights Act. As of August 2024, protected status includes actual or perceived race; color; religion; national origin; sex; age; marital status; gender identity or expression; personal appearance; sexual orientation; familial status; family responsibilities; matriculation; political affiliation; genetic information; disability; source of income; status as a victim or a family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense or stalking; place of residence or business; or homeless status. A customer who believes that they have been discriminated against may file a complaint with the offices listed below. Complaints about discrimination on the basis of marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, source of income, matriculation, place of residence or business or homeless status must be filed with one of the DC agencies listed below. Agency Address Contact Information DC Department of Human Services, Customer Service (ESA Service Center Ombudsman) Each ESA Service Center location has an ombudsman (202) 727-5355 DC Office of Human Rights 441 4th Street, NW Suite 570 North Washington, DC 20001 (202) 727-4559 File a Discrimination Complaint | OHR (dc.gov) DHS Office of Program Review, Monitoring and Investigation 64 New York Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 673-4464 (anonymous calls for fraud) Suggestions and Complaints | DHS Office of the Attorney General, Public Advocacy Division 400 6th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 724-6610 About the Public Advocacy Division | Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (dc.gov)

1.7.3.1 SNAP Discrimination Complaints Procedures Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact the USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. To file a program complaint of discrimination, individuals must complete the Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027) found online at https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad- 3027.pdf or obtained from any USDA office or by calling (866) 632-9992 or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Return