Louisiana recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may be eligible for extra benefits this month. Louisiana received emergency allotment funds for all SNAP households in August. The extra money loaded to EBT cards will only be available to qualified households from August 10 to September 9. To qualify, recipients must have been approved for SNAP benefits prior to August 1. The emergency benefits are part of federal disaster relief provided to Louisiana after severe storms and flooding.
SNAP: Benefits and Eligibility
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. In Louisiana, SNAP benefits are provided through the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
SNAP Benefits
- SNAP benefits are provided on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
- The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives is based on the household’s size, income, and expenses.
- SNAP benefits can be used to purchase most food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and grains.
SNAP Eligibility
To be eligible for SNAP benefits, a household must meet the following criteria:
- The household must have a gross income that is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.
- The household must have net income that is at or below 100% of the federal poverty level.
- The household must have assets that are at or below $2,500 for a household of one or two people, or $4,000 for a household of three or more people.
- The household must meet certain work requirements, unless the household is exempt.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
To apply for SNAP benefits, you must complete an application and submit it to the DCFS office in your parish. You can also apply for SNAP benefits online at the DCFS website.
The following documents are required to apply for SNAP benefits:
- Proof of identity (e.g., a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport)
- Proof of income (e.g., pay stubs, Social Security award letters, or unemployment benefits statements)
- Proof of expenses (e.g., rent or mortgage receipts, utility bills, or child care costs)
- Proof of assets (e.g., bank statements, stock certificates, or retirement account statements)
Contact Information
For more information about SNAP benefits in Louisiana, you can contact the DCFS office in your parish or visit the DCFS website.
| Parish | DCFS Office Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Acadia | 705 S. Avenue G, Crowley, LA 70526 | (337) 783-6080 |
| Allen | 624 W. Oak Street, Oberlin, LA 70655 | (337) 639-4340 |
| Ascension | 1309 S. Irma Blvd., Gonzales, LA 70737 | (225) 647-3810 |
Special Allotment Program
The Special Allotment Program (SAP) is a federal nutrition assistance program that provides temporary emergency food assistance to low-income households in times of crisis, including natural disasters, economic crises, or other emergencies.
SAP benefits are issued as electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers. The amount of SAP benefits households receive is based on their income and household size. SAP benefits are not counted as income for the purposes of other federal assistance programs.
Louisiana SAP
Louisiana is one of several states that is currently participating in the SAP. Louisiana SAP benefits are issued on a monthly basis to eligible households. The amount of SAP benefits households receive varies depending on their income and household size. The following table shows the maximum SAP benefit amounts for households of different sizes in Louisiana:
| Household Size | Maximum SAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $250 |
| 2 | $400 |
| 3 | $500 |
| 4 | $625 |
| 5 | $750 |
| 6 | $875 |
| 7 | $1,000 |
| 8 | $1,125 |
To apply for SAP benefits in Louisiana, households must meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria include:
- Being a resident of Louisiana
- Having a gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level
- Having resources at or below $2,000 for a single person household or $3,000 for a household with two or more people
Households that meet these criteria can apply for SAP benefits online or by calling the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) at 1-888-849-8850. Applications are processed within 30 days.
Emergency Allotments: Enacted During Disasters
In the wake of a crisis or natural disaster in Louisiana, the federal government may issue an emergency declaration. During this time, the state may receive additional support in the form of disaster relief funds. These funds can be used to provide assistance to affected individuals and families, including additional food stamps (also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits).
- Emergency SNAP allotments (ESA) are temporary, one-time payments that are separate from regular SNAP benefits.
- ESA is provided only to states that are affected by a natural disaster and have been declared eligible for federal assistance.
- The amount of ESA benefits a state receives is based on the severity of the disaster and the number of people affected.
- ESA benefits are not automatically issued to all SNAP recipients. To receive ESA, individuals must apply with their state SNAP agency.
- Individuals who receive ESA are not required to repay the benefits.
| Year | Disaster | SNAP Emergency Allotment Issued |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Hurricane Ida | Yes |
| 2020 | COVID-19 Pandemic | Yes |
| 2019 | Flooding | No |
To find out more about emergency SNAP allotments in Louisiana, visit the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services website.
Louisiana Food Stamp Allotments
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, provides financial assistance to individuals and families with low incomes to purchase food. The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives depends on its income, household size, and certain deductions. SNAP benefits are typically distributed through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Current SNAP Allotments for Louisiana
- 1-person household: $281
- 2-person household: $459
- 3-person household: $658
- 4-person household: $835
- 5-person household: $992
- 6-person household: $1,148
- 7-person household: $1,286
- 8-person household: $1,423
These amounts are subject to change based on the household’s income and other factors.
| Household Size | SNAP Allotment |
|---|---|
| 1-person | $281 |
| 2-person | $459 |
| 3-person | $658 |
| 4-person | $835 |
| 5-person | $992 |
| 6-person | $1,148 |
| 7-person | $1,286 |
| 8-person | $1,423 |
Additional Resources
- Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services: https://dcfs.la.gov/page/food-assistance
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap
Hey there, folks! I hope this article was as informative as a plate full of beignets. I know this whole food stamp situation can be a bit confusing, but remember, knowledge is power. And with great power, comes great responsibility to make sure your pantry is always stocked. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop us a line. We’re like the culinary detectives of the food stamp world, always on the hunt for the latest scoop. Until next time, keep calm and chow on! Thanks for reading, y’all. Come back soon for more food stamp adventures.