While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy in the form of monthly benefits.
SNAP uses Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to distribute the benefits.
The Louisiana SNAP food assistance program is administered by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. Learn more about SNAP on the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services website here.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase approved food items. These include:
See a more comprehensive list of what you can buy with SNAP benefits here and a list of approved snacks and meal supplements here.
There are also food items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, including alcoholic beverages and hot prepared food. See a comprehensive list of what you cannot buy with SNAP benefits here.
SNAP provides monthly benefits, known as an allotment, to eligible households. The allotment amount you can receive is based on 1) the number of people in your household and 2) your household income.
To calculate your allotment amount, multiply your household’s net income by 0.3 and then subtract that number from the federal maximum monthly benefit amount in the table below.
| Household Number | Federal Maximum Allotment Per Month |
| 1 | $291 |
| 2 | $535 |
| 3 | $766 |
| 4 | $973 |
| 5 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $1,751 |
| Each additional household member | +219 |
You have one year (365 days) to use your allotment or the benefits on your EBT card will be canceled.
To learn more about your benefit amount in Louisiana, click here.
To qualify for SNAP in Louisiana, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about Louisiana’s income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Louisiana Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required (page 9).
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Louisiana’s LA CAFÉ Portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services office location.
To apply for SNAP by fax, fill out the Application for Assistance found here (page 9) and send it with copies of your necessary documents to 1 (225) 663-3164.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Application for Assistance and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the following address:
DCFS Economic Stability
P.O. Box 260031
Baton Rouge, LA 70826
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services at 1 (888) 524-3578 or send an email to LAHelpU.dcfs@la.gov.
If you need application assistance in Spanish, click here for an overview of the application process.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
It can take up to 30 days for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to process your SNAP application. After you apply, a caseworker will be assigned to you. Your caseworker will call you to conduct an interview over the phone to determine your SNAP eligibility.
Once a decision has been made, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Children and Family Services with your determination and benefit amount. If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail the day after your application is accepted.
If documents are missing from your application, or the Department of Children and Family Services needs more information from you to finish processing your request, you will need to provide that information or documentation before your SNAP application can be processed.
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your car. You can also check your balance online here or by using the LifeInCheck EBT mobile app.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, you can appeal your decision in person, by phone, or by mail within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Department of Children and Family Services office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. Find your nearest location here.
To file an appeal by phone, call your local Department of Children and Family Services office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to complete and sign the section “Fair Hearing Information” located on your determination letter. Then, return the completed form to the address indicated in the letter.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card. You can also check your balance online here or by using the LifeInCheck EBT mobile app.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (888) 524-3578 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Louisiana’s EBT customer service number at 1 (888) 997-1117. You can also request a replacement card online here.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Department of Children and Family Services office in Louisiana.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services at 1 (888) 524-3578. You can also send your inquiries via email to: LAHelpU.dcfs@la.gov.
You can also visit or call a local Department of Children and Family Services Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: February 2, 2024
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Louisiana Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required (page 9).
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Louisiana’s LA CAFÉ Portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services office location.
To apply for SNAP by fax, fill out the Application for Assistance found here (page 9) and send it with copies of your necessary documents to 1 (225) 663-3164.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Application for Assistance and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the following address:
DCFS Economic Stability
P.O. Box 260031
Baton Rouge, LA 70826
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services at 1 (888) 524-3578 or send an email to LAHelpU.dcfs@la.gov.
If you need application assistance in Spanish, click here for an overview of the application process.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
It can take up to 30 days for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to process your SNAP application. After you apply, a caseworker will be assigned to you. Your caseworker will call you to conduct an interview over the phone to determine your SNAP eligibility.
Once a decision has been made, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Children and Family Services with your determination and benefit amount. If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail the day after your application is accepted.
If documents are missing from your application, or the Department of Children and Family Services needs more information from you to finish processing your request, you will need to provide that information or documentation before your SNAP application can be processed.
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your car. You can also check your balance online here or by using the LifeInCheck EBT mobile app.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, you can appeal your decision in person, by phone, or by mail within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Department of Children and Family Services office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. Find your nearest location here.
To file an appeal by phone, call your local Department of Children and Family Services office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to complete and sign the section “Fair Hearing Information” located on your determination letter. Then, return the completed form to the address indicated in the letter.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card. You can also check your balance online here or by using the LifeInCheck EBT mobile app.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (888) 524-3578 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Louisiana’s EBT customer service number at 1 (888) 997-1117. You can also request a replacement card online here.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Department of Children and Family Services office in Louisiana.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services at 1 (888) 524-3578. You can also send your inquiries via email to: LAHelpU.dcfs@la.gov.
You can also visit or call a local Department of Children and Family Services Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: February 2, 2024