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.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families become financially self-sufficient. States and U.S. Territories receive block grants from the federal government, which are used to fund each state and territory’s specific TANF program.
Learn more about the TANF program and its primary purposes here.
In Louisiana, the TANF program is known as the Family Independence Temporary Assistance (FITAP) program. To learn more about FITAP and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the Louisiana FITAP website here.
The Family Independence Temporary Assistance (FITAP) program provides temporary cash assistance to financially support families in need. The FITAP program also provides eligible families with work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment.
For more information on the services the FITAP program provides to participating families, review the Louisiana FITAP website here.
FITAP and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, FITAP benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.
To learn more about the restrictions on FITAP expenditures, visit the FITAP website here
Both FITAP and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. Most FITAP participants also qualify for Food Assistance due to the low-income requirement of both programs. For more information about Food Assistance, click here
To apply for Food Assistance and/or FITAP, visit LA CAFÉ here.
If you have questions about FITAP or Food Assistance, call the Department of Children and Family Services at 1 (888) 524-3578.
The exact benefit amount a family will receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources.
Eligible families average a benefit amount of $222 per month. Families can receive these benefits for up to 24 months within a 60 month period and 60 months throughout their lifetime.
Learn more information about FITAP in Louisiana here.
To qualify for FITAP in Louisiana, you must meet the following requirements:
To learn more about who can receive FITAP benefits, click here.
Before you apply for FITAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the FITAP eligibility requirements here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on page 3 of the FITAP application here.
To apply for FITAP online, create an account on Louisiana’s LA CAFÉ here and fill out the virtual application form.
To apply for FITAP in person, click here to find the nearest Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services office location.
To apply for FITAP by fax, fill out the Application for Assistance found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to 1 (255) 663-3164.
To apply for FITAP by mail, fill out the Application for Assistance and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the following address:
Department of Children and Families Services ESDocument Processing Center
PO Box 260031
Baton Rouge, LA 70826-9918
If you have any further questions about the application process, call the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services at 1 (888) 524-3578.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you apply for FITAP, you will be assigned a worker and mailed an appointment letter for your scheduled telephone interview. You may request an appointment in person if you would like to do so. Your appointment letter will also include a list of documents that you must provide to verify your family’s eligibility for FITAP.
After your interview, you should receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Children and Family Services within 30 days of receiving your application with your determination, your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits. If approved for benefits, you will also receive an EBT card.
Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.
Learn more information about how to use your EBT card and how benefits will be distributed here.
If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call 1 (888) 524-3578.
If you do not agree with the FITAP benefit decision given to you by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, you can appeal your decision in person or by mail within 30 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. You will also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to follow the appeal instructions on the back of your determination letter. Then, submit your appeal request to:
Appeals Division
PO Box 2944
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
For more information on the appeal process, contact the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services at 1 (888) 524-3578.
For help with obtaining the Family Independence Temporary Assistance program 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 visit or call a local Department of Children and Family Services 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 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 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 TANF Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.