sNAP bENEFITS dURING cOVID-19
Food insecurity is one of the biggest concerns facing families while trying to stay safe during the COVID-19 epidemic. Here is some information on accessing The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help your family have a sufficient amount of food.
What is it?
SNAP provides monthly benefits to assist households in buying the food that they need. The maximum benefit amount to a household of one is $194 each month. The maximum monthly allotment increases as the household size increases. This is not Disaster SNAP (DSNAP). All applicants for SNAP benefits must meet strict eligibility guidelines. Due to the large volume of applications, it may take more than 30 days to process applications. If approved, you will be eligible from the application date.
Who is eligible?
Louisiana residents who are US citizens and/or certain aliens with verifiable USCIS documentation are eligible to apply. Applicants must also pass resource and gross and net income limit test. There are some exemptions to those resources and income limits so all persons in need of assistance obtaining food are encouraged to apply.
How to apply?
You can apply online or download and print the application from www.dcfs.la.gov/getSNAP. You can mail the completed application to DCFS Economic Stability, P.O. Box 260031, Baton Rouge, LA 70826, fax it to 225-663-3164, or drop the application off at the nearest local office. Call 1-888-LAHELP-U or email LAHelpU.dcfs@la.gov to have a SNAP application sent to your mailing address. You may also text GETSNAP to 898-211. You can speed up your application by providing any of the below applicable information with your application.
A separation notice from your employer or contact information for your employer
Proof of separation (last day work or date of last paycheck)
Proof of income (i.e. pay stub)
Proof of identity (.i.e. copy of Driver's License)
Proof of residency (i.e. copy of Louisiana's driver's license, utility bill, rental receipt)
Caseworkers are not conducting formal interviews due to increased applications as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. They may contact you with questions if they require additional information. A decision will not be made on your application until you have provided all required information.
Other Resources for Food
If you are in need of more immediate assistance obtaining food, St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall (220 St. Vincent de Paul Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70802) is passing out meals at the walk-up window between 11:30am and 1:00pm. You may also call 211 to get more information on food banks in your area.
OHCC Case Management