Food & Nutrition

Louisiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Louisiana pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card). This card, called the Louisiana Purchase Card, looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Louisiana to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does Louisiana SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once known as Food Stamps, is run by the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS). DCFS offices across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in Louisiana?

While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DCFS caseworker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Louisiana SNAP:

Fill out an application: You can apply for Louisiana SNAP online, in person, by phone, or by mail or fax. You can also get help applying over the phone. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process and secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: You must call for a phone interview with a DCFS caseworker once your local office receives your application.
Wait for a decision: Most Louisiana SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your new Louisiana Purchase Card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for SNAP, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

All applicants must be a resident of Louisiana.
All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen.
All able-bodied adults, with certain exceptions, must register for work and accept suitable employment.
The household must meet certain income and resource limits.
All applicants must have a Social Security number (or proof they have applied for one).

The amount of money you will get in Louisiana SNAP benefits depends on:

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you

What are the Louisiana SNAP income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross and net income households can earn and still get SNAP benefits. In Louisiana, most households must meet a gross income limit of 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Broad-Based Categorically Eligible (BBCE) households must meet a gross income limit of 200% FPL. Households with a member who is age 60+ or receives disability payments must only meet a net income limit of 100% FPL.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit. A DCFS caseworker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

20% earned income deduction
Standard deduction based on household size
Dependent care deduction
Certain medical expenses for older household members (60+) or members with a disability
Legally owed child support payments
Allowable deductions for utilities, rent, and mortgage/interest/property taxes

What are the Louisiana SNAP resource limits?

“Resources” refer to the assets and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate). People who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or households with members who receive Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP), Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP), or Strategies to Empower People (STEP) Program benefits are exempt from the resource limit.

Households not exempt from the resource limit may have up to $2,750 in resources. Non-exempt households that include at least one member age 60+ or a person with a disability may have up to $4,250 in resources.

If you own a home, the home and the land it sits on are not counted toward the asset limit. Most retirement and pension plans are not counted (although withdrawals from these plans may be counted as income).

How do I prepare to apply?

When you apply for SNAP, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather some basic information to make your application process easier:

Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members
Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs
Child care or dependent care costs
Medical costs (if you are age 60+ or have a disability)

Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:

Driver's license or other government-issued ID
Birth certificate
Bank statements
Pension statements
Social Security statements
Pay stubs
Tax returns
Social Security card
Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)
Marriage license or divorce decree
For those age 60+ or with a disability: billing statements, mileage or transportation costs to/from medical appointments, itemized receipts for medical expenses (prescription drugs, medical supplies, etc.)

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for SNAP in Louisiana?

There are several ways to apply for Louisiana SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through the Louisiana CAFÉ Self-Service Portal. You’ll be glad to know when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply on Louisiana CAFÉ

To apply online:

Visit the Louisiana CAFÉ Self-Service Portal.
- If you already have an account, click ‘Click here to log in.’
- If you do not have an account, click ‘Click here to get started’ and follow the prompts to set up your username and password.
Once you have logged in, read the ‘Login Warning’ information on the screen, check the box, and click ‘Next.’
On the next screen, click ‘My Applications’ on the left-hand side.
On the next screen, click ‘Apply Now.’ Read the information on the screen that follows and click ‘Next.’
On the next screen, check the box beside 'Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly Food Stamps)' and click 'Next.'
Follow the prompts to complete the SNAP application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes (but you can save your progress and come back if you need to).

Tips for success:

Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information.
Click on 'En Español' or 'Tiếng Việt' at the top right of the LA CAFÉ home page to choose a language other than English.
Visit the Video Tutorials page or the Frequently Asked Questions page for more guidance on using the LA CAFÉ Self-Service Portal.
If you are unable to upload verification documents in LA CAFÉ (such as pay stubs), you can email, mail, or fax them to DCFS instead. Be sure to include your name, date of birth, mailing address, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number on each page of any documents you send.

APPLY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, PHONE, OR FAX

To apply in person, by mail, or by fax, you will first need a paper application. Below, you will find the Louisiana benefits application that you can download and print out at home:

Once you have completed the application, you may drop it off at your nearest DCFS office or mail it to:

DCFS Economic Stability
P.O. Box 260031
Baton Rouge, LA 70826

You can also fax the completed form to 1-225-663-3164 or call DCFS at 1-888-524-3578 to apply over the phone.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get Louisiana SNAP benefits sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. You can receive expedited (faster) SNAP assistance if you meet at least one of the following conditions:

The total amount of money you have received, or expect to receive this month, is less than $150 and you have $100 or less in liquid resources such as cash, savings, or checking accounts.
Your household's rent/mortgage and utilities are more than your total income and resources.
Your household includes migrant or seasonal farm workers.

Need food today? Visit the Feeding Louisiana website to find local resources while you wait for your Louisiana SNAP application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your Louisiana SNAP application. You can:

Complete this short form on the Feeding Louisiana website, and they'll put you in touch with a local SNAP outreach specialist.
Call the DCFS Customer Service Center at 1-888-524-3578 during normal business hours.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Louisiana?

It can take up to 30 days for DCFS to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After you submit your application, call DCFS at 1-888-524-3578 during normal business hours to have an interview over the phone. You no longer have to wait for a scheduled interview.

Note: To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from your local office, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your DCFS caseworker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will get a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

You can check your SNAP application status anytime by logging in to your LA CAFÉ account.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for Louisiana SNAP, the letter you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). SNAP certification periods in Louisiana typically range from 12 to 36 months.

Other important tips to know

What if my Louisiana SNAP application is denied?

If your application for SNAP is denied, and you disagree with the reason, you have 90 days from the decision date to file an appeal. The letter you receive from DCFS will include instructions on how to do so.

How can I view my SNAP benefits information?

You can sign into your LA CAFÉ account anytime to:

Check the status of your SNAP application
Renew your benefits
Check your cases
Complete simplified reporting
Submit change reports
View all your notifications

How do I manage my Louisiana Purchase (EBT) card?

To create or change your EBT card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, visit the LifeInCheckEBT website or call the EBT Customer Service hotline at 1-888-997-1117. The LifeInCheck mobile app for iOS and Android smartphones is another way to access your SNAP account information, such as balance and transaction history.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

You must report certain changes that can impact your SNAP benefit amount. You can report changes through your LA CAFÉ account or by calling the DCFS Customer Service Center at 1-888-524-3578 Examples of situations to report include:

A change in the number of people in your household
A change of address
A change in employment income
A change in child support legal obligations

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Louisiana?

You must renew your Louisiana SNAP benefits before your certification period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew along with instructions on how to do so.

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