Louisiana’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides benefits to people and families. The benefits from the Louisiana SNAP are awarded monthly to these individuals and families through the Louisiana Purchase Card. Let us know ‘How To Apply For The Louisiana SNAP?’.
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services states that Louisiana SNAP funds pay for a fraction of the monthly food budgets for eligible individuals and families. To apply and qualify for these Louisiana SNAP funds there are some requirements that one must qualify for the SNAP funds. The process of the application follows a procedure before an application is submitted. If you want to apply for these SNAP benefits read this article to know the requirements and the steps in the process of applying for the funds.
Requirements to qualify for the Louisiana SNAP Funds
- You should have a Louisiana Purchase card because these funds are sent to individuals or families via the Louisiana Purchase Card.
- The number of SNAP funds a household receive will depend on the size of the family and the net income. To get the SNAP funds eligible families and individuals should ensure to meet some gross and net income tests in the application process.
Tests are carried out to confirm the number of people in the household and their income because these influence the number of SNAP funds the family will receive. Households should meet the net income tests to get SNAP funds.
Smaller families with low incomes will have lower SNAP funds rates compared to larger families with higher income rates, these families will have access to higher SNAP funds rates.
- A family living with a 60-year-old or even older or a person getting several disability payments will only need to meet the net income tests. If this is not the case, the household should meet the gross and net income tests.
How to apply for the Louisiana SNAP benefits?
There are different ways you can follow to apply for the Louisiana SNAP benefits. These methods of Louisiana SNAP application include an online application, mail application, and application by phone.
Online application
To submit an online Louisiana SNAP application, the LA CAFÉ online portal is used.
To create a LA CAFÉ account and submit your application follow the steps below:
- Visit the website: www.dcfs.la.gov/CAFEWhen the page opens, press “new to la cafe” and get started.
- Go through the instructions keenly and click on the next button.
- Click on create an account, after which you will be redirected to a page known as “setting up your account”. Input all the required information and your account will be created.
This online LA CAFÉ account will help you to do the following, submit an application, check the status of your application, renew your benefits, submit changes to your personal information that affects your benefits, help you check your cases, and also get your SNAP reports.
Mail application
To make an application by mail, download an application form from the SNAP website. You can also request for the application form to be mailed to you by emailing DCFS customer care (LAHelpU.dcfs@la.gov) or by calling them via their helpline numbers (1-888-524-3578). Fill in the form and submit it. You can submit it by mail or fax or by dropping your application at the nearest local office. Remember this application cannot be sent by email.
Application by phone
If you find it hard to make your application online or by mail you have an alternative. Contact DCFS via their helpline and ask them to apply by phone.
After you have submitted your application, call the DCFS during their working hours which are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. When you make the phone call, talk to one of the call center agents and complete the interview on the call. If you are called upon for an in-person interview make an appointment with the nearest DCFS office and attend the interview.
Conclusion
Application for Louisiana SNAP benefits is an easy task that requires you to make sure you have qualified for the benefits, then you can make your application. You can apply either via the online portal or by mail or by phone. After the application and if you have any questions about Louisiana SNAP benefits you can call or email the DCFS customer center or ask the DCFS chatbot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- My LA CAFÉ account has complications daily.
Make sure to use a computer or set your mobile device to desktop mode as some of the mobile devices do not support the working of the CAFÉ website.
- Do families with pregnant women receive increased SNAP benefits?
No. The benefits will only increase after the birth of the child and this happens after you add the child as an additional member of the household.
- How can someone apply for SNAP in Louisiana?
Create an online LA café account that will allow you to apply for the Louisiana SNAP. For more information call or email DCFS (1-888-524-3578 or LAHelpU.dcfs@la.gov).
